travel adapter to italy

US to Italy Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

A fun, photogenic, and food-filled country like this is a place where you’ll always need well-charged devices. Whether you’re planning to bring your digital camera to capture the Fontana di Trevi or an electric toothbrush to freshen up between copious plates of garlicky pasta, having the right Italy power adapter can make or break your trip!

Which power outlets do they use in Italy?

Outlets in Italy support either Type F, Type L plugs, or Type C.

This means American Type A/B plugs are not the right shape—and you will need an adapter to charge your devices while abroad.

Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz, whereas in the US, for example, the electrical supply comes out of the wall at 110 to 120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hertz.

Wall outlets in Italy will fit device plugs with two or three round pins. Plugs with the three round pins tend to stay in the wall better and are more grounded.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Italy?

When preparing for your trip, you’ll probably be wondering, “ What plug do I need for Italy? ” You’ll need at least a basic two-prong plug adapter, European standard. Look for an adapter that allows you to plug in a Type A/B device into a Type F or L outlet.

We highly recommend traveling with this grounded Italy Adapter (pictured) that’s specifically designed for Italian wall outlets. The fact that it is grounded adds an additional level of safety, which helps prevent high voltages of electricity from ruining your devices. Also, if you use two pinned adapters in Italy, they are more prone to falling out of the outlets!

This one comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality craftsmanship. It is our favorite brand that we trust for all global travels and it will serve you well in Italy!

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Italy Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Italy power adapter, these items will help you on your travels. Also, check out our Italy packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

1. Neck Wallet / Passport Pouch

Most of the touristy cities (such as Rome, Venice, and Florence) are prevalent with pickpocketers. So it’s quite risky to walk around with your wallet in your pocket, flashing money everywhere you go. Instead, we recommend putting your cash, credit cards, passports, smartphones, and any other small valuables in a neck wallet. Sticky fingers can easily snatch your valuables if they are in your pocket, but it will be almost impossible for them if they are safely tucked away in a neck wallet. Bonus points for the fact that it’s RFID-blocking to stop e-thieves!

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

What happens if your phone or camera runs out of battery when you’re in transit between tourist sites? The best way to ensure you are photo-ready and connected at all times is to carry a lipstick-sized charger in your pocket. We’ve used this in times of emergency to call for a ride or find our hotel when we forgot the very foreign-sounding name.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Italy is ranked in the Top 3 Most Targeted Countries for cybercrime and online attacks. My family and I discovered this first-hand when my credit card number was hacked at our Airbnb. Do not log in to public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, or hotels without a virtual private network. A VPN will give you an encrypted method for safely surfing the internet.

It will also limit any online censorship you may experience in Italy that could make streaming Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other content apps – much harder! A VPN will give you access to networks in 60 countries, so you will basically have access to the whole world’s view of the internet, (with unlimited bandwidth for a faster connection, might I add!) It’s affordable and 100% necessary to stop hackers from taking your PayPal passport or selling your sensitive data, so don’t overlook it.

View options at NordVPN.com ➜

4. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes will save you time and space, allowing you to organize your suitcase into categories of items. Separate your socks and underwear from your shirts and pants, so you know more easily where everything has been stashed. Keep dirty shoes in their own cube, essentials in one, and electronics accessories all together. By using packing cubes, you’re less likely to lose items—and be able to pack your suitcase quickly and efficiently as you move from one city to another on your Italian tour. It even comes with bonus laundry bags to separate your dirty items, woo-hoo!

5. Jet Lag Relief

The journey to Italy is far, regardless of where your starting point is. Use these homeopathic jet lag relief supplements to make your trip way smoother. Instead of being bogged down with exhaustion and sleeping through your first day in Italy, this will help you wake up refreshed and adapted to the time change (despite any awful layovers or flight delays).

6. Travel Insurance for Italy

Italy is not a cheap place to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Insurance was once mandated for all visitors, but it is still strongly recommended because tourists are not covered by the local healthcare system. Being that your domestic provider does not extend overseas, you will need to protect yourself in case of emergencies. Travel insurance covers lost bags, flight delays, theft, cancelation, rental issues, medical transports, and expensive international hospital bills.

We use Faye and love how easy it is to make claims and get reimbursed straight from their app. With 24/7 customer support, they offer comprehensive plans and awesome add-ons like “trip cancellation for any reason” and even coverage for traveling pets. Their Claims Specialists helped us to contact our American doctor and really added a human touch to the whole digital experience. Overall, protection for your trip investment is one of the most important things you can have. And it’s more affordable than people realize.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Travel towels are one of the most versatile packing items you can bring on any trip. Whether it’s drying off after a dip in the Mediterranean, dancing under the Tuscan sun, sitting on the beach, or wiping away sweat — a travel towel is a must during any experience in Italy. We recommend these microfiber towels that are premium-grade, compact, odor-resistant, and dry 10x faster than cotton.

8. Luggage Straps

Luggage straps are a super underrated travel accessory! For a small price, you will find infinite uses for these, and they’ve saved the day for us on numerous occasions. Use it to reinforce your zippers so no bag pops open during transit (regardless of how rough the baggage handlers or cruise staff are with your belongings!) And baggage damage/loss happens more frequently for international flights (about 800% more than for domestic flights), so I wouldn’t risk it.

It will also simplify the search for your bag (due to the bright colors and built-in contact card so you’ll immediately know which bags are yours). These are backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee and an avid traveler will find them revolutionary at worst, life-changing at best.

9. Activated Charcoal

Italy is chalked full of flavorful, saucy, spicy, and fresh foods that are arguably the world’s best! Nonetheless, traveler’s diarrhea is a common occurrence as our bodies adjust to a new cuisine and water supply. We always bring these activated charcoal tablets on our travels since they quickly detoxify any pathogens that may be harming your system.

10. Windproof Travel Umbrella

There are so many amazing attractions to visit in Italy, so you don’t want your plans to be put on hold due to some unexpected rain. Make sure you come prepared with a reliable, compact travel umbrella. The one we recommend has a handy automatic open/close function that makes it a breeze to open and close when you’re entering or leaving a museum or any other attraction.

11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you’ve been to Europe, you know the bathrooms are a joke! Appropriately referred to as ‘water closets’ in the UK, you’ll have just enough room to handle business and not much more to spare. This hanging toiletry bag is a game-changer for creating built-in storage from thin air. It hooks anywhere and is great for camping too.

It unfolds with 4 giant pockets that can hold all of your skincare, haircare, makeup, medications, face towels, and more – these are made by a woman-owned brand after all, so they know how important it is to be able to travel with your favorite self-care products. Equipped with premium YKK zippers and a life-time guarantee, these bags were built to last.

12. Filtered Water Bottle

The water is reasonably clean in Italy, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on plastic bottled water. I bring my own filtered water bottle on every trip to maintain autonomy over my water supply. This Brita option is affordable and noticeably improves the taste of your water. You can empty it when going through the airport security checkpoint and then refill it once you’re at the gate.

13. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Another item I never fly without – luggage locks. These are TSA-approved, so security won’t have to take a giant pair of scissors to them if you’re selected for a random bag search. But after having something stolen out of our checked bags, we’ll never risk it again. These are great for lockers, backpacks, suitcases, and everything in between, offering real peace of mind that your belongings are secure.

14. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

We all know the traveler’s conundrum of underestimating how much luggage you need to bring. Since the shopping is top-notch in Italy and you’ll want to bring back some divine souvenirs like olive oil, balsamic, handmade art, jewelry, and wine(!), use this “just in case” bag as your seamless solution. It counts as your personal item bag, which means you can skip the carry-on fees, prego!

