What type of adapter/converter do I need to be able to use my american laptop in Italy?
I have a 2007 macbook laptop, and I'm going to be bringing it to Italy in a week. I know I need to get some sort of thing to allow me to plug it in, but i've heard that certain ones can fry your laptop. I was wondering if anyone knows about this and has a recommendation. thanks!
Rome - 3 Answers
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1 :
You need a plug adapter for Europe like this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104181. These are widely available at places like Radio Shack, Target, Walmart, airport shops, luggage stores, etc. You do not need a voltage adapter since the power supply for laptops works with either US or European voltages and frequencies. You can verify this on the label on the power supply; it will say something like 100 - 240 V and 50 - 60 Hz. I've lived in Italy for several years and use my laptops purchased in the US with no problem.
2 :
First of all, you need an adaptor for the flat USA plugs to get into the round european sockets unless the hotel where you will be staying can provide you durectly with the adaptor). In Italy we have two kinds of plugs, both round, one smaller (real italian),and the other bigger (so called german or european), so I would advise you wait to buy your adaptor when you come over and you can see which socket is in your hotel room. Otherwise, you can buy the adaptor either at the airport or here at a supermarket, or even online. Here you can see a picture of the varous adaptors: http://www.adaptelec.com/wa9-travel-plug-adapter-for-europe-type-f-cee-77-schuko-p-2.html and here you will see what I'm talking about: http://www.adaptelec.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=304 Secondly, but even more important, is the fact that over here in Italy, power is not 110 Volts like in the US, but 220Volts, so that's what might damage your pc! I it cannot be switched into 220 Volt you must buy another item that reduces the power! In Italy it's called "trasformatore", meaning "converter", transformer, and it can be bought in any electricity shop.
3 :
Basically what they said. You first need a plug that will fit into the Italian plugs, which vary. They're all spherical prongs, two of them are just two, one father apart than the other, and a newer one is the three prongs. Here's an example of a three prong: http://www.mapleleaftravel.ca/electronics/adptplugit/ You will also need a transformer like somebody said. Its usually a box like this: http://www.brookstone.com/bs_assets/images/shop/large_300/223578_P.jpg You have to be careful though because different transformers are to be used for different things depending on the amount of wattage the appliance needs. Chargers, for instance, need a low wattage under 25 or something, but things with heat usually need more. Some transformers have two settings for this, or built in detectors. Laptops might be a special case and you might want to contact apple to find out what you need specifically
