I have a Sony Cyber-shot camera - with batteries - that I may need to recharge in Italy. Is it important for me to carry along the "universal" (or european) adapter for this, or am I okay with my standard wire and plug that I use here in the USA? Do most of the hotels accomodate our chargers? Appreciate the help.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Take an adapter plug. Many hotels have a outlet in the bathroom to accommodate shavers but many do not. The plug takes up virtually no room and weighs next to nothing so why sweat it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
pele, the first thing you'll need to do is check the "Input Voltage" specifications on the Charger. If these state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then it will work fine in Europe with just an inexpensive Plug Adapter. For Italy, you'll need the Plug Adapter with two round pins. ¶ I use Canon Cameras exclusively, and all of their Chargers are designed for "world operation", but I'm not familiar with Sony products. It's IMPORTANT that you verify this before travelling! ¶ To answer your last question: NO, Hotels generally do NOT "accommodate our chargers"! Only a standard European power point is provided, so you'll need to plan accordingly. Happy travels!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Hi Pele. If your camera isn't compatible with European voltage, you'll also need a converter in addition to the plug adapter. Not sure if these are now sold as one unit (I travel with an old-school set consisting of a big heavy converter and a plug adapter). And take the converter seriously!!! Before my sensible travel-light days, I once brought a heating pad on a trip to Italy. I plugged it in with just the plug adapter and blew out the heating pad; there was a tiny explosion, a puff of smoke, everything. Glad I learned a lesson with that instead of something expensive!
Posted by
Chicago, IL, US
4 posts
Sicily uses a couple of other adapters: three prongs in a row; and two prongs that are thicker than the standard European. Oftentimes Sicilian hotels will have adapters that fit the standard European; best to ask in advance.