15. Mosquito-Repellent Bracelets

Mosquitoes can get ravenous in Italy, particularly in the summer months and near sunset/sunrise. If you’re in a region that is prone to these pesty gnats, bring these mosquito-repellent bracelets. They’re a great solution to wearing your armor instead of respraying toxic fumes all day.

16. Cooling Towel

Especially if visiting in the summertime, bring this cooling towel to beat the heat. August and July can reach temps of nearly 100-degrees Fahrenheit and this nifty cloth will help you stay outside for longer periods of time. It drops to nearly 30-degrees colder than the outside temperature, making it a frosty delight on a hot day! We use them for working out, hiking, beach days, concerts, picnics, and more. Simply add water and let it work its magic!

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Italy?

In fact, the only times you may experience a power outage is in the rare case you stay in an area where new electrical infrastructure is being constructed.

However, because electricity is generally more expensive in Europe, Italian hotels tend to have fewer outlets per room. If you are sharing a room and charging multiple devices, plan ahead to take turns using the outlets and charge your devices overnight.

Do I need a voltage converter for Italy?

Perhaps 10 years ago, one would need a voltage converter even for your laptop. However, most devices these days support dual voltage, thus making a voltage converter unnecessary in most cases. Most laptops, cameras, mobile phones, and tablets support dual voltage and you would likely only need a power adapter .

The best way to ensure that your device supports dual voltage is to check the fine print on your power cord. Look at your device or the power cord that comes with it, and you’re bound to see some small print or a button that describes its voltage capacity. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as “110v–220v”), you’re all set to take your device to Italy with just a plug adapter.

Some high-powered appliances, such as a hairdryer or a travel kettle, are not dual voltage.

Other FAQs about traveling in Italy

1. when to travel to italy.

It depends very much on what time of year and what part of Italy you wish to go. If you want to go skiing in the mountainous North, January through March is your best bet. Meanwhile, from Tus-cany further to the south, it gets very hot in the summer, with temperatures in Rome, for example, reaching 40 degrees (100+ F) on a daily basis in mid-summer. A general rule of thumb is that June through September is the best time to check out Italy’s many beautiful beaches. Be sure to check current Italy travel advisories before you go.

For city tourism, April, May, and September through November will see temperate climates that make urban exploration much more fun.

2. What is the weather like in Italy?

Italy’s climate is generally temperate and dry. In Rome, Italy’s most popular destination, winter temperatures hover at a high of 13 degrees—but scale up quickly to a scorching 40 by mid-summer. The south experiences a much milder winter, and equally hot summers but with a much more agreeable breeze.

Northern cities, like Milan, are considerably cooler, with average winter temperatures hovering around 6 degrees. Summers are equally sweltering, but winter and spring are quite rainy—making April, May, and October the best months to visit.

A general rule of thumb is to check the weather region by region to plan according to your activity—and avoid peak tourist season.

3. What to do in Italy?

Top cities for tourism include Rome for its ancient Roman ruins and history, Florence for the Renaissance art collections and architecture, Venice for the famous St Marks Square and water canals, and Milan for its avant-garde fashions.

Of course, this goes without mentioning the food – Italian cuisine is perhaps one of the best-loved around the world. One can spend a week at Sicily’s couscous festival and an entire year exploring Tuscany’s olive groves, wineries, prosciutto, pizza and pasta. Each region offers a number of opportunities for food and wine tourism.

And if you’re a beachgoer, you can’t skip Sicily or Cinque Terre. With beautiful views and glorious summer weather, Italy offers something for everyone.

See all Italy attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

4. Do they speak English in Italy?

English is a useful language to have if you want to get around the touristic areas of Rome, Florence or Milan. However, outside the touristic areas of these particular cities, knowing a little Italian goes a long way.

Your best bet is to practice a little Italian, pack a phrasebook, and memorize how to say basic phrases like “thank you”. One simple phrase can go a very long way with the hospitable locals.

Asher Fergusson

8 Best Travel Adapters for Italy

Discover the best travel adapter for Italy in our review! Reliable, safe, and expert-approved for your Italian journey.

Do I Need a Voltage Converter for Italy? 

Yes, you might need a voltage converter for Italy if your devices aren’t rated for 220V. However, the best travel plug adapter for Italy often includes built-in voltage conversion. Always check your device specifications before use.

What Plugs Are Used in Italy?

In Italy, power adapters in the form of type L plugs are standard. They’re unique, with three prongs in a distinctive layout, and are used to connect your devices. It’s the natural solution for powering your devices during your Italian travels .

Top Picks at a Glance

Ceptics world travel adapter kit 2 usb-a, usb-c us outlets, zendure universal travel adapter 65w pd fast charger 4 usb-c,1 usb-a, ceptics adapter plug set for world wide international travel use, 2 phone pods + 30w adapter - modula5 wireless charging system, foval power step down 220v to 110v voltage converter international travel adapter, haozi universal travel adapter, all-in-one international power adapter, ceptics world international travel plug adapter, epicka universal travel adapter one international wall charger, reviewing travel adapters for italy, amazon’s choice in power converters by ceptics.

Brand: Ceptics

Connectivity technology:

Connector type:

Color: White

Input voltage: 240 Volts

Traveling globally? The Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit is your go-to accessory. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to power your devices in numerous countries. The kit features a master module with two USA outlets, two USB-A ports with Quick Charge 3.0, and two USB-C ports with 20W/QC 18W Power Delivery each. 

Plus, it includes six SWADAPT Attachments of international adapters. So, this kit covers you whether you’re plugging into an Italian plug or any other.

• All-in-One Solution: The 7-in-1 design allows you to charge and power up to seven devices at once, making it perfect for travel and eliminating the need for multiple adapters.
• Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection safeguards your valuable electronics from voltage surges and spikes, providing added peace of mind.
• USB-C Compatibility: The inclusion of USB-C ports allows you to charge modern devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets with fast charging capabilities.
• Compact and Lightweight: The adapter kit is compact, making it ideal to carry in your travel bag or backpack.
• Easy to Use: The SWADAPT Attachments are simple to change and provide compatibility with various outlet types in different countries.
• High Customer Ratings: The product has received positive reviews from thousands of customers, indicating its reliability and performance.
• No Voltage Conversion: It’s essential to note that this adapter kit does not convert voltage from 220V to 110V or vice versa, so it is compatible only with dual-voltage devices.
• Micro-USB Cable: Some customers may prefer a USB-C cable instead of the provided micro-USB cable for charging their devices.
• Bulky Design: While the adapter kit is functional, some users may find the primary module slightly plump when plugged into certain outlets.

Brand: Zendure

Connectivity technology: USB

Connector type: Type C

The Zendure Universal Travel Adapter 65W PD Fast Charger is a traveler’s best friend. It’s an all-in-one solution, perfect for charging multiple devices in over 200 countries. Its versatility, with US/EU/AU/UK plugs and a powerful 65W PD GaN charger, makes it a top choice for international travel. 

With four USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and 1 AC outlet, it can power up to six devices simultaneously. It’s compatible with various USB devices, from iPhones and Samsung phones to laptops and digital cameras. Safety is paramount, thanks to a patented 10A auto-resetting fuse. 

This ensures protection from overload up to 6,000 times without needing replacement. The Zendure Passport III keeps your devices charged no matter where your travels take you. It’s convenient when dealing with different Italy outlets, ensuring you’re always connected.

• Safety Assurance: Features a patented 10A auto-resetting fuse for worry-free use of high-power devices.
• Compact and Portable: Sleek and lightweight design makes carrying in your travel bag effortless.
• Unique Aesthetic: Comes in a stylish Purple-PPG3 color with a metal gradient finish and a transparent back cover.
• Price: Comparatively higher price point than other travel adapters on the market.

