HomeUS → Italy
Do I need an adapter from the US to Italy?
You need a Type F or L adapter for Italy.
United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz → Italy: Type C/F/L, 230 V, 50 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Italy's Type C/F/L sockets. Pack a Type F/L adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Italy's Type C/F/L sockets. Pack a Type F/L adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type F/L plug adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the charger: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit Italy's Type C/F/L sockets. Pack a Type F/L adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the power supply: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit Italy's Type C/F/L sockets. Pack a Type F/L adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type F/L plug adapter. Italy runs at 50 Hz, not 60 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for Italy (on amazon.com)
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Why
Plug shape. The US uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). Sockets in Italy are Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart), Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides) and Type L (three round pins in a line (10 A or 16 A size)). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. The US is 120 V; Italy is 230 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged. Adapter or converter?
Frequency. The US is 60 Hz; Italy is 50 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
Italy: Italy's own standard is Type L (CEI 23-50), which comes in two incompatible sizes: 10 A (4 mm pins, 19 mm apart) and 16 A (5 mm pins, 26 mm apart). Most modern sockets are 'bipasso' (both L sizes plus Type C) or 'universal' (also Type E/F Schuko). Older buildings may only have narrow 10 A sockets, where a Schuko plug will not fit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from the US to Italy?
Yes. US plugs are Types A and B and sockets in Italy are Types C, F or L, so you need a Type F or L adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from the US to Italy?
Only for single-voltage appliances. The US is 120 V and Italy is 230 V, so an US hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a step-down converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my US phone charger work in Italy?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type F or L plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, Italy to the US?
You need a Type B adapter for the United States, plus a voltage converter for your hair dryer or straightener. Full guide to the US.