Can someone tell me what kind of electrical adapter I will need in Italy? and is an adapter sufficient, or will I need a voltage converter? I've looked on line at radio shack.. and they have two different kinds.. one that says it is for continental europe (2 plugs) and then they have one specifically for Italy that is (3 plugs.. says it's a grounder).. ok... so, do I need both? I've traveled alot, but have never traveled with any appliances.. and this trip I will be needing some. I'm not staying at any major chain hotels.. and I'm staying at a villa.. so not sure what kind I will need... any advice?
The computer is likely the simplest. Check the power adapter. It likely will say something like 110V/220V 50-60HZ. That will work with just a plug adapter.
The phone might also. But check the label for the voltage info.
Travel hairdryers often have a switch for voltage. If so it'll be okay with just a plug adapter.
Scarlet - Have you seen this page on the SlowTrav.com site about taking your electronics to Europe? If you follow the 'breadcrumbs' back from that page you'll find more information about traveling with cell phones, etc.
Also check the "Technology at home and on the go" forum here on SlowTalk.
I will be bringing a hairdrier, curling iron... and computer and cell phone which will need charging..
Transformer (Voltage converter) As Nick z has told you, the computer and cell phone charger are very likely to work on the European voltage,(220 volts) but check and make sure the power units say so.
The hairdrier and curling iron may have the dual voltage swithces on them. If so, you won't need the transformer. If not you have two options. 1. Buy a transformer to take with you. These generally come in two sizes....something like 50 watts and the larger one is something in the range of 1600 watts. You will need the larger one for your hairdryer and curling iron. 2. Your second choice is to buy new dual voltage hair care devices. Advantage is carrying only 2 items instead of 3. The 1600 watt transformer also adds weight. (significant in these days of extra charges for overweight baggage and having to carry luggage onto trains and up stairs.)
Adapters You will need the plug adapters to use any of your items. New construction in Italy uses the 3 prong grounded plugs, but there are lots of places that still have the two prong sockets.
I recommend a trial run working with your plugs and adapters before you leave home. I've had cases where I got to Europe and realized that I had a 3-prong US plug that wouldn't fit into the adapter I bought for the European plugs (due to the 3rd prong being in the way). In other cases, I got over there then found that I had one of those US 2-prong plugs that had one wide prong and one narrow one, and it also wouldn't fit my European adapter.
It's good to take an extension cord since sometimes you have to connect to a receptacle that's a long way from where you want it. Also, I've been places that had only one receptacle available in the room, but with an extension cord I can still charge several things at once.
________________ When life gives you lemons, make limoncello.
Patrick Arkansas suggestion about bring an extension cord is excellent. I have been in hotel rooms, apartments/rental houses/villas, etc. where there was only 1 outlet in the room and I needed to connect a medical appliance closer to where I was sleeping along with the AC adapters for my cell phone and laptop computer.
Besides the extension cord, I also travel with a plug-in triple tap. This solved the problem if my US appliance plug had two or three prongs. I also made sure that the electrical plug adapter for Italy and Europe that I bought in the States could handle either two or three prongs. Please note: if you travel to the UK or Ireland, there is a different type of plug adapter than used in either Italy or continental Europe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask this forum and explore this web site.
Do check the links recommended by Colleen. Everything you need is likely there.
Keep in mind that any plugs you might need will be available at any electronics store, and almost any store that sells things that plug-in. Most adapters go for about €2. You can also pick up extension cords with multiple sockets in a pinch.
Most portable devices are dual voltage (others come in travel versions that are). So unless you have a device that states only 110-120v, you won't need a converter at all.