For the global traveler, the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set is a must-have. This versatile set includes five different plug types, ensuring you can connect your devices in many countries. Whether you’re dealing with Type A, B, C, E, F, G, or I plugs in Italy or elsewhere, these adapters have you covered. Each one is grounded, safe, and built to last, providing a reliable power connection wherever your journey takes you.

• Broad Compatibility: The set includes five different plug types, covering numerous countries, so you can travel confidently knowing you can charge your devices anywhere.
• Compact and Lightweight: The adapters are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your travel bag without adding extra bulk or weight.
• Sturdy Construction: Made with high-quality materials, these adapters are built to withstand frequent travel, ensuring durability for long-term use.
• Grounded and Safe: Each adapter is designed with safety in mind, featuring grounded three-prong plugs that provide added protection against electrical mishaps.
• Versatile Use: The adapters are suitable for charging cell phones and cameras and can also be used with chargers, batteries, and other electronic devices.
• Limited to Plug Types: While the set covers many popular plug types, it may not be compatible with less common plug configurations in some countries.
• Not a Voltage Converter: These adapters do not convert voltage, so you must ensure your devices are compatible with the local voltage or use a separate voltage converter.
• No Storage Case: The set does not have a dedicated storage case, which may make it slightly inconvenient to keep all the adapters organized while traveling.

Brand: RapidX

Connectivity technology: Wireless

Connector type: USB-C

Color: Black

Input voltage: 20 Volts

USB ports: Two

Wattage: 30 Watts

The RapidX Modula5 Wireless Charging System (RX-MP01B2PK) revolutionizes how you charge your devices. This innovative system includes two Phone Pods, each delivering 10W Qi-certified wireless charging. 

It also comes with a 30W Power Adapter and a USB-C cable. The standout feature? Its modularity. The Pods snap together magnetically, letting you create a custom charging setup. It’s perfect for an iPhone 14 Pro Max, Android phone, or AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case. Plus, you can connect up to five Pods with a single cable. 

This reduces clutter and simplifies your setup, making it one of the best travel adapters for Italy or any other destination.

• Modularity: The magnetic connectors allow you to snap multiple Pods together for a personalized charging setup, accommodating different devices simultaneously.
• Wireless Charging: Qi-certified wireless charging technology ensures convenient and efficient charging for compatible devices, eliminating the need for cables.
• Compact and Portable: The small footprint and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and use in various locations.
• Versatility: Compatible with many devices, including iPhone 8 or newer, most Android phones, AirPods (with Wireless Charging Case), AirPods Pro, and more.
• Fast Charging: With the 30W Power Adapter, the system can charge devices quickly and efficiently.
• Cost: The Modula5 Wireless Charging System’s initial cost may be higher than traditional charging solutions.
• Limited Charging Speed for Some Devices: While the system offers fast charging for supported devices, other devices may charge at standard speeds, depending on their compatibility.
• Charging Indicator Placement: The charging indicator is located on each Pod, which might be less convenient to check than having it on the charging base.
• Limited Placement Options: The wireless charging requires proper alignment of the devices on the Pods, which may take some time for optimal charging performance.
• No Built-in Phone Stand: The Pods lay flat, so there is no built-in stand to support the phone upright for easy viewing while charging.

Brand: FOVAL

Color: Gray

Input voltage: 100 Volts

The FOVAL Power Step Down 220V to 110V Voltage Converter is a traveler’s essential. It’s designed to convert 220/240V to 110/120V, making it perfect for using American electronics in higher-voltage countries. 

Four international adapters and one EU power cable are ready for use in over 150 countries. It’s equipped with two standard US plugs and four USB ports, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices. 

Whether you’re powering a laptop, hair straightener, or game console, this converter has you covered. Safety is paramount, with certifications from CE, FCC, and RoHS. It features surge protection and auto shutdown for overheating and over-current, ensuring your devices are safe. Its compact size and long removable power cable make it easy to pack and carry. 

Plus, it has five USB outputs for charging various gadgets. It’s the perfect companion for an Italian electrical outlet or global power source.

• Worldwide Compatibility: Suitable for use in over 150 countries with different power voltages.
• Multiple Device Charging: Equipped with four USB ports and two standard US plugs, you can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• Safety Features: Certified by industry standards with built-in safety protections for surge, overheating, and over-current.
• Compact and Portable: Small and detachable power cables make them easy to carry during travel.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for charging various electronic devices, including hair straighteners, curling irons, laptops, and more.
• Limited Power Capacity: Not suitable for high-power appliances rated above 230 watts.
• Not Compatible with Hair Dryers: Cannot be used with hair dryers and other high-power household appliances.
• May Require Additional Adapters: You might need additional adapters or converters for specific outlet types in some destinations.

Brand: HAOZI

The HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter is every international traveler’s dream. This all-in-one solution caters to over 150 countries with US/EU/UK/AUS plugs. Whether in Canada, Europe, or Asia, it’s got you covered. Its dual USB ports let you power multiple devices simultaneously, from smartphones to Bluetooth speakers. 

Prioritizing safety, it boasts FCC, CE, and RoHS certifications. The built-in 6.3 Amp fuse and safety shutters ensure protection. It’s an ideal Italy plug adapter for those heading to Europe, providing seamless connectivity.

• Compact Design: The compact size and lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
• Lifetime Promise: The manufacturer offers a full lifetime promise on their products, backed by excellent customer support.
• No Voltage Conversion: The adapter does not convert voltage, so you’ll need to use it with compatible devices or an additional voltage converter when necessary.
• Blue LED Light: The blue LED light on the adapter may not be ideal for use in dark environments, as it can be distracting.

The Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter is a top-tier globetrotter charging companion. Prioritizing safety and versatility, it’s an all-in-one solution, especially for those journeying through Europe. 

With three USB ports and two USB-C ports, it can power up to five devices simultaneously, from cell phones to laptops. Its compatibility spans Type A, I, C, and G outputs, making it suitable for destinations from the USA to Asia. 

Key safety features include an 8A fuse, surge protection, and safety shutters. While it supports 100-240V devices globally, it’s not designed for 110V items like hair dryers. If you’re heading to Europe, it’s arguably one of the best travel adapters for Italy and its neighboring countries.

• Compact and Sturdy: The adapter is compact and sturdy, making it easy to carry during your travels without taking up much space.
• High Power Delivery: Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 can deliver fast charging for compatible devices, reducing charging times.
• Safe and Reliable: Designed with safety certifications and features like surge protection, fuse, and plug lock to ensure your and your devices’ safety while charging.
• Bulkier than Basic Adapters: While versatile, the adapter may be slightly bulkier than basic single plug adapters, but the added functionality justifies the size.

Brand: EPICKA

For the avid traveler, the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is a game-changer. Designed for global compatibility, it’s suitable for over 150 countries, from the USA to Australia. With six charging options, including four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and an AC socket, it can power up to six devices simultaneously, whether your smartphone, laptop, or camera. 

Safety isn’t compromised; it boasts an 8A fuse, safety shutters, and a plug lock system. With RoHS, CE, and FCC certifications, it’s reliable and might be one of the best travel plug adapters for Italy and other global destinations.

• Ideal for International Trips: Perfect for business or leisure travelers who frequently visit different countries.
• Fast Charging: High-speed charging with 5.6A smart power output.
• Unreliable: Some customers reported that the charger never worked, and on the first usage, it overheated, not charging any devices.
• Not suitable for Asia: There are mixed reviews about whether the product is compatible with plugs in Asia.

Some Reader Questions Answered

What is the difference between electricity in the US vs Italy?

