We have a rental car for our upcoming trip in Italy. Does anyone know if we can charge our phones while driving? -- what kind of adaptor do I need for the car. Additionally, what kind of adaptor do I need for Italy. I have adaptor sets, but no car adaptors.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32913 posts
Same equipment that the same car would have in your country. Either a cigarette lighter and ashtray or a 12 Volt powerpoint somewhere in the car which will accept the same plug. Maybe a USB point.
Depends on the car and trim line, not the country.
Have you driven in Italy before?
Are you aware of the all the special driving requirements in Italy, ignorance of which are most often rewarded with expensive fines - such as IDP, ZTL, TUTOR, etc? If not, ask and we can clarify.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
I have been to Italy before, but we have not driven in Italy before.
Please explain special driving requirements you refer to.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1056 posts
Italy is, first of all, difficult to drive any long distances or to small places without a GPS. We have driven in Italy years ago without problems, but didn't venture far afield from our B&B in Tuscany. This time we have been more adventurous and have been very happy to have had the opportunity to use Google maps on my iPhone for navigation, as the roads are usually labelled only with the names of the nearest small town, which may or may not be on the map, but not always with the larger town to which you are driving. But if you plan to use your phone you will need international plan, which is a separate discussion.
Italy has speed detection cameras on most of its roads and takes speed limit excesses very seriously. Ignore your urge to drive as fast as the cars that will be passing you, or you may get an unwelcome surprise many months after you return in the form of a fee from your rental company for divulging your particulars to the Italian police, and a subsequent speeding ticket fine from Italy.
Most cities and small towns have ZTL's (zona traffico limitado) areas in the center of town, marked by a sign with a red ring and those words on it. This limits traffic to residents and will also generate a fine if you drive there by mistake.
Your home cigarette lighter charger will charge your phone and GPS just fine. You will need a standard two prong round plug for your other appliances used outside the car, assuming they will work on European voltage.