Italy plug types, what actually fits an Italian socket

Italy is one of the countries in Europe that can be a bit confusing when it comes to plugs and sockets. 

Its sockets look like certain types of plugs can fit, but then they don’t. The reason is due to eight tenths of a millimeter – and it makes all the difference. Italian sockets were built with inputs for thinner pins than most of the continent, so chunky grounded plugs on a German laptop, for example, won’t fit into an Italian socket, even if it looks like it will at first glance. 

This guide talks about what fits into Italian sockets, what doesn’t, and which adapter you need to buy depending on where you’re flying from. 

What plug type does Italy use?

Italy uses a Type L plug. It’s three round pins in a straight line. The center pin is the grounding pin. Like all of mainland Europe, Italy’s electrical grid runs on 230 V and 50 Hz. Now, because of where the pins are on Italy’s plug types, Type C plugs and adapters will also work in Italy. Some sockets may also take Type F, but don’t rely on that solely.

One thing that’s really interesting is Type L plugs come in two incompatible sizes. The 10 amp version has pins that are 4 millimeters spaced 19 millimeters apart. The 16 amp version’s pins are 5 millimeters, spaced 26 millimeters apart. This means that while they’re both Type L, they won’t fit into the same sockets. 

Italy sought to resolve this in the 90s through the invention of the bipasso. The bipasso is a socket with a figure-eight opening that allows for both types of L sockets. Now, there’s a third variant - the Schuko-bipasso, which adds compatibility with German and French plugs. Newer builds and newer hotels typically have these kinds of sockets. An older apartment in the historic center of Rome, less likely. 

Type L plugs are the standard in Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City. They’re also used in other places in the world too, like Chile, Uruguay, Ethiopia, Cuba, and Libya. 

Do your power plugs fit in Italian outlets?

Most travelers heading to Italy will need an adapter. Slim two-pin Type C plugs will fit into all Italian sockets. American, British, Australian, Canadian, Japanese, and Swiss plugs will not fit into Italian walls. German and French grounded plugs will only fit into modern hybrid sockets, which you won’t see everywhere.

The row that surprises a lot of people is the German one. Phone chargers with slim Type C plugs will fit, but the larger grounded plug won’t work unless the building has been renovated and updated with the hybrid socket types. You’ll want to bring a Type L adapter.

What voltage and frequency does Italy use?

Italy, like the rest of Europe, runs 230 V at 50 Hz, under the IEC 60038.

A lot of guides skip over frequency (Hertz). For any device with a switching power supply (so, every charger, laptop, and camera made this century), 50 Hz versus 60 Hz doesn’t make any difference at all. This is why usually, you’ll see 50.60 Hz on labels. 

However, for anything with an AC (alternating current) motor, it does. A motor designed for 60 Hz turns roughly 17% slower on a 50 Hz supply because its speed is tied to the frequency, not the voltage. 

Most electronics you’d be traveling with don’t fit into this category, but some do. Older rotary shavers, some clock radios, and cheap or older fans. 

Do you need a voltage converter for Italy?

Most travelers don’t need to worry about getting a voltage converter, even from the US or Canada. Laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage, which means they can work efficiently across a wide range of voltages. However, some electronics are single-voltage. If you’re from the US or Canada, it’s common for hair tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons to be single-voltage. If this is the case, they’ll be labeled as 120 V. If you see that, the tool was not designed to be compatible with higher voltages. 

It’s easy to check whether or not your electronic device is single or dual-voltage. Turn the device over or look to where it has its fine print listed. Then, find the line that starts with Input. This line will have the voltage range. If you see 100-240V~ 50/60Hz, it means that your device is dual-voltage and will work in Italy. If you see 120V, it means that it is single-voltage and is not designed to be used in Italy. 

What can happen if you use them anyway?

Single-voltage items (120V) shouldn’t be used at higher voltages. Not only can it fry your electronics, but it can also cause circuits to short or even smoke and cause fires. It’s possible to get converters (also called transformers). Converters and adapters are different. Converters convert the voltage; adapters change the shape of your plug.