The main difference lies in the voltage and plug type. The US uses 110-120V with type A or B plugs, while Italy operates on 220-240V with type L plugs. To bridge this gap, a European plug adapter is essential. It ensures your US devices can safely and effectively use Italy’s electricity supply.

What are the different electrical outlets in Italy?

Italy’s electrical system features type L and occasionally type F outlets. Each has a unique prong arrangement. To navigate this, an Italian outlet adapter is your key to unlocking compatibility with your devices, providing a smooth, worry-free experience.

Which electronics need adapters or converters in Italy?

Most electronics from outside Europe, including laptops, phone chargers, and hair dryers, will require an Italy plug adapter for compatibility with Italian outlets.

What is the difference between a plug and a power adapter in Italy?

In Italy, a plug is the end of a power cord that fits into an outlet. An adapter, on the other hand, is a device that allows a plug from a foreign country to fit into Italian outlets. Essentially, an adapter doesn’t convert electricity; it simply enables your plug to physically fit into the Italian power outlet.

Why Trust The Proud Italian

Trust in The Proud Italian’s reviews comes from our thorough research, hands-on testing, and deep understanding of our audience’s needs. We’ve tried and tested numerous European plug adapters, providing honest, detailed feedback. Our commitment is to ensure you have the best travel experience in Italy, armed with reliable and practical information.

In conclusion, traveling to Italy requires more than just booking a flight and packing your clothes. Ensuring your devices stay powered and safe is paramount. With the myriad options available, choosing the right power solution for your needs is essential. 

After extensive research and testing, it’s evident that investing in the best travel adapter for Italy can make all the difference in your journey. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about protecting your devices and staying connected throughout your Italian adventure. Safe travels and happy charging!

Community of passionate writers and content creators who share a love for Italian heritage, culture, travel, food, and the Italian-American community. Our mission is to celebrate Italy’s rich history and traditions and connect with others who share the same passion.

Plug For Italy: What You Need To Know

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What is the plug for Italy? Before you travel, check the information below to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the outlet type and voltage.

Electrical Summary

Italy uses outlet types C, F, L at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz.

Plug Compatibility: Type C, Type F, Type L

Voltage: 230V

Frequency: 50 Hz

Can North Americans use Electronics in Italy without an Adapter?

No! North Americans will need an adapter for the outlets and a transformer for the voltage when traveling to Italy . North Americans device plugs will not work with the outlet types in Italy . Also, the voltage in Italy is different from North American voltages.

Can Europeans use Electronics in Italy without an adapter?

Yes! Europeans do not need a travel adapter or transformer when traveling to Italy . Most device plugs will work with the outlet types in Italy . Some travelers may require an adapter for outlet Type L. Also, the voltage in Italy is the same as in Europe.  

What Outlet does Italy Use?

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Type C plug sockets are used in Europe, Africa and Asia. They have two round pins and no grounding pin. These plugs are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220-240V. Plug Type E, and Type F are compatible with this socket. All other plug types will need an adapter.

Type F electrical plug sockets are used in Germany, Spain, Italy and some parts of Africa . They have two round pins and a grounding pin. These outlets are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220-240V. This outlet is rated for 16 amps. Plug Type C and Type E are compatible with this socket. All other plug types will need an adapter.

Type L plug sockets are used in Chile and Italy. They have three round pins and a grounding pin. These plugs are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220V.

Is it safe to drink water in Italy?

To be on the safe side, you can use common precautions such as boiling tap water for at least one minute, using water purification tablets, or drinking bottled water. It’s also important to note that ice may be made from tap water and that foods may be washed or prepared with tap water.

We recommend always packing a filtered water bottle when traveling:

Travel Essentials

Be sure to check our list of travel essentials before your trip!

Recommended Travel Essentials

Should I get travel insurance when traveling to Italy?

It is generally recommended to get travel insurance when traveling to a different country. Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel-related mishaps.

Travel insurance can cover various expenses related to your trip, such as medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage or personal belongings, and other travel-related expenses.

Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy details, including the coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable deductibles or copays. You should also make sure that the policy covers any activities or destinations that you plan to participate in or visit during your trip.

Travel Summary

Where is italy.

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.

How big is Italy?

Italy has a total land area of approximately 301,340 square kilometers (116,350 square miles).

What language is spoken in Italy?

The official language of Italy is Italian. However, there are also several regional languages spoken throughout the country, such as Sicilian, Sardinian, and Neapolitan.

What time is it in Italy?

Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1). However, during the summer months, Italy observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), shifting to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

What is the capital of Italy?

The capital of Italy is Rome.

Why did the Renaissance start in Italy?

The Renaissance started in Italy in the 14th century due to a combination of factors, including the rediscovery of classical texts and ideas, the wealth and patronage of powerful families and institutions, and the influence of humanist philosophy.

What currency does Italy use?

Italy uses the Euro as its official currency.

What is Italy known for?

Italy is known for its rich history, culture, and contributions to art, architecture, literature, and music. It is also known for its cuisine, fashion, and beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Italian Lakes.

What to do in Italy?

The capital city, Rome, is a top tourist destination, known for its world-famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s lively piazzas, delicious Italian cuisine, and cultural events.

Beyond Rome, there are many other regions in Italy that are worth exploring. Tuscany, located in central Italy, is famous for its rolling hills, charming medieval towns, and delicious wine. Visitors can explore the region’s vineyards and wineries, visit historic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The Amalfi Coast, located in the south of the country, is another popular destination known for its stunning coastal landscapes, charming fishing villages, and delicious seafood. Visitors can explore the region’s rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, visit historic landmarks such as the Pompeii Archaeological Site, and enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing and hiking.

Overall, Italy is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable travel experience in Southern Europe.

Traveling to another country? Check out our Countries page for more info.

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Before we discuss tackling this question, we need to establish a few very important safety issues. Then we’ll tell you the simple equipment you will need to use your devices in Italy – as well as some tips and tricks.

The important thing to know is that Italy doesn’t just differ in shape and size of sockets, but can also differ in voltage delivery – and the latter is a safety issue.

What important safety information do I need to know about Italy's electricity supply?

Italy works with a domestic electricity supply of 230 volts.

This allows for higher-powered devices such as washing machines and dishwashers to be used with a simple plug and socket.

The disadvantage of this is that this makes the danger to an individual from an Italian domestic socket far higher than sockets in countries that use lower voltages. Briefly coming into contact with 110V (as used in the US) usually gives you a nasty shock, but a mere touch of a 230V domestic circuit can kill you.

Despite this, most of the world uses domestic electric circuits that are between 220 volts and 240 volts, and so devices from those countries are almost always totally compatible with the 230 volt supply in Italy.

However the US, Japan, some Caribbean countries, and Taiwan, use much lower voltages – from 100V to 120V. A few devices from these counties are compatible with Italy’s domestic electrical systems, but many are not. Read on to find out which.

What devices aren’t compatible with Italian electricity system?

If you are from a country that uses 100-120V, and you bring high-powered electric goods – such as hair dryers or straightening tongs – they will literally blow up in a shower of sparks , or overheat and melt down if plugged in in Italy. It is a significant safety issue.

To use devices like those safely you would need an expensive – and really heavy – AC step-down transformer.

This may be suitable for someone relocating to Italy who doesn’t want to buy a new Kitchen Aid, but at about 20 lbs, isn’t really suitable for a short-term visitor!

Simple solution: don’t bring your higher-powered devices (unless you know they’re suitable for Italy). The most common item visitors carry is a hairdryer, but remember that nearly every hotel or Airbnb in Italy has a hairdryer in the bathroom (or will provide one on request). Same with a clothes iron.

