I-Phone/Point Shoot Digital Camera in Italy

An adapter is an adapter. The same one will do all. No converter.

You may want to consider getting multiple adapters so you can charge your phone and camera at the same time. They are not real expensive.

I like the idea of using multiple adapters, different outlets to charge at the same time.
But I don't need a converter for my digital camera or IPhone to charge them?

An adapter is an adapter. The same one will do all. No converter.

Sometimes there's an outlet shortage so there's not much use for multiple adapters. A plug multiplier cube does the job just as well as long as you don't over-amp the outlet -- which you can't with a bunch of chargers.

But I don't need a converter for my digital camera or IPhone to charge them?

You shouldn't need a Voltage Converter for charging your iPhone, as the chargers for those are designed for "world operation" from 100-240 VAC. When using your iPhone in Europe, you'll have to be VERY careful with data roaming, as the charges can be HUGE (that's assuming of course that your iPhone is one of the models that will work in Europe).

You also shouldn't need a Voltage Converter to charge the batteries for your digital camera. However if the camera is several years old, it would be prudent to verify that. Look for the words "Input Voltage" somewhere on the charger, and if this states "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then the charger will work fine in Europe with only a Plug Adaptor.

As someone else mentioned, it's a good idea to pack along several Plug Adaptors, as they're small and easy to misplace. If any of your "high wattage" appliances use a three-pin (grounded) Plug, I'd recommend using an Italy Grounding Plug Adaptor. The model shown is only $4 so not a huge dent in your travel budget.

Thanks, everyone. I thought I had the confusing converter/adapter questions resolved until I checked into my electronic devices. I had an electronics store employee tell me that I needed separate adapters for electronics vs. electrics. Hmm...Maybe wanting to sell more product? I appreciate the "real" clarifications and hope this helps others too.:)

2py,

I had an electronics store employee tell me that I needed separate adapters for electronics vs. electrics.

I'm not sure the electronics store employee gave you the correct information. To clarify the terminology, Plug Adaptors are specific to country or region and NOT to appliances, and are used to allow North American plugs to connect with various European outlets. Voltage Converters are designed to reduce the higher 220-volts used in Europe to 115-volts used here, and have different methods of accomplishing that. It's important to use the correct type of conversion for electronic or electric devices.

Re: electronics vs. electrics.

Typical electronic device chargers are voltage step down devices and typically are rated for 100v to 240v. They typically automatically sense input voltage and "do the right thing".

On the other hand, " electrical " devices that have power demands like irons, usually need voltage step down conveyors (transformers). Exception would be some low power devices that have dual voltage capacity. Check the name plate for 220-240v and 50 hz AC.

I have used many 'electronic' devices over the years in Italy, from point and shoot cameras, to palm pilots (remember them?), to iPhones, iPads, and computers. All I ever had was one, lonely adapter, which cost me about $1.25USD. Relax, your electronics will be just fine.

Now, if you are talking hair dryers, flat irons for hair, etc., I have no clue.

You've got the scoop above, or can also see http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters. Voltage converters handle different wattage levels, but I haven't carried either a voltage converter or a hairdryer in years. Most hotels will have hair dryers in each room, or if not, you can often borrow one from the front desk.

Think of bringing a power strip. i bought one at Walmart that had three plug-in outlets & two usb plug-ins. It was a life saver. At night we were able to plug in 2 iPhones, my iPad, my iPad keyboard & my cameras battery