Do electrical products that work in the US work in italy?

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sepiamtautm78

You will need an adapter, they are pretty cheap and you can buy them in the US before you go in most electronics stores, online or in Italy when you get there (I have seen them in big supermarkets in some places in Europe, it probably best to ask at the hotel, sometimes they have some available to guest of the hotel and if they don't, they will know where to find them the most quickly so you aren't looking all day when you have better things to do with with your time). Some products won't work without a converter because the voltage in Europe is different, 220V 50Hz in most of Europe and 120V 60Hz in the US. Things like cell phone rechargers, laptops, rechargable batteries, MP3 players, etc will work in general. Though cell phones will only work in Europe if they are "tri-band" phones, Europe uses GSM networks. Always check the manual to make sure that you product can take the voltage difference if you don't want to get a converter as well. Also the some of the plugs in Italy are different the rest of continental Europe, so if you do buy something there and plan to use it elsewhere in Europe, it will not work without an adaptor unless it is two prong plug rather than three prong plug.

elizabeth m

You DON'T always need an adapter! Check the electrical information on the things you plan to use: I am using a US bought laptop with NO converter in Italy to write this, and have been for years. Read the label, if i says 110 - 220V or 100-240V, 50-60Hz all you need is a plug adapter from Radioshack. The current is 220V. Many camcorders, phones, hair dryers, etc. are just the same. Some electronics have a 110V/220V switch, but this seems to be disappearing. If you need an adapter, I would really ask myself if you need the device, or could you buy a new international one for less than the adapter? The cell phone system is different, too, but many models are international, you just have to change the settings.

Wanda

You need a converter - they are cheap. I got a set of 12 (covers all known to man, ha ha) for about $18 US. Stuff that heats up (curling irons, clothing irons) are the ones most prone to problems in the old hotels, even with a converter - just get a travel size one there, it's easier. Converters work fine for digital camera battery charging, cell chargers, etc.

flightpillow

You will need an adapter

=)

Robertina

NO, you'll need an adaptor. You can buy razors, etc in Italy I would only bring necessary items. You can survive a couple of weeks without them. If you need a hair dryer, you can pick a travel one at the travel store before you leave. The less you carry the better... Bags can only be 50 lbs each for your flight Carry-ons are less I believe 35-40 lbs or less. Check with the airlines.

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