Note in particular Dyson hair dryers have a safety cut-out that will prevent them from working when plugged into the wrong voltage, so if you bring a 110V one you will have essentially have brought an expensive piece of plastic that you’ll have to carry around with you until you get back to 110V-land again.

If you really think you can’t do without one, you can order a voltage-compatible travel hair dryer that will fold up small, such as this one rated up to 240V:

Or these tongs rated to 240V:

And this travel iron rated to 240V:

What appliances will work in Italy?

Most smaller consumer electronics such as laptops, tablets, and cellphones will be compatible with the higher voltage. They run on DC which is derived from a small transformer inside the plug or adapter. Most of these transformers can convert any voltage from between 100V and 240V, so will work fine in Italy with no voltage alteration.

You can tell if they’re rated for higher voltages by looking at the small print on the device. Verify 100% before you try them.

What kind of sockets and plugs does Italy use?

Italy has unfortunately never managed to standardise itself following each attempt at modernization, so there are now three different socket standards running in parallel: the small two or three-pin Italian plug (C), large three-pin Italian plug (L), and large robust two-pin European type (F, also known as Schuko, with no earth pin), the latter of which facilitates easy import of electrical goods from other parts of Europe.

Each basic socket is not compatible with any other plug, which can create great confusion in domestic settings, with various sockets of differing sizes in different parts of houses and hotel rooms.

Builders and electricians have adopted various different strategies used to attempt to mitigate the incompatibility of the various plugs, and different combined socket solutions are being produced all the time by manufacturers.

Depending on the age of the property you may find various different socket configurations built into the wall, from F to C to L to various hyper-modern combination sockets that attempt to allow all three plugs to be compatible, plus USB charging.

The good news is that both of the three-pin sockets will allow two-pin plugs to be inserted into them, and both the Schuko and the L type allow a two-pin C to be plugged in to them – which in turn means that a two-pin Italian C plug will work in any of the three potential socket types.

Repeat: a 2-pin Italian C plug will fit all Italian sockets .

Do I need an adapter at all?

There are circumstances in which you may not need an adapter at all. Bearing in mind that you must take into account the voltage rating of your appliance:

If you just need USB charging on your visit, you can buy cheap USB chargers with an Italian two-pin C plug (thus fully compatible with all sockets), anywhere in the street in Rome or in the Chinese casalinghi (housewares) stores all over the city, for like €2 or €3. These will likely be low quality but will usually suffice during your stay.

Or you can order slightly more robustly tested versions from any of the electronic retail chains (Euronics, Unieuro, MediaWorld, Expert City) with higher power ratings for €12-€20.

The caveat to this is that Apple devices are a bit fancy and may require higher power output than a regular USB charger. Or Apple may want to charge you $150 for a new cable. In that case you will need a socket adapter.

If you have a device that uses charger with a generic fitting that’s rated for all voltages, you can also just buy the Italian equivalent. For example the pictured Lenovo laptop charger is rated 1o0V-240V and takes a universal “clover leaf” plug. This author has three “clover leaf” cables: one with a US plug, one for the UK/Ireland, and one for Italy – each bought for around €5. It’s easy enough just to switch cables, since the transformer unit works at any voltage.

You can buy such cables from the electronics chains mentioned above, branches of which are all over Rome.

What plug adapter should I get?

The best socket adapter we’ve ever owned is made by Skross. It can plug into 90% of the world’s sockets, and can receive 90% of the world’s plugs. It also has two USB charging sockets.

Warning – again, it’s not a transformer – it is a plug/socket adapter. Apart from the USB sockets, the main part will transmit as many volts as you plug it into!

For Italy it provides the two-pin Italian C plug that works in all sockets, and can accept UK and US two-pin plugs (though unfortunately not US three-pin, nor Australian plugs).

Finally, if you have a lot of devices, you could also get a multi-socket outlet cable like this and plug that into the Skross adapter above, then plug all your devices into that. As long as you’re not drawing too much power (e.g. just charging your devices) then you’ll be fine. Here’s an example for US devices:

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The Best Travel Plug Adapter

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector —our top pick for eight years running.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

What Plug is Used in Italy & Best Plug Adapters for Italy

Disclaimer: Links on this page may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a small compensation to help power my site at no cost to you.

What plug do you need for Italy? What about an adaptor for Italy? Scroll down to find out!

If you’re packing for your trip to Italy, you’re likely wondering what type of electrical plugs they use.

Finding out in advance is a great idea because you don’t want to waste a day of your trip running around Rome looking for the correct adaptor plug for Italy with no cell phone battery!

As someone who has been to almost 40 countries, including Italy a number of times, I understand how important it is to bring the right travel plug for Italy.

In this guide to electrical plugs in Italy, I’ll show you the power plugs and sockets to expect, plug types, and voltage, as well as share where to buy a travel adapter for Italy should you want to get one!

Universal Travel Adapter

Stay connected with 4 interchangeable plugs covering 150+ countries! This universal plug adapter charges 6 devices at once via 4 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. Safety-certified with a built-in fuse, shutters, and plug lock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Plug Does Italy Use?

When it comes to plug shape in Italy, which plugs do Italians use?

Italy uses Type C, Type F, and Type L plugs.

Both Type C and F plugs consist of two round prongs (or pins). However, there are a few small differences—although both will work in outlets in Italy.

The Type C plug, or “Europlug,”  is the most commonly used plug internationally . You actually will find the unearthed Type C plugs in almost every European country! There are two Type C plugs with differently shaped heads, the normal one that is used for low energy-consuming appliances and a higher amp, round version for things like hair dryers, heaters, etc.

Type F plugs (also called “Schuko plugs”) are similar to Type C, except that they are round and have top and bottom indentations with conductive clips in them to earth the appliance.

The Type L plug is a grounded plug/socket consisting of three rounded pins placed in a straight line. The Italian plugs are used in only a few countries, and there are two different styles rated at 10 & 16 amps.

Now, that you know which plugs to look for you may still be wondering, “What plug sockets are used in Italy?”

As far as which outlets Type C and F pins fit into, you’ll find two universal sockets to plug your electronics into throughout Italy. First, there is bipasso receptacle (literally: twin-gauge outlet). This is a very commonly used Italy plug socket that accepts C and L plugs.

The second type of plug socket in Italy is the Schuko-bipasso receptacle, which is recessed into the wall. This accepts plug types E & F.

There’s also a less common L socket that accepts L and C plugs.T

Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Italy?

Yes, you need to take a travel adapter if you’re traveling to Italy from a country that uses a different type of plug. These will allow you to plug in your devices that have the plug from your home country.

For example, travelers from America, Canada, and the UK all need an Italy adaptor plug!

See this (non-exhaustive) electrical adapter for Italy chart for quick reference:

What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Italy?

You have a few options when it comes to the best plug adaptor for Italy .

A Universal Travel Adapter is a great choice for charging your personal electronics abroad.

These adaptors are compact and compatible with the plugs and outlets of multiple countries around the world (US, EU, UK, and Australia)!

This one takes input from multiple countries and charges up to 6 devices at a time. Universal adaptors are good for backpackers who want to travel light while traveling to multiple countries that use different plugs.

My favorite travel adaptor plug for Italy is a simple Type C adaptor like this one . It’s compact and lightweight, and I can plug in multiple devices with the USB or USB C inputs.

I don’t need a universal adapter when I’m only going to Italy (or other European countries like Portugal that use the same adapter). On longer trips, I prefer to bring a couple of travel plugs—one for my bedside and one for everywhere else.

I also like to bring separate power adapters for Italy like these that I can leave on my laptop or other items with prongs that need to stay plugged in.

