Classic Italy Power: 3 Prong or 2 Prong Converter & Adapter Needed?

AwayWeGo

Taking our first trip to Italy (Classic Italy Oct 8), and getting so many different answers online regarding what type of converter do we need in Italy: a 2-Prong or a 3-Prong? Right now we are seeing the 2 Prong as the most popular, but the Talus model Adapter & Converter map shows that a Ground (3-Prong) is needed in Italy. (Classic Italy Tour: Naples/Almafi Coast & Northwest to Venice.) What type of converter and adapter do we need? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

British

You should not need a converter, just an adapter unless you have an unusual electronic item to take with you.

AlanS

You only need a 3-pin adapter if you have a US device with a grounded plug that has two prongs and an offset ground pin. Just like in the US, most of Italy's receptacles have 3 holes. (The center hole in an Italian receptacle and the offset round hole in US receptacles are grounds and generally not needed.) Your phone/tablet/shaver plugs will likely have just two prongs (meaning they are ungrounded) so you only need an adapter that has two slots on the "US side" and two pins on the Italian side. Just like two prong plugs in the US with can be inserted in a standard receptacle, a two pin Italian plug can be inserted in a 3 hole Italian receptacle.

If you are taking a laptop which has two prongs and a ground pin, then get an adapter that has 3 pins on the Italian side.

Remember Italian outlets supply 220 volts so check to ensure all your devices are dual voltage- it will say right on it (e.g. 120v/240v.)

AwayWeGo

Thank you for the explanation! Grazie!