I know this has probably been asked a gazillion times but I'll go ahead and ask it anyway:
What electrical adapters or converters does an American traveling in Italy need?
This is probably entirely for to recharge the battery for my Nexus 7 adapter...I know it's somewhere in the Rick Steves guide, but I seem to have misplaced it...
Denny,
The answer will depend on which devices you'll be travelling with. Is the Nexus 7 the only thing you'll be taking?
You will definitely need at least one Euro two-pin Plug Adaptor. I'd suggest packing at least two, as they're small and easily misplaced. When using grounded appliances in Italy, I prefer to use a ground style Plug Adaptor.
It's VERY important to check the Input Voltage of the chargers you'll be using, to determine if they're rated for voltage from 100-240 VAC.
If you look on this site under Travel Tips: Phones and Technology: Electrical Europe, you'll get the whole scoop. A tip from me is to get a minimally-sized adapter to guarantee it fitting whatever sockets you encounter - got mine from REI.
In addition to a plug adaptor or two, I like to pack a small American extension cord with a multiple outlet end and use it between the adaptor and the US chargers etc I need to use.
Ken and all,
Yes, the Nexus 7 is the only electrical thing I can think of that I'll be taking with me. Even though I don't especially like Amazon.com, I do find it easier to find things there.
It sounds like I only need to get (buy) one kind of adaptor (two of the same, in case one gets misplaced). I'm not sure of what a charger is. There is a micro USB cord that connects to the wall socket, I guess, via the charger (I seem to use my desktop's USB ports instead).
Many thanks,
Denny
I found the following on amazon:
Does this look right? It's three-pronged, though. I'm pretty sure my Nexus 7 has capabilities for both 110 and 220 V. I found a RS two-pronged continental adaptor in my belongings.
" I'm pretty sure my Nexus 7 has capabilities for both 110 and 220 V. "
You need to check the Input Voltage on your Nexus Charger to ensure that it's designed for use from 100-240 VAC.
You can also find the electrical adapters & converters at Radio Shack or REI.
If you're not sure what the Input Voltage on your Nexus Charger is, take it along with you to Radio Shack/ REI & they will
be able to help you.
Here is a very detailed article about electrical FAQ: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/electricity-faqs-glossary.html
Be very careful in buying adaptors from Amazon or Ebay in case they do not meet proper local electrical standards. I don't know anything about the wiring code in Italy, but the Amazon link above goes to a selection of various adaptors and the UK one fails the standards in at least three respects just from looking at the illustrations.
Priscilla,
Thank you again. That link to the REI site was invaluable. I put it on Pocket. What I'll do is to take my Nexus 7 over to REI to make sure I'm getting the right adapter. That was the clearest, by far and away, explanation of converters/adapters/traveling abroad I have seen (and I've searched all over the Internet for at least a dozen different explanations, all of which left me to varying degrees confused and overwhelmed).
Denny
We travel with several small plug adapters as they are not easy to find once there (Europeans traveling to the US need the opposite adapter to the one we need) although it is possible -- just annoying to have to search. Some sockets are deep and round so the smallest adapter is best as it will fit into any of them in our experience. Virtually all US electronic devices -- camera chargers, computers, phones etc are dual voltage. Things like hair dryers are usually provided in hotels and apartments in Europe (and the old fashioned hose in the wall with useless tepid air is rarer and rarer) but if you need one, it is easy to get a cheap dual voltage travel size appliance in the US.
You need to check the Input Voltage on your Nexus Charger to ensure that it's designed for use from 100-240 VAC.
Ken,
I just looked at my AC adaptor--I think that's what you mean by "charger," as it charges my Nexus with a micro-USB cord into the wall socket--and it does say "input: 100-220V," so I think I'm good.
Denny
I do get confused with the terminology: "adapter," "converter," "charger," etc. but it seems like you really need two small "plugs" in order to recharge electrical devices in Europe unless the device itself can accept or "convert" the 220 V. over there, in which an "adapter" is all that is needed because the plugs of the wall sockets over there are different. And several, as they are either to leave in the wall socket.
"adapter," "converter," "charger,"
What you call an AC adapter is usually called a charger because its purpose is to charge the battery on your Nexus. Back before I got grey hair we used to call a similar device (but way bigger) a power supply or power brick. It changes the wall voltage to 5 volts and makes it into the required Direct Current; it feeds it out the wire to a micro USB shaped plug.
The sort of thing that changes the physical shape of the plug so that you can plug your charger in the wall in Italy or other countries is commonly called an adapter. It doesn't do anything to the electricity except allow you to reach it when the prongs on your charger can't fit the shape of the outlet where you are.
A converter changes the voltage in the wall into the voltage your charger expects when you plug it in. If you had had a device which was expecting 110 voltage like in the US or Canada and you just plugged it into a European 240 volt socket you would see smoke, sparks, maybe flame if you are very lucky, and probably the circuits where you tried this would all be blown out. YOU'RE LUCKY, you won't have that problem. Your charger, as you have discovered, is usable across the spectrum and NEEDS NO CONVERTER. In fact, if you did plug your particular charger into an unnecessary converter all sorts of unpleasant things could happen there too. Don't do it. You don't need one.
All you need is a shape changer, called an adapter. Nice and cheap, get a couple in case you leave one behind. They're small, and that's easily done.
No sweat.
Denny,
If you decide to go to REI (to buy your electrical adapters & such), you will find money belts there too.
I also found great hiking pants with multiple pockets.
My favorite pair have 2 pockets on the sides ( just above knee level) with snap closures-- This is where I kept my money for daily expenses and sometimes I even kept a credit card there.
Denny, dont worry about purchasing a money belt. Since you've signed up for a Rick Steves tour you will be sent one along with your Italy tour guide and some ear plugs.
I spend a month or so in Europe each year and I have been through a number of adapters. One of which the plastic housing fell off and nearly killed an associate when he went to unplug it. The cheap small rectangular ones often are pulled out of the outlet by the weight of the cord plugged into them. Some, although rare, outlets are set up where if you don't have a grounded plug you cant use the outlet (there is a hidden cover that moves when the ground tab is introduced into the socket). AND, adapters with out a proper ground put equipment at a higher risk. So, I settled on these about a half dozen years ago and I think they are perfect: http://www.amazon.com/American-European-Germany-Adapters-Certified/dp/B00EOI2N2M/ref=sr_1_3/176-4588915-2864302?ie=UTF8&qid=1423024084&sr=8-3&keywords=shucko+adapter
