American travelers visiting Italy will normally need a plug adapter to charge phones, laptops, cameras and other electronics. A voltage converter is required only when a device is not designed to accept Italy’s 230-volt electricity.
The most important step is checking the small electrical label on every device before plugging it in. Using the wrong equipment can damage the device, trip a circuit breaker or create a fire hazard.
Quick Answer: What Plug Adapter Do You Need for Italy?
Italy uses 230-volt electricity at a frequency of 50 Hz. Italian outlets may accept Type C, Type F or Type L plugs.
Travelers from the United States should pack an adapter that accepts American Type A and Type B plugs and connects to Italian or European outlets. A Type L adapter is the most Italy-specific option, while a Type C European adapter works in many—but not every—Italian outlet.
For maximum flexibility, choose an adapter designed for Type C, F and L outlets or bring both a Type L and a Type C adapter.
Most modern phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers are dual voltage. If the charger says “Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz,” it can normally be used in Italy with a simple plug adapter.
Italian Plug Types Explained
Travelers may encounter three outlet types in Italy.
Type C
The Type C plug has two thin, round pins and is commonly called the Europlug. It is ungrounded and is frequently used for phone chargers and other low-power electronics. Type C plugs fit many Italian outlets, including most Type L sockets.
Type F
Type F is the round, grounded European plug commonly known as Schuko. It has two round pins and grounding contacts on the sides. It is often found in newer or renovated Italian hotels, apartments and homes.
Type L
Type L is Italy’s traditional plug. It has three round pins positioned in a straight line, with the center pin providing the ground connection. Both 10-amp and 16-amp versions exist, with different pin sizes and spacing.
Many modern Italian wall outlets are combination sockets that accept more than one plug type. However, travelers should not assume that every hotel, vacation rental or older building will have universal outlets.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter in Italy?
A plug adapter and a voltage converter perform completely different jobs.
A plug adapter changes the physical shape of the plug so it fits the wall outlet. It does not change the voltage.
A voltage converter changes Italy’s approximately 230-volt electricity to the 110–120 volts used by many American appliances.
Check the device’s input label before deciding what to pack:
• “100–240V, 50/60Hz”: The device is dual voltage and normally needs only a plug adapter.
• “110–120V, 60Hz”: The device is single voltage and should not be connected to an Italian outlet using only an adapter.
• “220–240V, 50/60Hz”: The device is compatible with Italian voltage but still requires the correct plug.
Common dual-voltage devices include most modern smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, electric toothbrush chargers and CPAP power supplies. Always verify the label on the individual charger rather than assuming compatibility.
Recommended Italy Travel Adapters on Amazon.com
The following are popular choices for American travelers. Amazon availability, ratings and sales rankings can change, so check the current specifications before purchasing.
Disclosure: Italia Mia participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
TESSAN Type L Italy Travel Adapter
A practical choice for travelers visiting only Italy, the TESSAN Type L adapter is commonly offered with multiple American-style outlets and USB charging ports. It is useful when a hotel room has only one conveniently located outlet.
Check the product’s maximum load and remember that its AC outlets do not convert voltage.
View the TESSAN Type L Italy Travel Adapter on Amazon.com
Ceptics Type L Italy Plug Adapter
The Ceptics Italy adapter is a compact option for charging one device at a time. Models with three round Type L pins are especially useful in older Italian buildings where a standard two-pin European adapter may not fit securely.
Choose a grounded model if you need to connect a three-prong American device.
View the Ceptics Type L Italy Plug Adapter on Amazon.com
Ceptics Type C European Adapter
This lightweight two-pin adapter works in many Italian outlets and is convenient for dual-voltage phone chargers, tablets, cameras and other small electronics. It is also useful in numerous other European countries.
Because Type C is ungrounded, it is not the best choice for appliances that require a grounding connection.
View the Ceptics Type C European Adapter on Amazon.com
Ceptics Type E/F Schuko Grounded Adapter
A grounded Type E/F adapter is useful in hotels and apartments equipped with Schuko outlets. It is a better option for compatible laptops and other electronics with grounded American plugs.
It will not fit every traditional Italian Type L outlet, so travelers moving between several accommodations may want to carry a Type L adapter as well.
View the Ceptics Type E/F Grounded Adapter on Amazon.com
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
A universal adapter is convenient for a multi-country European vacation. EPICKA models typically combine several international plug configurations with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Universal adapters are generally larger than country-specific adapters. Verify that the model supports the plug configuration needed for Italy and remember that it does not automatically convert voltage.
View the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon.com
Ceptics World-Way Grounded Travel Adapter Kit
The Ceptics World-Way kit uses interchangeable plug attachments and provides grounded connections for compatible equipment. It is a good option for travelers visiting Italy and other countries with different outlet standards.