I’ve met many travelers who use a power strip to charge multiple devices like laptops. Not only are plugs sometimes hidden away behind furniture, but it’s convenient when you’re traveling long term and have many devices to charge.

Besides, it’s always nice to offer an open socket to other travelers or digital nomads, too!

Please note that plug adaptors do not convert voltage or frequency (more on that, below).

Where to Buy an Adaptor Plug for Italy

The best way to get an adaptor plug for Italy is Amazon . On Amazon, you can find a reasonably-priced Italian adaptor and have it delivered to you in days, if not hours.

They are often sold in multiples (Hint: Give one to a travel buddy or traveler who forgot hers!).

Not to mention the ability to read the reviews to verify if the plug works in Italy without issue is wonderful!

Should you forget to order a plug adaptor before your trip , you can purchase travel adapters at airports, travel or tourist shops, or electronics stores. Do note that travel adapters can be more expensive in touristy areas in Italy.

Do I need a Voltage Converter for Italy?

Let’s go over the details of voltage for Italy to determine whether you need a voltage converter in addition to an adapter.

The voltage in Italy is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

This is the same in most European countries. So, if your appliances are rated the same, you won’t need to worry about getting a voltage converter for Italy. A travel plug adaptor for Italy is all you need! 

If you’re coming from the US or Canada (which uses a different voltage and frequency from Italy) you’ll need to look at your devices to verify they are dual-voltage.

Fortunately, most electronic devices like laptops, phone and tablet chargers, and camera chargers are dual voltage. Even better, many hair styling tools like hair dryers and flat irons (known to be problematic for some travelers) are dual voltage these days. Do note that while some devices convert voltage automatically, some require you to flip a switch between voltages.

Editor’s Note: If you plan to travel a lot (or are spending extended time in Italy), you may want to consider getting European hair tools upon arrival. They are a little more expensive than in the United States, but worth it for frequent travelers.

That means you can use them in both your home country (the US or Canada, in this example) and in Italy—without a voltage converter! A travel adapter plug for Italy would be all you need.

To check if your device is dual voltage, look for “100-240V 50/60Hz” printed on the device. If you see that, the device will work with all voltages and frequencies used worldwide.

(Sometimes, the numbers vary a little, but that’s okay as manufacturers account for small variations. Technically, appliances rated between 220V and 240V are safe to plug into Italy outlets using an adaptor only. 60 Hz electronics will also operate on 50 Hz.)

On the unlikely chance your appliances don’t have two numbers side by side, that means they are single voltage and won’t work in Italy without a voltage converter. Grab a voltage converter for Italy . ⤵

Type of Plug in Italy FAQ’s

Will a 2 prong adapter work in italy.

Yes, a 2 pin adapter will work for Italy. The electrical outlets used in Italy are type C, F, or L, which will all take a 2-prong adapter (C Type plug). Americans need a US to Italy adapter to convert their A/B plugs. Please note that power adapters for Italy don’t convert voltage or frequency.

Are Italy plugs the same as Europe?

Yes, the electrical outlets in Italy are the same as the ones used in most of Continental Europe. The plug sockets in Italy are Types C & F like in Spain, Greece, and other European countries. However, Italy also sometimes uses an older, 3-prong L Type socket. Fortunately, the 2-pin plugs are compatible so you only have to take one adapter with you.

Can I use my curling iron or straightener in Italy?

If your curling iron or flat iron is dual voltage, you should be able to insert it into Italian outlets with a travel plug adaptor only. Please be aware that an adapter only changes the shape of the plug. Since it doesn’t convert the voltage or frequency of the supply, you’ll need to check that your hot tools (curling irons, hair dryers, straighteners, etc.) are rated dual voltage. Fortunately, many companies now make travel curling irons that are dual-voltage (I’ve used this one for years). The Babyliss travel hair dryer is also a good choice.

Do I need a converter to charge my iPhone in Italy?

No, you do not need a converter to charge your phone in Italy. Apple chargers are all universal in voltage 100-240 volts so you can charge your iPhone, iPad, etc. abroad. Just pick up a power adapter, and you’ll be able to charge your devices in electrical outlets in Italy. You can double-check that you phone is dual-voltage by looking for numbers like “100/240 V.”

Do American cell phones work in Europe?

Yes, most of the newer American cell phones with GSM capabilities will work in Europe. To use your phone, you can either purchase international data through our carrier or get a SIM card (physical or eSIM). We recommend trying Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store that allows you to set up everything on your phone before you land! Don’t forget to unlock your phone with your carrier, and get a power adaptor plug before traveling.

Are Italy electrical outlets the same as the US?

No, the electrical outlets in Italy are not the same as in the United States. The plug sockets in Italy are Types C & F, whereas the United States uses electrical outlets Types A & B. To use your electronics and other dual-voltage appliances in Italy, you’ll need to pick up a travel adapter plug.

Does Italy use the same plug as England?

No, the electrical outlets in Italy are not the same as in the United States. The plug sockets in Italy are Types C & F, whereas the UK uses electrical outlet Type G. To use your electronics and other dual-voltage appliances in Italy, you’ll need to pick up a UKL to Italy travel adapter plug.

Conclusion: What Plug is Used in Italy?

Now you know what type of plug is used in Italy, you can enjoy your vacation without any concern as to whether your electronics will power up in Italian power outlets.

Your next step is simply to order a travel adaptor for Italy , and you’ll be on your way!

Italy Travel Guide

🏨 Where should I book accommodations in Italy?

Access a clear and easy hotel booking process that includes hotels, hostels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and more on Booking.com . Or, rent an entire home to live like a local using Vrbo .

🚉 Where do I book train tickets in Italy ?

Italy is well connected by its rail network. To get from one city to the next, book tickets on Omio . (You can also buy bus tickets through Omio or BusBud .)

🚗 Do I need to rent a car in Italy ?

You don’t need a car if you’re visiting major cities in Italy. However, if you’d like to get off the beaten path, we recommend hiring a car through Discover Cars !

📱 Where can I get cellular data for Italy?

Try using Airalo , the world’s first eSIM store! Download, and install your eSIM, and get connected as soon as you land .

🏙 Where do I find the best Italy city tours and day trips?

Search for top-rated Italy tours (with reviews!) on Viator and/or Get Your Guide .

📃 Should I buy travel insurance for Italy?

Yes! Protect your investment from trip interruptions to unexpected injuries — compare rates on Travel Insurance Master and SafetyWing (which has some of the cheapest rates when you subscribe to a 1+ Month plan).

✈ What are the best sites to book flights to Italy?

Search Skyscanner for best flights that other search engines miss !

👒 What should I pack for Italy?

Download the Ultimate Europe Packing List for Women to get all the info you need on packing for Europe.

Go to our resources page  for more booking tools we use to plan our trips.

More Helpful Articles on Italy Travel

• Is Omio Legit? Full Omio Review

Blogger & Ex-Spanish Teacher

Tristina Oppliger has traveled to 35+ countries on five continents. Having previously lived in Spain, she loves studying foreign languages and cultures. In fact, she has a Master's in Foreign Language Education and is a former Spanish Teacher! Tristina is passionate about living free—remote work, exploring the world, and finding adventure wherever she goes.

In Italy, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type F and type L are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

• Yes, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type F and L in Italy.
• You also need a voltage converter.
• Be extra careful with certain devices because of the difference in frequency.

Do your power plugs fit in Italy?

In Italy, they use power sockets (outlets) of type F and L. In the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in Italy for sockets type F and L. The plugs of your electric devices don't fit without.

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don't sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters.

