Please advise. Online I read that some outlets in Italy need a three prong adapter and others need a two prong adapter. I only want to travel with one adapter - which one do I need for Rome, Matera, Pompeii, Capri, Naples?
Thanks!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2559 posts
Two prongs are needed. The three prong design is a grounded version of the two prong design and is not mandatory.
Posted by
53 posts
Every hotel should have the standard two-prong euro plug. The only time I saw the three-prong Italian plug was on trains, but they also had USB outlets if you need to charge your phone.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2839 posts
The same euro plug adapter, like the one sold here in the RS store, has worked just fine on all my trips to Italy and the rest of continental Europe.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
Posted by
Portland, OR
397 posts
The two prong is fine but we always bring 2 or 3 or more as we have accidentally left them in hotel rooms. Also you might need to plug in more than one device at the same time. They’re cheap and easily lost or misplaced.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
584 posts
Bring a 3-prong. AKA Type L.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32427 posts
janet,
Which plug adapter you pack along will depend to some extent on what devices you'll be using it with? Are you just taking a mobile phone and a tablet, or will you also be taking other appliances that might use three prong (grounded) plugs? Also it's important to check the "nameplate" on the devices or charger to ensure that they're designed to operate from 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz.
I would suggest travelling with at least two plug adapters, perhaps one grounded and one non-grounded. I always like to have a "backup" in case one gets misplaced or lost during the trip. This website shows the two types of outlets that you'll encounter - https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/italy/ .
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you everyone! I have decided to bring both the two prong and the three prong adapters.
Janet
Posted by
Western Canada
3738 posts
Hi Janet,
Depending on your accommodation in Italy, sometimes the actual plug outlet on the wall is formed in such a way that it’s too deep to plug in an adapter.
If you are near any “Euro” stores, like dollar stores, they always have a selection of different electrical bits and bobs.
You can get a piece that sort of extends those plugs out a bit so you can plug in your adapter.
Hard to explain!
I’ll see if I can find a link.
Alternatively, if you’re in a hotel, the desk may have a selection of different plugs and adapters that people have left behind.