I need to know if the little square AC charging plug that Apple provides with the iPhone 5 can be used in Italy (obviously, adding the correct plug adapter) or is it suitable only for 110 V. I keep getting different answers to this (including from Apple vendors), and even with a magnifier, I can't read the printing that Apple put on the unit. Thanks.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
No, you do not need a voltage converter.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Sherry, Yes, the Charger should work just fine in Italy with just a Plug Adaptor. If you look on the bottom of the Charger (where the metal prongs are) with a good Magnifying Glass in a good light, you'll see Input Voltage 100-240 VAC ~ 50/60 Hz. I had a look at my iPhone Charger for verification and that's what was shown. If that's NOT the case with your Charger, post another note. It's not surprising that the Apple vendors you've spoken to didn't know whether they were "punched or bored". I suppose one can't expect too much from kids that are given minimal training and paid minimum wage. Happy travels!
Posted by
Auburn, Alabama
1064 posts
Agreed, your don't need a converter. But the little 5w charging plug that comes with the iPhone is practically useless. They take forever to charge the phone, even at home. You can save a lot of charging time with a more powerful charging plug from your cellphone provider for about $30 or stores like Best Buy for about $25.(And the ones I have seen are clearly marked for the full voltage range.) Little things like this are important when you are traveling and only have one plug adapter or one socket to charge two iPhones and an iPad.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Want to support George's caution about using third party parts. We almost had a bad experience when son lost his charger for his ipad. Bought the cheapest one he could find at Amazon and didn't think much about it until just prior to leaving when I insist that all plugs had to be check for dual voltage. The cheap one from Amazon was only rated for 120 input. The only answer that is acceptable is the one printed on the plug. When in doubt don't use it.
Posted by
Auburn, Alabama
1064 posts
Belkin's chargers work fine. These are not pieces of junk sold by fly-by-night companies. (There are others, probably equally reliable, but I am not familiar with them.) The Belkin chargers are even sold by Verizon as an accessory to the iPhone; in fact, the 12w Apple charger was not even sold at our local store. I do agree with staying away from cheap things bought online sight-unseen; check any electrical product out in person if possible or at least be sure of the specs before you buy any electrical device.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32741 posts
The other thing about third party Apple chargers is that Apple is currently "recalling" all third party chargers after a few claimed electrocutions of people using their iProducts while still plugged into 3rd party knock-off chargers, including 2 deaths from that in China. Many 3rd party names are well respected - many are not. Counterfeit goods can never be trusted.