Traveling Between Italy And Austria? Here's The Plug Situation

Italy and Austria use different plug types, but some sockets in both countries are compatible with the same plugs. Italy uses Type C, Type F, and Type L plugs, while Austria uses Type F. Type C plugs have two round pins and no grounding pin, Type F plugs have two round pins and a grounding pin, and Type L plugs have three round pins and a grounding pin. While you may be able to find sockets in Italy that are compatible with Type F plugs, it is recommended that you use a Type L adapter when travelling to Italy.

Plug types in Italy and Austria

Italy and Austria use different plug types, but some sockets in both countries are compatible with the same adapters.

Italy uses three types of plug sockets: Type C, Type F, and Type L. Type C sockets have two round pins and no grounding pin, Type F sockets have two round pins and a grounding pin, and Type L sockets have three round pins and a grounding pin. The voltage in Italy is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

Austria uses Type F plugs, which have two round pins and two grounding clips on the sides of the receptacle. The voltage and frequency are the same as in Italy, 230V and 50Hz.

Adapters for Italy and Austria

If you are travelling between Italy and Austria, you will need to use adapters to ensure your devices can be charged and used. Some adapters can accommodate multiple plug types, so it is worth checking the specifications of your devices and purchasing an adapter that is compatible with both Italian and Austrian sockets.

It is important to note that some adapters only convert the plug shape and do not change the voltage. Therefore, it is crucial to check that your devices are dual voltage (compatible with both 110-120V and 220-240V) or to use a voltage converter in addition to the plug adapter.

Do I need a voltage adapter?

If you are travelling to Italy and Austria, you will need to consider voltage and plug types.

Voltage

The voltage in Italy is 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Austria, the voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. This means that if your appliances are compatible with 230V and 50Hz, you will not need a voltage adapter for either country.

However, it is important to note that the voltage in these countries is different from North American voltages. So, if your appliances are only compatible with 110V, you will need a voltage converter.

Plug Types

Italy uses three types of plug sockets: Type C, Type F, and Type L. Type C sockets have two round pins and no grounding pin. Type F sockets have two round pins and a grounding pin. Type L sockets have three round pins and a grounding pin.

Austria uses Type F sockets, which have two round pins and a grounding pin.

If your appliances have plugs that are different from these types, you will need to use a plug adapter. Some appliances might be compatible with European sockets, so be sure to check the specifications of your devices before your trip.

You can purchase plug adapters at most airports, or online before your trip. Some hotels might also provide them for guests to borrow.

It is always a good idea to check the requirements of the specific country or region you are visiting, as plug types and voltages can vary within a country.

What plug type does my device use?

When travelling to a new country, it is important to know what type of plug you will need to be able to use your devices. In Italy, the plug type is L, which has three round pins arranged in a straight line, with the earthing pin positioned between the other two pins. In Austria, the plug type is F, or "Schuko plugs", which are similar to Type E plugs but have two earthing clips on the upper and lower sides of the plug housing, instead of a female earthing contact.

If you are travelling to Italy and Austria, you will need to bring plug adapters that are compatible with both plug types. Some connectors are used in both countries, so you may not need an adapter for every device. However, it is always a good idea to be prepared and bring a universal adapter that can accommodate multiple plug types. You can purchase these adapters online or at most airports.

In addition to the plug type, it is also important to consider the voltage requirements of your devices. Some countries have different voltage standards, and you may need to use a voltage converter to ensure your devices can be safely charged.

When packing for your trip, be sure to check the plug type and voltage requirements for each of your devices. This information is usually listed on the device or its power adapter. By bringing the correct adapters and converters, you can ensure that you will be able to use your devices without any issues during your travels.

• Italy: Type L plug with three round pins in a straight line.
• Austria: Type F plug ("Schuko plugs") with two round pins and two earthing clips.

Where can I buy a plug adapter?

If you are travelling to Italy and Austria, you may need to buy a plug adapter, as they use different plugs to some other countries. You can buy plug adapters from Amazon, which offers a range of single- and multi-country adapters, including some with USB ports. You can also buy them from specialist travel adapter and converter websites, such as Going In Style. Some people also recommend buying a set of adapters that covers all types of European plugs.

If you are travelling through an airport, you may be able to buy a plug adapter there, as many airport shops sell universal adapters. Some hotels also provide plug adapters for their guests to borrow, and some now have USB ports that you can plug your devices straight into for charging.

What other countries use the same plugs as Italy and Austria?

Italy and Austria use the Type F electrical plug, also known as the Schuko plug. This plug is used in many other countries, mostly in Europe.

The Schuko plug has two round pins, each 4.8mm in diameter, spaced 19mm apart. It also has two earth clips on the top and bottom, which differentiate it from the Type E plug, which has a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. The Schuko plug is unpolarised, meaning that the live and neutral connections are not fixed and can be reversed.

The following countries also use the Type F plug:

• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Sweden
• Finland
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• France
• Greece
• Bulgaria
• Hungary
• Romania
• Turkey
• Indonesia
• Korea
• Jordan
• El Salvador
• Iceland
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Serbia
• Suriname
• Uruguay
• American Samoa
• Aruba
• Azores
• Balearic Islands
• Bosnia
• Cape Verde
• Chad
• Croatia
• Guinea
• Laos
• Madeira
• Montenegro
• Niger
• Netherlands Antilles
• Portugal
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sweden
• Algeria
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Finland
• Norway
• Portugal
• Indonesia
• Mozambique
• Netherlands Antilles
• Niger
• Portugal
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Uruguay

Some countries, such as Switzerland, use different plugs in different regions, or have unique plugs that are not used in other countries.

Frequently asked questions