Sockets in Italy: what do I need to know?
One of the most frequent questions of those traveling to Italy: how are the sockets? What is the voltage? Do I need an adapter? Today we are going to answer all your questions about the sockets in Italy. Let’s go to our Post of the day: Sockets in Italy: what do I need to know? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
When we travel to Italy everything is beautiful, exciting and fun … Until we need to charge the phone, or use our hair dryer … That’s because the plugs in Italy are different from ours and few people remember to take the blessed adapter. If you are organizing your trip read also What do I need to know before traveling to Italy? and What to do before traveling to Italy?
Shall we understand a little about it?
When we talk about Europe, although there is a European standard for sockets, this standard is not, in fact, “European standard”, why? Because is not the same standard for EVERY EUROPE countries. Three European countries DO NOT use this standard (and that’s why it is NOT a standard), having their own outlet model: Switzerland, United Kingdom and, our beloved, Italy.
1) Sockets in Italy: what do I need to know? THE SOCKET IN ITALY IS 3-PIN!
Well, how are the sockets in Italy? The sockets in Italy are also three-pin, called type L, but they are three pins in line. The good thing about this is that the socket ‘accepts’ also the plugs with two pins. There you can also find the two-pin socket, which is rarer, and another two-pin socket with “deviations”, since it is ‘inside’, that is, not all plugs fit there. Pay attention, ok?! Below you can see the most common sockets in Italy:
(Source: www.guiaviagem.org/plugues-e-tomadas-electricas-na-europa/#):
Get the Tip:
- One of the best tips I can give you is: buy a universal adapter! It costs between 5 and 20 reais and it helps A LOT! But buy it before travelling, in Italy it can cost up to 20 euros! Source: www.amazon.com.br
2) Sockets in Italy: what do I need to know? THE VOLTAGE IN ITALY!
The Italian voltage is 230V and the frequency is 60Hz. Even if the socket ‘accepts’ the two-pin plug, it is best not to risk it, so, again: buy a universal adapter.
BE CAREFUL WITH APPLIANCES THAT ARE NOT BIVOLTS!
If you have a device and you do NOT know its voltage, or you don’t remember it, avoid taking it with you on your trip, or buy one that you are absolutely sure is dual voltage. In addition to blowing your device, you can cause an accident using the plug, such as a short circuit and end up causing a fire. TIP: Cell phone chargers are usually dual voltage.
Important Information and Tips
- Also important: if you are going to buy any electronic device in Italy, check if it is dual voltage and what is its plug in it. Remembering, once again: the Italian three-pin plug is DIFFERENT from others! The Italian pins are aligned!
- If you do not have the universal adapter (or if you have forgotten to buy it), you can check with the hotel reception if they can borrow you one; I don’t guarantee they’ll have any available, so the safest thing to do is take your own.
- It is also good to take a universal Power Bank (portable charger). Invest in a powerful model, because if you are away from the hotel or in a location without an sockte with easy access, it can help A LOT during your trip.
- In time: in Italy, universal adapter is referred as “adattatore universale”. You can find it in electronics stores, in larger “tabacchini” (newsstands) and even in the electronics sector in large supermarkets; the same goes for Power Bank.
- Don’t confuse voltage transformers with universal adapter, okay? They are completely different things, plus: DO NOT overload the universal adapter with several plug adapters, it can be very dangerous!
Important to Know
- If you have any questions about how to use the universal adapter, don’t hesitate to ask someone at the hotel for help. Another important thing: if you are not sure if an electronic device is dual voltage or not, DO NOT USE IT! Also remember that some devices have a kind of “voltage selector switch”, so, before using the device, make sure that the switch is selected correctly, as this can prevent overload and a possible problem in the your device, such as to make it blow.
- When you leave the hotel room DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN THE CHARGER! Some hotels have the “card key”, which cuts off the room power when the card is not in the designated location, other hotels do not have this key and, therefore, the light keeps on even when the guest is not in the room. So, to avoid accidents, unplug your adapters and chargers, use them only when you are present.
Conclusion
Sockets in Italy: what do I need to know? Knowing the voltage and type of socket used in a foreign country is essential, but it is a detail that often goes unnoticed by many people – who only remember it when the plug does not fit.
And if you feel insecure, have no time, and need help to organize your trip, don’t hesitate to contact me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy come true. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier
Did my post help you? If so, be sure to post your comment below, but if you still have questions just send me a message I will answer you as soon as possible!