The only things that I'm taking to Italy that need to be plugged in are the chargers for my camera batteries and my netbook cord/plug. All of these are "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz" so from my understanding I just need a plug adapter, not a converter. I've borrowed an adapter from a friend which is a 2 prong adapter (only allows the 2 prongs of my appliances to plug into the adapter). I'm guessing that this won't adapt my netbook, which has a 3 prong plug, right? So I need to find a different adapter before I go?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23562 posts
Correct !! Adapters are cheap. Go to any travel store, travel sections in KMarts, etc. and get what you need. Get two in case you accidentally leave one behind.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
You should be able to find an adapter at a hardware store that will convert the 3 prong to a 2 prong. When charging, leave your electronics plugged in only as long as you need to, thus avoiding any mishaps with power surges or over taxing your chargers.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Scott's right... before we moved to Italy we went to Home Depot and bought about 5-6 of the 3-prong to 2-prong adapters. I think we paid 79 cents each (course that's been years ago!). In Italy, at times we had 3 laptops, an I-pad, our Cannon camera, a crock pot (can't get those here) and other items all plugged into those adapters and then into the Italian plug adapterr - never had any issues! This link might "shed more light" on the issue *http://tinyurl.com/italy-power ***
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
21 posts
Thanks, all. I wouldn't have thought to buy two, but that will come in handy if we want to charge multiple items at once - great suggestion.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
PlannerGrl, As the others suggested, having at least two Plug Adpaters is a REALLY good idea! You should be able to obtain Plug Adapters at Radio Shack stores, or if you have time order them either from the Travel Store here (they're on sale for $1, although the shipping will increase the total) or from www.magellans.com. You way want to order a three-pin (grounded) model for Italy as well (there's a reason the Netbook was designed with a grounded plug). Happy travels.