It doesn’t matter how long you’re visiting Italy, the chances are that you’ll need to charge your devices. Unless you’re coming from mainland Europe (and even then there might be some challenges), you’re going to need a power adapter for Italy. The sockets and plugs in Italy are different from the USA, they’re different from the UK and they’re also different from Australia and New Zealand. We carry phones, kindles, cameras, and laptops. And need to have them charged at the end of every day, so understanding the power requirements, sockets, and plugs in Italy is really important to us. So here’s all you need to know about Italy’s power adapters. I’ll cover Italy plug adapters, whether you need a power adapter for Italy and Italian electric adapter requirements too.
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The supplies of electricity are different all around the world, you’ll probably find that plugs and sockets are different from home too. You’ll find that the voltage is different – it ranges from 100 to 240 volts around the world. And that can cause a problem (although it’s not usual, I’ll cover that in more detail). The main problem you’ll have to overcome when traveling to Italy is that the plug for your devices won’t fit into the sockets in the wall. And yes, it’s not just one type of socket that you’ll find.
What’s the Electricity Supply like in Italy?
In Italy, the electricity supply is 230 volts and 50Hz.
The voltage in Italy is different from North America, which is 120 volts. The rest of Europe operates on the same voltage – 230 volts. The United Kingdom operates at 230 volts. Australia operates at 220 -240 volts. New Zealand operates at 230-240 volts.
This SK Ross travel adapter supports Italy, and 204 other countries around the world. It will cover you regardless of the plug type you’re using and what you need to plug into. It does NOT convert the voltage. Voltage converters tend to be heavy and expensive. You’ll only usually need them for some items like hairdryers – and your hotel will (usually) provide a hairdryer. I’ll cover voltage differences shortly.
Plugs and Sockets in Italy
There are international standards of naming for plugs and sockets, so you don’t have to describe the type of plugs and sockets you’ll get in Italy, you can just say that “the plugs in Italy are type C, F, and L”. However for us mere mortals who aren’t experts in electric plugs I’ll include photos of what they look like too!
The Italian Electrical Standards
- The electric plug type in Italy = C, F, or L
- Voltage in Italy = 230 volts
- Electricity Frequency in Italy = 50Hz
What does it mean that the voltage is different in Italy?
The electricity voltage in the USA is 110-120 volts. In Italy, it’s 230 volts. That’s a big difference
It generally means that you will need to use a power converter to safely use devices – especially if they are heat-generating (like hairdryers). However, don’t worry, most devices have a safe operating limit and you might see technical information that states “Voltage 100 volts to 240 volts”.
This is usual and quite normal for phone chargers, cameras, and laptops.
Devices that will NOT work as well include curling irons and hair dryers.
What types of plugs are used in Italy?
Three types of plugs are used in Italy. (nothing is ever easy eh?)
Type C, Type F, and Type L. The most common types of plugs used in Italy are Type C and Type F. Type L is present, but it is not as common.
What is a Type C plug like?
Type C has two round pins. Plug C looks like this
What is a Type F plug like?
Type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Plug F looks like this
What is a Type L plug like?
Type L has three round pins in a line. Plug L looks like this
Read our guides to what plug adapters you’ll need when traveling
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- Power Adapters needed in Italy
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What types of sockets are used in Italy?
While the primary type of electric socket you’ll find in Italy is Type C or Type F, there are also sometimes Type L sockets.
Does Italy use the same plug as the USA?
No. Italy uses completely different plugs than the USA.
Do you need 2 or 3-prong adapters for Italy?
You will in the main find outlets with two holes in Italy. A two-prong adapter will (usually) fit into a Type L (three-hole) outlet in Italy. It’s best to use a Type C – two-prong adapter.
Do I need a US-to-Italy power adapter?
Yes, you will need a power and plug adapter to use your US devices in Italy. The best type of adapter is one that converts to a Type C (two-prong) adapter, which will fit into most sockets in Italy.
Do you need a voltage converter in Italy?
Possibly, it depends on which devices you are planning on taking. Most people traveling with laptops, phones, and other such devices – like us – simply use a plug adapter. 99% of travelers manage with just a plug converter. Voltage converters tend to be heavy and expensive and most devices that we use every day are fine with a plug converter
What type of plugs are needed in Italy?
You’ll find several types of sockets (and plugs) in Italy, most of them have two round pins, and some have earthing clips on the side. You may find three-pin plugs and sockets also in Italy, these are type L.
What is the recommended power adapter for Italy?
A recommended power adapter for Italy will ensure that your plug then fits into the socket in Italy. We’ve used SK Ross devices around the world for more than 10 years now, and this power adapter has covered us in all the 110 countries, that we’ve traveled to, including Italy.
Travel Tips for Exploring Italy
- Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
- Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- Read about the Best Italy SIM Card here
- Our guide to ATM fees in Italy is here
- Check what Power Adapter you need for Italy
- Book the best tours and guides on GetYourGuide and Civitatis
- Book Free Walking Tours in Italy with Civitatis
- Find the right accommodation for you via Booking.com
- Check timetables, and prices and book bus and train tickets in Italy with Omio
- Renting a car in Italy? Check out Discover Cars – great rates and free cancellation – get a quote here.
Final Words on Travel Adapters for Italy
While in the main in Italy you’ll find Type C plugs and sockets, you may find the somewhat quirky Type L, three round pins in a line type of plug and associated sockets, so it’s best to be prepared and have the right adapter for charging your devices in Italy. You may be able to find an adapter once you’ve arrived in Italy, but it will likely cost you more, best to try and plan ahead and bring one with you from home.
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