Italy caught me out the first time I visited. I had packed a standard European adapter, the same one that worked in France and Spain, but half the outlets in my Rome apartment had three holes in a row – the Italian Type L socket. My two-pin adapter worked in some rooms and not others. Now I know to bring an adapter specifically designed for Italy, or a universal one that includes the Type L configuration.
Italy uses Type L plugs (three round pins in a row) as the primary standard, though Type C outlets (two round pins) are also common. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz.
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Plug Types in Italy
| Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type L | Three round pins in a row | Italy-specific, grounded |
| Type C | Two round pins | European standard, ungrounded |
Note: Type L has two sizes – 10A (smaller pins, 4mm spacing) and 16A (larger pins, 5mm spacing). Most travel adapters fit both.
Do UK Travelers Need an Adapter?
Yes. UK plugs (Type G – three rectangular pins) won’t fit Italian sockets. Get a UK to Italy adapter specifically, as standard European adapters may not fit Type L sockets.
Do US Travelers Need an Adapter?
Yes. US plugs (Type A/B – flat prongs) won’t fit Italian sockets.
Voltage note: Italy uses 230V vs US 110-120V. Check your device label:
- 100-240V: Only need an adapter
- 110V/120V only: Need a voltage converter
Voltage and Frequency
- Voltage: 230V
- Frequency: 50Hz
Same as the UK, so UK appliances work fine with just an adapter. Modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are typically dual-voltage.
What Adapter Do I Need?
- 2-prong or 3-prong? Type L uses 3 prongs, but most Type C (2-prong) devices work in Italian outlets
- UK travelers: Get a UK to Italy adapter with Type L compatibility
- US travelers: Get a US to Italy adapter plus check voltage compatibility
Where to Buy
- Amazon (before travel)
- Electronics stores
- Airport shops
- Italian hardware stores
Safety Tips
- Check voltage requirements on all devices
- Don’t overload outlets
- Unplug devices when not in use
- Bring a spare adapter
Does Italy Use European Plugs?
Partly. Type C (standard European) plugs work in many Italian outlets. However, Italy’s Type L outlets are unique to the country. A universal travel adapter that includes Type L is the safest choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plug type does Italy use?
Italy primarily uses Type L plugs with three round pins in a row, though Type C (two round pins) outlets are also common. Type L has both 10A and 16A versions with different pin spacing.
Do UK visitors need an adapter for Italy?
Yes, UK plugs (Type G with three rectangular pins) won’t fit Italian sockets. You need a UK to Italy adapter specifically, as standard European adapters may not fit Type L sockets.
Can I use a standard European adapter in Italy?
Partly. Type C (standard European) plugs work in many Italian outlets, but Italy’s Type L outlets are unique. A universal travel adapter that includes Type L is the safest choice.
Do US travelers need a voltage converter for Italy?
Italy uses 230V compared to US 110-120V. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage and only need an adapter. Check your device label – if it says “100-240V,” you only need an adapter.
What is the difference between Type L 10A and 16A?
Type L has two sizes: 10A (smaller pins, 4mm spacing) for lower-power devices and 16A (larger pins, 5mm spacing) for higher-power appliances. Most travel adapters fit both.
Where can I buy an Italy plug adapter?
You can purchase adapters from Amazon, electronics stores, airport shops, or Italian hardware stores. It’s cheaper to buy before your trip than at the airport.