• Find travel adapters at AMAZON.COM

You need to look for a power plug adapter for sockets type F and type L. Alternatively, choose a world travel adapter that fits multiple sockets, in case you travel more often. Because you need a voltage converter as well (see below), you might want to use a combined travel adapter/voltage converter.

Voltage converter needed in Italy?

The standard voltage in Italy (230 V) is much higher than the voltage level your devices typically operate at in the United States (120 V). Without a converter, you risk serious damage to your devices. Additionally, be aware that the frequency in Italy differs.

• You need a voltage converter in Italy to protect your devices!
• Try to find a voltage converter that can also change the frequency.

A voltage converter will ensure a safe input voltage level for your devices in Italy. You can find voltage converters at Amazon. Because you also need a power plug adapter, you might want a combined plug adapter/voltage converter.

• Find voltage converters at AMAZON.COM
• Find combo plug adapters/converters at AMAZON.COM

Be warned if your converter cannot change the frequency. It is not advisable to use your devices. But if you do (at your own risk), exercise special caution with motorized devices and those containing electronic chips, such as clocks, shavers, and medical devices.

To be sure, check the label on your devices. Some devices never need a converter. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' the device can be used in every country in the world. This is common for devices with chargers like tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc. For these devices you will only need a power plug adapter.

Need anything else?

Check out our checklist

Check if you have packed everything for your trip at our TRAVELER'S CHECKLIST !

Frequently asked questions

The 9 Best Power Adapters for European Travel of 2024

Keep your devices charged and moving your trip along

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

One thing you don't want to forget on your next trip to Europe ? The right power adapter. Without it, you won't be able to keep the electronics and devices you need juiced up and ready to go. But finding the right one can be tricky: Each region of the world has its own outlet shape, so you'll need to find the one that works for your travel destination—or invest in a universal one. Also, consider the number of devices you'll likely bring and how much you're willing to spend.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, foval voltage converter.

User-friendly

Not suitable for heat tools

While many modern devices can transition automatically between different voltages, some can't. This is where the Foval Power Step-Down Converter comes in. Although priced higher than most adapters, it converts 220/240 volts to 110/120 volts, allowing you to use your single-voltage American appliances in Europe seamlessly. Plus, it has a European power cable and three removable adapters for the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, so you can also use it for other trips. This made it convenient for our product tester, Rebekah Joan , to travel with the device, only needing to attach the correct adapter, plug it into a socket, and press the power button to get it to work.

With two standard U.S. plugs and four 5-volt USB ports, you can charge an array of devices simultaneously—just make sure that the total wattage doesn't exceed 200. "It started making a quiet whirring noise, and in a second or two, our devices were charging at a normal pace," Joan said. "We charged plenty with it, including our phones, a portable charger, and our camera. Other than the expected slight delay, everything ran smoothly."

The converter automatically shuts down to prevent overloading, overheating, or short-circuiting, limiting hazards to you and your devices. Be wary of using curling irons, hair dryers, or hair straighteners, as Foval notes that it isn't designed to be used with these tools. It is only compatible with devices within the 110-to-120-volt range, which includes most American devices. What makes up for this is the converter's small size, measuring 4.8 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches for a device that "will save you space and money," according to our tester. There is also a detachable 5-foot cord for easy packing.

Out Power: 230 watts max | Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.13 x 1.47 inches | USB Ports: 4

TripSavvy / Rebekah Joan

Best Universal

Haozi universal travel adapter.

Covers Europe and beyond

Generous warranty

Not compatible with heat tools

In addition to a single AC power socket, the HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter features two USB ports—all of which can be used simultaneously. It's FCC, CE, and RoHS certified, while a lifetime guarantee gives you confidence in your purchase. The downsides? It's not suitable for use with high-powered appliances, including hair dryers, and at 2.2 x 3.2 x 2.6 inches, it's slightly bulkier than your standard single adapter.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in the HAOZI All-in-One Universal Travel Adapter rather than limiting yourself to one exclusively for Europe. Product tester Rebekah Joan tested the adapter's reliability abroad and noticed a slight delay in the electricity getting from one point to another. "After those few initial seconds, it charged our devices smoothly and without making a sound," she said. "We did notice a slight issue with some of the prongs getting stuck on the way out, but it was easily fixed by wiggling the slider back and forth."

Travelers from North America may need a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices, but Joan found that the adapter worked as well with a converter as it did alone. This is also an excellent purchase for those planning a European trip with stops in countries that don't accept the standard Type E/F plug. Interchangeable input and outlet sockets allow you to use the power adapter in more than 150 countries.

Out Power: 660 watts max at 110 volts, 1,380 watts max at 230 volts | Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.2 x 2.6 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best Lightweight

Ceptics world travel adapter kit.

Packs easily

Covers several regions

Comes with a travel pouch

Only supports dual-voltage electronics

If you often travel abroad for business, a compact and reliable adapter system is in order. That's what you get with the all-in-one World Adapter Kit from Ceptics. It has two U.S.-grounded inputs, two USB ports, and a USB-C cable.

No matter where you're headed, this lightweight (12.8 ounces altogether) kit has you covered. Six international adapters easily switch out and provide Quick Charge 3.0 power in North America, the United Kingdom, most of Europe, Australia, Japan, parts of Africa, the Middle East, China, and more. Features such as built-in surge protection and voltage indicator LEDs add peace of mind. Unfortunately, this system does not convert voltage, i.e., it is not curling iron friendly.

Out Power: 1,250 watts | Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 3.75 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best Budget

Orei power adapter plug.

Hair dryer compatible

Updated model

Excludes some big tourist countries

The OREI European Power Adapter Plug is a no-frills, cost-effective solution for American travelers to Europe and Russia. It is compatible with Type E/F plugs and should work in most countries except Italy, Switzerland, and the U.K. Plus, it fits into the recessed, circular plug sockets found in many parts of Western Europe and standard square-faced sockets.

Its newly improved design features internal metal interfaces for better conductivity. The power adapter plug has a maximum capacity of 250 volts ​and can accommodate devices that require up to 3,000 watts of power (including most hair dryers). Be aware, though, that it is only suitable for dual-voltage appliances. You can use the dual ports to charge two devices simultaneously—which is especially handy in hotel rooms with limited plug sockets. The universal input accepts plugs from most countries except South Africa.

Out Power: 3,000 watts max at 250 volts | Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | USB Ports: 0

Best for the U.K.

Ceptics travel adapter plug.

Great value

Sleek design

Limited geographic utility

Designed in the U.S., the Ceptics Type G Travel Adapter Plug keeps things simple for those planning a vacation to the U.K. (where standard European adapters won’t work). The plug also works for British Overseas Territories and ex-colonies within Europe, including Gibraltar and Cyprus, as well as other destinations like Hong Kong and Dubai. Your purchase includes three adapters, allowing you to simultaneously utilize all the sockets in your hotel room.

Each power adapter features two inputs, both of which accept two-prong polarized U.S. plugs or three-prong grounded U.S. plugs. They have a maximum load rating of ​250 volts and are suitable for dual-voltage appliances only. The product’s limited lifetime warranty means you can return faulty adapters for a free replacement.

Out Power: 2,500 watts at 220-240 volts | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best for Switzerland

Tessan swiss outlet adapter for us to switzerland.

Charges up to three devices

Power light

All ports face the same way

Must be paired with a converter

The TESSAN Swiss Outlet adapter has three different charging ports: two for USB charging and one for standard U.S. prongs. The USB charging ports can charge up to 2.4 amperes and are compatible with all USB charging devices, such as your phone, camera, tablet, and more. It is also the ideal size for travel, measuring just 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.67 inches, and can be used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and some areas of Rwanda. Plus, the adapter features a blue indicator light to tell you when it is on or off.

