Electrical outlet adapters

steve,

I believe the type "L" Plug Adaptor is the grounded model for Italy. This is what you'll need for Italy....

• Ungrounded Plug Adaptor (also works in most other countries on the continent)
• Grounded Plug Adaptor (also works with ungrounded appliances)

I normally travel with at least two of the ungrounded model as they're small and easy to misplace, along with at least one of the grounded model.

I have used the ungrounded adapters all over Italy and not had any problems.

I carry about 3 or 4 of them to be able to not only charge all my stuff (Kindle, camera batteries, )
but to plug in my "beauty aids".
I usually have an extra to loan to a fellow traveler who needs one.

I keep them attached to the charging cords, easier not to misplace. They cost about a dollar each.

Thanks to Ken above, last year I bought one of these Dual Voltage Extension cords that he posted.

Small and lightweight. 3 US slyle plugs and one USB hole. Worked for all our electronics. Just pickup 1 european adatper and remember it's an extension cord NOT a converter. So anything you plug in needs to be dual voltage.

http://www.magellans.com/dualvoltage-power-strip

The two round conductor Continental plug adaptor that Rick Steves and travel stores sell work in Italy. If your hotel has some of the older outlets requiring the small pins they will likely have a box of adaptors to match Continental plugs.

Does anyone know if I can use a multi-outlet plug that is rated for 110 which I can get for a couple of bucks (with the European adapter) or would it burn up. There are usually very few sockets available in hotels in Italy, and I would like to charge multiple electronics at the same time. Or do I need to buy a dual power strip as mentioned above for $30?

Use the multi-plug. it's easier to tote than a power strip. Voltage doesn't matter; amps does. You won't be pulling enough amps to stun a bug.

Edgar is correct.

I was only considering charging electronic junk since that's where the conversation had swung, not running heaters.