What are the best type and brand plug adapters for Italy? My research so far has me confused. I found that outlets in Italy support either Type F, Type L plugs, or Type C and wall outlets will fit device plugs with two or three round pins.
I am not which ones to buy and how may I will need.
Vin
Hi, I bought a universal adapter from the RS store here a few years ago. Have used it in Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome & Assisi) and the UK. It’s not this exact one they now sell but an earlier model. It’s convenient and has worked well. I can’t answer the letter type question, but for what I needed (charging my phone), this was enough.
Italia is confusing.
You should have both C and L plugs.
Type C adapter will work for all your needs.. buy several of them as they are inexpensive but easy to misplace during your travels.
Type C is a two round pin plug that is basically equivalent to the type A used in North America, which has two flat pins.
Type L has a 3rd pin in the middle (the ground) and is basically equivalent to the type B in North America, which also has a 3rd pin (ground) besides the two flat pins.
I have type L sockets in my house in Italy but the type C adapter works in all of them too. I do have a couple of L adapters, but they aren’t really necessary for any of my devices. Type C works for all.
Type F is the German “shuko” plug. It has two round pins also, but they are fatter. Older houses in Italy don’t have sockets able to fit those, as they only take type C or L, where the pins are slimmer. The only way to fit a “shuko” in a C or L socket is with an adapter, so no reason to bother to bring a type F to Italy.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
This little adapter will work. I placed some tiny neon Duct tape around mine, so I don’t accidentally leave them behind in the hotels.
These are not for items that get hot such as hair dryers, etc.
Thank you for the responses.
We will only be using the adapters for charging camera batteries, portable charger power bank, phones, and an iPad. These will all be connected to and charged with a 7-port USB-A system only requiring one plug. Do you think that will be an issue?
Vin
I do not think you will have an issue.
Look on Amazon; this has worked for me perfectly for many trips to various European countries and beyond. I do not need anything else, even for two of us:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K66SY7M?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
I literally started looking for adapters today for my trip to Austria and Italy, so this is helpful, but I am confused about the voltage comments. A couple of people made. How do I know if my iPhone can handle American and European voltage? Thank you.
How do I know if my iPhone can handle American and European voltage?
iPhones are dual voltage. You will only need an adaptor plug.
Sounds like I will be buying 5 Type C adapters from the Rick Steves' Shop.
Since I will only be charging camera batteries, portable charger power bank, phones, and an iPad, I do not think I will needing a voltage converter.
Thanks to all for the help.
Vin
I have 2 of these
We actually just bring one now as we usually don’t need to charge more than 2 devices at a time
There’s no reason to bring 5 as there probably won’t be 5 available outlets at your lodgings-
Bring a few and don’t forget the USB cubes unless you have an adapter as I linked to above
( RS shop is not the only place to purchase-check shipping costs from there)
Besides the cube type, as displayed by Christine, I also travel with the plug adapter (and USB ports) with extension cord below.
Sometimes the socket may not be conveniently located in hotel rooms (it might be behind the bed or behind a nightstand) so it might be helpful to have an extension for easy access. That is especially true if someone uses a CPAP machine at night.
This is what I have.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1427149-REG/sabrent_hb_bup7_36w_7_port_usb_3_0.html
JMO- this is probably great for home use but not something I would travel with. You'll need to make sure it is dual voltage (or you will also need a converter). I can't see the actual plug that goes into socket but if it is a 3 prong plug you will have to find an adapter or converter that takes a 3 prong plug.
We travel with 2 iPhones, 2 iPads and 2 Kindles. We never need to charge more than 2 devices at a time so traveling with just that cube with 2 USB ports is plenty for us. I do bring a few simple adapters like the one RS sells to have as spares.
Do take note of Roberto's advice- the outlets in hotels are often in awkward hard to get to spots. (Behind the bed or table, down near the floor, etc) And you may have to unplug lamps or whatever to use some outlets.
I contacted Sabrent concerning their hub and they assured me it is dual voltage. I bought 5 adapters because I tend to misplace things.
I am good to go. Thanks again for all the help.
Vin