The manufacturer lists World-Way models among its popular travel products, but individual configurations vary. Check which attachments are included before ordering.
View the Ceptics World-Way Adapter Kit on Amazon.com
Recommended Voltage Converters
Most American travelers do not need a voltage converter for phones, tablets or laptops. A converter is intended for a 110–120V-only device that must operate from Italy’s 230V supply.
BESTEK Step-Down Voltage Converter
BESTEK produces travel converters designed to step 220–240V electricity down to approximately 110V. Some models also include American outlets and USB charging ports.
Check the maximum wattage, prohibited-device list and instructions for the exact model. Many compact electronic converters are unsuitable for hair dryers, curling irons, coffee makers and other heating appliances.
View BESTEK Travel Voltage Converters on Amazon.com
FOVAL Step-Down Travel Converter
FOVAL converters are another popular option for compatible low-wattage American electronics. They are generally designed for devices such as shavers, toothbrush chargers and small electronic equipment rather than high-power heating appliances.
Confirm that the converter’s continuous wattage rating comfortably exceeds the wattage of the device you plan to use.
View FOVAL Travel Voltage Converters on Amazon.com
Hair Dryers, Curling Irons and Straighteners
Hair appliances cause more problems than almost any other travel device because they consume substantial power and may be designed only for 120V and 60Hz electricity.
Do not connect a 120V-only hair dryer to an Italian outlet using a basic plug adapter. The higher voltage can damage the dryer and create a safety risk.
Even a voltage converter may not be suitable. Many small travel converters are designed for electronic devices rather than high-wattage heating products. Always check both the appliance wattage and the converter’s instructions.
The safest alternatives are:
• Use the hair dryer supplied by the hotel or vacation rental.
• Purchase a dual-voltage travel hair dryer.
• Buy an inexpensive hair dryer after arriving in Italy.
• Confirm that a dual-voltage appliance has been manually switched to the 220–240V setting before plugging it in.
View dual-voltage travel hair dryers on Amazon.com
Can You Charge an iPhone in Italy?
Yes. Apple and most other major phone chargers are designed for international voltage, but you should still check the input information printed on the charger.
If it says 100–240V and 50/60Hz, you need only a compatible Italy plug adapter. You can also use an adapter with built-in USB-C ports, provided its charging output is suitable for your phone.
Travelers carrying several devices may prefer a compact USB-C charger with multiple ports. This reduces the number of individual chargers and adapters needed.
View multiport USB-C travel chargers on Amazon.com
What About CPAP Machines?
Many modern CPAP power supplies accept 100–240V and 50/60Hz, but this must be confirmed on the power brick or in the manufacturer’s manual.
If the power supply is dual voltage, a suitable grounded plug adapter is generally all that is required. Travelers should also consider bringing an extension cord because electrical outlets may not be located close to the bed.
Never rely on a generic product description when dealing with medical equipment. Confirm compatibility with the CPAP manufacturer before traveling.
Italian Hotel and Apartment Outlets
Newer Italian hotels frequently have combination outlets, USB ports or international sockets. Older hotels, rural homes and historic apartments can have fewer outlets and may use traditional Type L sockets exclusively.
A useful packing strategy is to bring:
• Two compact Type L adapters.
• One Type C or E/F adapter as a backup.
• A dual-voltage USB charger with several ports.
• A short, lightweight extension cord rated for 230V, if necessary.
Do not connect several high-wattage appliances to one small travel adapter. Avoid adapters that feel loose, spark, become unusually hot or show signs of damage.
Should You Buy an Adapter Before Leaving the United States?
Buying before departure is normally more convenient. Airport shops often charge higher prices, while small stores in Italy may sell adapters designed to connect Italian devices to American outlets—the opposite of what an American visitor needs.
When shopping, confirm that the adapter description clearly says it accepts a U.S. Type A or Type B plug and connects to an Italian Type L, European Type C or Schuko Type F outlet.
Italy Electricity Packing Checklist
Before leaving for Italy:
• Inspect the voltage label on every charger and appliance.
• Pack at least two adapters in case one is lost or left in a hotel.
• Choose a Type L adapter for the broadest Italy-specific compatibility.
• Add a Type C or Type E/F adapter if visiting several European countries.
• Use only properly rated adapters and converters from established manufacturers.
• Leave 120V-only high-wattage appliances at home unless you have confirmed a safe solution.
• Never assume that a universal adapter also converts voltage.
With the correct adapters—and a quick check of each device label—you can safely charge your electronics throughout Italy without carrying a heavy collection of unnecessary converters.
External Sources
Power Plugs and Sockets of the World
TravelPlugMap: Plug Types, Voltage and Adapter Safety
Ceptics Travel Adapter and Voltage Converter Guidance