Using Electronic Device Chargers in Itlay

Correct. They are good to go all over Europe. You just need an adaptor.

Thank you, Laurel. I REALLY appreciate that quick response. Saves me from having to buy a bulky/expensive voltage converter. I am traveling LIGHT !!!!

John

Just got back from Italy and only needed the two prong adapter. No need for anything else. Have fun!

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such
as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe.

We just returned from a trip to France and Italy and were dumbfounded by the fact - I had never recognized in several trips to Europe - that many Italian two-prong outlets are slightly smaller than French (and Spanish) two-prong plugs - and the handful of Amazon-bought adapters we used in France had prongs too thick to fit into many of the plugs in our Italian Airbnb apartments. Some plugs we noticed had "double circle" overlapping shapes to accept a French-size plug, but most didn't.

Upon further research, it seems we were running into "Type L" sockets, which exist almost exclusively in Italy and Chile, and nowhere else in Europe.

It may be a different case in newer-construction and hotels, than in the older homes we stayed in, but it was bizarre - I've been to Europe half a dozen times and never realized the slight and frustrating difference.

Anyway, this is just to say that even if you have a "Euro" plug adapter, it may still not work in Italy. But there should be no problem buying an Italian-sized one at any convenience store over there (as we ended up doing).

When we first started traveling abroad, we bought a box set that the Apple store sold for its products. They were specifically labeled for various regions. On our first few trips, we'd wind up taking two adaptors just because we weren't sure which one we needed for a specific region of Europe.

Rbmichae, I've experienced the opposite problem in Italy: My continental adapters (purchased from an unknown source at an unremembered time) sometimes fit perfectly but other times were loose enough that just breathing on them would break the connection. I don't remember having the problem elsewhere in Europe.

but other times were loose enough that just breathing on them would break the connection

It's not often posted here, but Italy has unique plugs. The high wattage plug (often seen in kitchens) has a greater diameter to the holes and that is what I think you are referring to. See part way down the page https://living-in-genoa.wikispaces.com/Electrical

Normally what works for the Schuko type plug works in Italy, assuming of course you don't need the ground. If you need the ground, you must purchase an adapter specifically for Italy.

Note that in Italy the plugs are flush to the wall as in UK & North America and you never need an extender piece to reach the holes. Many times elsewhere in continental Europe I have had to piggyback two adapter plugs to reach the holes which are always recessed into the wall.

FYI: I am finally to the point where all my traveling stuff is 110-240 and don't need to carry a converter. Toothbrush was the last holdout.

Thank you to all !!!!!! You have made our preparations easier. I have traveled extensively in Asia (lived there 10.5 years ( Japan 4.5, China 2.5, Singapore 2) and would like to reciprocate with any tips I can give you.

John bepko
Rear Admiral, US Navy

We leave for Spain and Italy in 10 days. I am wondering if the adapter plugs I bought on Amazon will work in Italy - 2 prongs...but some folks are saying the italy outlets are shaped a little differently?
I am planning to purchase a small travel fan (I have experienced stuffy rooms in Europe in the past, even in the fall - don't judge lol!) on Amazon and saw this comment: "My only con is the almost unbelievable fact that the fan cannot be switched to the European 220V system. I had to carry a power transformer around just for this fan. Pretty odd for a so-called "Travel Fan"." What is a transformer? Is that the same as a converter? I am planning to purchase this item as well to charge multiple items at one time:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E140XWA/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AWZ3LXPHZK09
Any tips/suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
Sharon

A transformer steps down the voltage to 110. It is a heavy bricklike thing.

There are three different plug styles in Italy. You don't really have any choice but to bring the standard euro plug adapter and hope it works, it should. It will be loose in the high amperage style (Kitchens, laundry room, etc.) and will not fit in the skinny hole ones (rare).

Sharon,

"What is a transformer? Is that the same as a converter?"

A transformer and converter provide the same functions, but each uses a different method. A Voltage Converter uses solid-state technology to reduce the voltage varying the on/off time of the AC power, while a Transformer uses copper windings around an iron core to reduce voltage (the amount of reduction is determined by the ratio between the primary and secondary windings). Converters produce a very "choppy" AC waveform and are best used with simple devices that have only a simple heating element such as hair dryers, while Transformers are best for electronic devices such as chargers as they provide a clean sine wave. Neither device can change the frequency (ie: 50 / 60 Hz.).

A few comments on the device you're planning to buy.....

• Although the AC outlets on the top provide a ground pin, devices connected to them will not be grounded since the plug for the Bestek unit has only two pins (except for the U.K. model). Some products require the ground pin to provide protection, and that won't be provided by this unit. If you're using it for Laptop or Camera chargers which only have two pins, this won't be a problem. The outlets on the unit are polarized (one pin wider than the other), however some European outlets won't be polarized so the "hot" and "neutral" wires may be reversed when used in Europe.
• The USB outlets on the side will use solid-state conversion, and this isn't a problem as they all deliver 5VDC.
• It's hard to tell what the particulars of the design are without seeing a schematic of the unit, but given the 200 watt rating, it appears that it may use transformer conversion for the three AC outlets, which is preferable.
• It's also hard to tell by looking at the pictures, but it appears that the Europlug attached to the unit uses the larger 4.8 / 5.0 mm Schuko pins, which means it may not connect to outlets that use the smaller 3.8 / 4.0 mm pins. You might want to pack along a Euro Plug Adaptor with the smaller pins, just to be sure.
• Keep in mind that a device of this type isn't really necessary, as the majority of your electronic device chargers are already designed to work on voltage ranges from 100-240 VAC. A simple Power Bar (one WITHOUT surge or RFI filters) would also be sufficient.
• Have a look at the user comments at the bottom of the link you provided. The first reviewer indicates that his Bestek unit failed with sparks and smoke within 10 minutes of connecting it to the outlet. While the other reviews look good, still something to consider.
• Note that the Bestek unit has two cooling fans, so there will be some background noise while using it.

Many non-air-conditioned lodgings have fans available. I would not take a fan designed for the US electrical system to Europe. I would buy a European fan if my hotel wasn't so equipped and discard it at the end of my trip.

@Sharon, Spain also has hand fans (carry in your purse, flip open and fan away -- I bought lots as pretty, inexpensive gifts for co-workers) No converters/adapters needed, just a strong wrist. ;-) Enjoy!!