hello! i am travleing to naples and the amalfi coast april 1-12. i have several questions. i am taking my american ipod. how will i recharge it in italy? i understand their electrical is different220, right? do i need to buy a transformer? where do i get it? i am so worried about frying my ipodit would take forever to rebuild my music, and besides, buying a new one would be expensive. also, aren't all the electrical outlets different in italy? what does one do about that? also, i am arriving in naples at capodochino airport at 16:15. i want to get to sorrento that night. the curreri bus runs at 16:30 and 19:30 and is direct. it seems unlikley that i will make the 16:30 bus due to customs. am i better off waiting for the 19:30 bus, or taking one of the other buses into naples and catching the train to sorrento from naples? my plan is to use sorrento as my base to see herculaneum, pompeii, and vesuvius for my first few days, then move on to positano and use that as my base to see the rest of the amalfi coast. from positano, i will take day trips, hopefully do some walking and sight seeing in neighboring towns. i want a laid back trip without a lot of relocating. any thoughts about must see sights is appreciated. i think i will be staying at pensione villa verde in positano. it sounds nice.
thanks for your help!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23573 posts
With any electrical device you need to check the voltage requirement that is list on a tag or on the body of the device. IF is says, Input 120-230V or close to that it is good to go with any voltage in that range. Since Europe is 220V, all you will need is a plug adapter that converts the two flat blade US plug to a two round pin plug used in Italy. Any travel store, luggage shop, Radio Shack, K-Mart, etc. will have it. Probably quick to take a bus to the train station and the train from there.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32329 posts
jeff, I'll address the iPod question first. To begin with, was a Charger provided with your iPod? What type of iPod are you using? These recharge using any standard USB Charger, however it's important to use one that is designed for "world operation" from 100-240 VAC. The Apple Charger will work fine, although it's also possible to buy cheaper "generic" chargers. The IMPORTANT thing is to verify that the "Input Voltage" ratings state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz" (those will be listed somewhere on the Charger). Yes, the Plug configuration is different in Italy than in North America, so you'll need an inexpensive Plug Adapter. This is the type that you'll need. I'd suggest packing at least two, as they're easy to "misplace". As you've noted, there's no way you'll be able to connect with the 16:30 Curreri Bus. By the time you get through the "usual routine" of de-planing, immigration, collecting luggage and getting through the airport, it could be ~17:00 or later. In the same situation, I'd probably just have a nice hot meal and wait for the 19:30 Bus. However, I haven't checked the transportation time to Napoli Centrale and then Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. I suspect the time would be about equal. One note on using Positano as a "home base". From there all your trips will be by Bus, as there's no rail service. I would highly recommend having a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook to plan your sightseeing in that area. There's a LOT of good information there. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
manitowoc, wi, usa
2 posts
dear frank and ken, thank you for the very prompt responses! my first time here. i am impressed! ken, i have an ipod classic, though i am not sure that matters. it did not come with an adapter/charger, but the best buy sales person said i would find it useful to buy one so i did. it is the way i always charge my ipod. just plug into any wall outlet and awa we go. i looked at the link you provided for the apple charger, and the reviews weren't too favorable for using it at 230. one guy said he blew a fuse. don't thin ki want to risk that. mine is a 'griffin' and says it is ok for 120-240. i will look for the magellan-type adapter that you link to locally. thanks. in regard to the transportation to sorrento, i think i am leaning with ken on this one. less messing around, in spite of the time delay. don't have to deal with downtown naples. still appreciate the suggestion, frank. i have the 2012 guide book arriving tomorrow. thanks again for all your help, guys. happy travels! jeff
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32329 posts
jeff, If you'd prefer not to use the Apple Charger, other types of USB Chargers will work equally well. Perhaps something like This Charger would work: www.amazon.com/Coby-Electronics-CA81BLK-Adapter-Charger/dp/B003X26VA0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332737241&sr=1-2 (Couldn't get the link to work) According to the spec's, it's designed for "world operation, but of course you would still need a Plug Adapter. Cheers!