How to charge any mobile phone when planning a trip to Italy

A step by step guide showing you how to power your mobile phone with an Italian power outlet with type B USB cable with a three pin Type C Europlug power charger, powering any mobile phone using a Type F USB adapter and how to charge any mobile phone using a three pinned Type L power plug

Italian power outlet

If packing for a vacation to Italy it's helpful to know in advance if you can use all your electronics such as cell phones or laptop computers when you get to your hotel. Without knowing which power socket is used in Italy you could bring the wrong power adaptor, meaning having to buy or borrow a potentially overpriced adaptor when you're there. Differing voltages and plugs can often be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country if you've never been there before. These instructions have been written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the mobile phone when you are going to Italy.If travelling to Italy the following instructions show how to charge the mobile phone using the standard Type L, C or F 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type L plug outlets will be normally used by most Italians. When travelling to Italy from another country check the mobile phone can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts double check your mobile phone is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from being damaged when charging it.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Italy

Can the mobile phone be used in Italy?

Yes, you can use any mobile phone in Italy by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Italy?

When you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your mobile phone the best travel power adapter for Italy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three standards of power outlets in Italy (types L, C and F) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your type of mobile phone can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these power adapters, plus compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel adapters this means you can power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters on your Italian trip. By only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your mobile phone at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones using just a single plug socket.

We suggest searching for a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Italy using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [9] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Italy?

Charging any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

A guide showing how to power any mobile phone with an Italian power outlet with Micro USB type B connector and a three pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. To supply power to the mobile phone from an Italian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Italian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the Micro USB type B connector into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the bottom or along one side of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Charging any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Using USB micro type B cable and a three pinned Schuko Type F power charger to charge any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet.

  1. In order to power any mobile phone using the Italian power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify the plug outlet by two large circular holes 19 mm apart from each other along with two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the side or bottom of the mobile.
  5. Switch on the Italian power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Powering any mobile phone with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Using Micro USB type B connector and a three pinned Type L power charger to charge any mobile phone from an Italian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your mobile phone from the Italian power outlet you will need a Type L USB power plug adapter [8] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start the process by taking the Type L USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet (known as the Type L power outlet [7]) can be identified by the three holes forming a line. Note there are two different variations of Type L wall outlet, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick pins which are spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Italy
  2. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  3. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  7. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  9. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..