The latest Rick Steves guide for Italy says “an adapter with two round prongs” but an Internet search and on Amazon said they (along with Chile Anna a couple other countries) are different and use 3 round prongs
We bought the 3 prong and now I’m doubting myself. Leaving in 2 days. Thanks!
Both two and three pronged are used, but the choice is more nuanced, and also depends on the device you are using. The adapter you bought will most probably be useful, but may not fit all situations and all devices. This article has some photos: https://www.marthasitaly.com/articles/85/plug-adapters-for-italian-outlets
I use the two pronged adapter and haven't had a problem yet here in Italy. Our AirBNB in Milan had adapters for use and they were two pronged as well.
We just finished the RS Village Italy tour and used two prongs everywhere.
If you don't need a ground (Typical phone charger) a Type C (two round pin) adaptor will work with both Type F and Type L outlets.
https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/c/
BTW plug adaptors are not voltage converters. Your device should be rated for 220-240 vac at 50 Hz..
Yes the Italian sockets have presented us with quite a headache.
Mike has posted a handy link.
A couple of our airbnbs have only had the 3 holes inline which are OK for europlug Apple chargers but not for our euro Schuko appliances such as hair dryers.
We were able to purchase an adapter in a local Italian hardware store for €2.
To put it simpler, if you only bring a 3 prong grounded adapter, the problem you will have is being unable to use it in an ungrounded outlet, common especially in older hotels.
Myself, adapters are small, I usually bring several, so having a couple two pin, and a 3 pin if I have a need for a grounded adapter would be prudent...though I can say I have not needed any grounded adapters for what I take.
Thanks for all the good information! I’m taking both, just in case.
Rick's Type C adapter is on sale at $1 each: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
At $1 buy several. They are easy to lose.