A converter is needed with this adapter, as it is only compatible with devices between the range of 100 to 250 volts.

Out Power: 2,500 watts at 250 volts max | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.67 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best for Italy

Orei adapter plug.

CE certified and RoHS compliant

Each piece can charge two devices

Supports almost any traveler in Italy

Very specific utility

If you’re planning a trip to Italy , the OREI USA to Italy Travel Adapter Plug is your best choice. The two-pack includes two Type L plugs for charging devices in Italy and the microstate of San Marino. Both adapters feature dual inputs, which allow them to accommodate two U.S. plugs at the same time. One of the inputs is universal and can accept plugs from any country except those that use Type M plugs (e.g., South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho). The adapters are also free of substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, giving you added peace of mind.

Out Power: 3,000 watts at 250 volts | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches | USB Ports: 0

Best for France

Tessan type e/f plug adapter.

Supports up to five devices

Limited compatibility range

Although this type of E/F plug can be used in other parts of Europe, such as Germany and Spain, it is especially great if you plan on taking a trip to France. The adapter is considered to be five in one, with two AC outlets for standard U.S. prongs and three USB ports to charge multiple devices at once. It may only be compatible with devices between 100 and 250 volts, but the plug has an impressive max capacity of 2,300 watts and is lightweight.

Out Power: 2,300 watts at max 230 volts | Dimensions: 3.62 x 2.85 x 1.77 inches | USB Ports: 3

Best Design

Mogics super bagel.

Innovative, self-contained design

Auto-reset fuse

Comes with a case

May not work in South Korea

It is tempting to reach for universal adapters to cover all your current and future travel plans. However, these tech powerhouses tend to be bulky and frustrating to pack. MOGICS has crafted a clever device to combat this—and it doesn't hurt that it's super cute as well.

The Super Bagel is a universal power adapter that features two types of USB ports, and the type C is capable of fast, 18-watt charging when used independently. The MA1 adapter pops out of the center and features four different plug configurations for use in the U.S., U.K., European Union, and Australia. The bagel section houses five AC sockets and a handy 3-foot-long extension cord to reach any wall outlet.

Out Power: 18-20 watts via USB ports | Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.57 x 3.57 inches | USB Ports: 2

Traveling comes with its share of stressors, so why not eliminate the headache of trying to find a compatible charging system on the ground in your destination and pick up the FOVAL Voltage Converter before you leave? It covers large tourist hubs, comes with a 5-foot cable, and has an automatic shutoff feature if something goes wrong. If you plan to venture to other countries besides Europe, the HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter is an excellent choice.

What to Look For in a Power Adapter

Universal use.

The general rule is that the more universal the plug, the bulkier it is. If you’re taking a backpacking trip across Europe—or traveling with just a carry-on—get an adapter only designed for Europe. You won’t need the weight or size of one designed for Australia or South America, for example—so why bother?

Number of Devices

Consider a charging station if you’re a gadget head bringing plenty of electronics. They can handle multiple electronics on the same strip, with USB charging ports and regular outlets to spare. Sure, they’re a little more expensive, but it’s one (or three) fewer things to leave behind in a hotel room.

Simpler adapters tend to be cheaper. Think about how much you want to spend, particularly if this is your first trip out of the U.S. If you have future trips in mind, consider spending a bit more on an adapter that can do more.

Check the adapter’s packaging or online description to see what countries or regions it’s marked as compatible with. 

A universal adapter connects you to many regions’ types of plugs in one single unit. Plug adapters, on the other hand, have different plugs you swap out depending on the region you’re in. Universal adapters tend to be on the bulkier side (a common style is a cube with outlets for multiple regions and even USB chargers built into it). A plug adapter keeps a little lower profile, so if you’re making a point to travel light and are only going to a region or two, this might be your best bet. 

Check the voltage of your electronics against the voltage your adapter says it’s converting. (If you’re unsure what it is, Google or look at the instructions or manual for your device.) The voltage shouldn't be an issue for most generic devices and things like hair straighteners.

Jessica Macdonald is a freelance writer based in South Africa specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. Besides TripSavvy, Macdonald has written about her scuba diving experiences for Scuba Diver Life and is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition. She also has been TripSavvy's Africa expert since 2016.

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Travel Adaptor for Italy

Italy travel adaptors.

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a  travel adaptor ,  which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. 

Voltage converters and transformers

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Italy. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.  Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.

All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

Dual voltage rated appliance

You can determine whether you’ll need to use a converter or transformer, by looking at the appliance rating plate.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

Single voltage rated appliances

In Italy the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.

It’s important to understand that some travel adaptors are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below.

We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Italy.

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The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Options We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Italy Travel Adapters

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely while you are abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any US electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

General Information: Italy

For Italy, there are three associated plug types: types C, F and L.

• Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins
• Plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side
• Plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins.

Italy operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Power plugs and sockets

In Italy the power sockets used are of type C, F and L.  Use the photos below to help identify the right plug and socket.

Plug adapters are the interfaces between the American flat-pronged plug and Italy’s two (or three) round-prong socket. These allow you to plug your electrical device into the Italian wall socket, but they do not convert the electricity to the American 110 volts . If your appliance is designed to run only on 110-120 volts, you are likely to see smoke, if not fire, from this potent miss-mating. You will need a step-down voltage converter to safely step the voltage down from 220 to 110.

Buy a power plug/travel adapter for Italy

Amazon has an great selection of adapters. We don’t sell directly, just want to make sure you have the right one for your travels!

Shop Amazon: Italy Plug Adapters for Sale

Voltage and frequency

You can use your electric appliances in Italy, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 volts. Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100-120 volts, you need a voltage converter in Italy.  (In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second.)

If the frequency in Italy (50 Hz) differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances. But if there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliance for a short time. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. Devices like this include most laptops and phones, most recently produced battery chargers, and many small, electrical gadgets, especially those designed for world travel.

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WhatPlug.info

Guide for the traveller with plugs

How to use plugs from Australia in Italy

Plugs, sockets, adapters and other information needed for travelling from Australia to Italy in this page. If you want a report for other countries, re-start the wizard to find to electric adapters for your trip here .

Quick Chart at-a-glance

If you are electrical savvy, perhaps the previous chart is all you need. If this is not the case, you can continue reading and discover what the chart is saying!

Plugs and Sockets at each country

In Australia the following plugs are used: (includes Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide.)

... and in Italy you will use: (includes Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Turin.)

Cinque Terre

We have a post " Plugs & Travel Adapters for your next trip to Europe ", maybe you want to read it.

Exact voltage

Perfect! This is very good! You will not need any sort of voltage adapter (they are always big, heavy and they can't handle too much energy. i.e. might have problems with hairdryers). You can plug your devices to the electric network grid in Italy without requiring a voltage adapter.

Different plug systems

Sorry, none of the plugs used in both countries are common. You will definitelly need plug adapters, please continue reading for more information.

Lists of adapters you can use in your travel:

Adapter: generic

This adapter allows you to use plugs type: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N into outlets type: E, F.

This adapter allows you to use plugs type: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N into outlets type: L.

This adapter allows you to use plugs type: A, B, D, G, I, M into outlets type: C, E, F, L.

This adapter has a safety protection so you don't plug only one terminal into the adapter while touching the other with your finger, because it is generic, when you buy it pay attention to this safety mechanism. Overall a good adapter that has the earth connection pass-though (notice the metallic connector on the side.)

Adapters you can buy

You can buy the following multi-purpose adapters from Amazon. Please also take a look at the recommended gadgets for your trip.

Equal Hertz

This is the perfect situation. You will not have any clock shift issue with the same Hertz.