Be cautious of cheap travel converters. Oftentimes, the less expensive options are actually choppers, not real converters. What this means is that they slice the waveform in half rather than transform it properly. Their packaging usually says in fine print that there is a use limit of 15-30 minutes. 

Do you need a travel adapter for Italy?

Unless your plugs are Type C or Type L, you will need to get an adapter. An adapter sold as a generic “Europe adapter” doesn’t automatically cover Italy’s Type L. Many universal models handle Schuko or French plug standards, but may not fit in all Italian sockets. Look for the words Italy or Type L on the packaging. 

US to Italy, what American travelers need

American plugs cannot be plugged into Italian sockets, no matter how hard you push or which way you angle them. In the US, Type A and Type B plugs are used. They measure about 6.35 millimeters across and are flat. Italian sockets take round pins (4-5 millimeters). 

So, that means there are a few things you need to do before you head to Italy. 

Buy a travel adapter that explicitly lists Italy or Type L compatibility. Make sure that the chargers/electronics you’re packing are listed as 100-240 V (meaning dual-voltage). It’s never a bad idea to get two adapters, just in case you want to charge two things at once, or especially if you’re traveling with a partner or friend. Pack your adapters in your carry-on, that way you’ll have access to it on the plane, as well as immediately once you land without having to dig through your larger bags. 

It's not a bad idea to check out our TSA Laptop Guide, too.

It might also be worth asking your hotel if they carry travel adapters to borrow or rent. Then, you might not need to buy one at all. 

UK to Italy, do British plugs work?

No, British Type G plugs have three rectangular pins, so they won’t fit into Italian sockets. Italian sockets only take round pins. British travelers always need an adapter. 

The good news is that the voltage and frequency are identical in the UK and in Italy, so you can bring both single-voltage and dual-voltage items without needing a converter. Your hair dryer, curler, or kettle will work exactly the same as they do back home with an adapter.

There is one thing that isn’t common knowledge for Britons. The BS 1363 plug on the end of your appliance contains a cartridge fuse. Depending on the device, they’re rated 3, 5, or 13 amps. The fuse is there to act as a safety component, and it’s the reason that British plugs are typically pretty bulky in comparison to plugs found in other countries. 

When you put a travel adapter on your plug, the fuse is still there, doing its job. However, the protection disappears if you use an adapter that houses bare pins. Unfused adapters don’t have any protection on their own. If you’re plugging in anything expensive, or leaving things unattended, it might be worth it to consider a fused travel adapter rather than just the cheapest one you find. The price difference isn’t excessive. 

Where to buy a travel adapter for Italy

There is also an argument for buying an adapter once you’re on Italian soil. Italian sockets sit in a recess. Adapters made for the Italian market are shaped for that recess, so they sit flush inside the socket. Some bulky universal cubes with sliding parts can catch on the rum, meaning they won’t seat completely and can lose contact under the weight of the mechanism. A five euro adapter from a hardware store in Bologna may be a better choice than a thirty euro one at the airport. The downside is that you won’t have an adapter the moment you land, which can be stressful.

Frequently asked questions about Italy plug types

Can I use a European plug in Italy? 

Does Italy use the same plugs as France or Germany?

What is the difference between Type C, F and L?

Is the Italian plug type the same as Spain? 

Can I use my US hair dryer in Italy?

Can I use my CPAP machine in Italy?

Will my electric shaver work in Italy?

Do Italian adapters work in San Marino and Vatican City? 

Further reading on Italy...

Italy Travel Requirements - Information on what the entry requirements are for your next (or even first) trip to Italy.

Train Travel in Italy - If it's your first time navigating Italy's rail system, this guide has some useful information and advice.

Italy VAT Refunds - Information on how to get a VAT refund when shopping in Italy; your rights and how to start the process.

Italian Schengen Visas - Some travelers have to get a Schengen visa before visiting Italy. This guide explains who needs one and how to apply.

ETIAS for Italy - ETIAS is a new travel requirement for Americans, Canadians, Britons, and travelers from dozens of countries. Learn the latest updates here.