In Italy there are different plug connections for electrical devices than in Germany. However, the mains voltage is also 220/230 volts alternating current. Type F and type L are used as sockets in Italy.
An adapter is needed for "large" plugs.
If you bring your hairdryer, baby bottle warmer, or other electrical appliances, you will generally need a plug adapter. The large, round, grounded plugs ("Schuko plugs") do not fit in Italy. They are usually for higher-wattage appliances, but the pins of German plugs are too thick.
In our luggage there is always this travel adapter from Tessan If you have a stopover in Switzerland, you can also use this.
Which plug fits where?
The German "narrow" plugs usually fit.
The "narrow" plugs (Type C), such as those used for mobile phone charging cables or simple electrical appliances, usually fit, but sit rather loosely in the socket. For this reason, Italian plugs have a third pin in the middle, which serves solely to provide stability in the socket.
our recommendation
To help you keep track of the wide range of travel plugs, we have selected three products from Amazon:
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| Link | SKROSS Travel Adapter Pro, adaptable adapter plug for travel to the UK, Australia, China or the USA, compact & safe universal adapter* | TESSAN Travel Adapter Worldwide, Universal Travel Plug with 3 USB A and 1 USB C, International Socket Adapter, Universal Adapter for England USA Japan Thailand Australia, Travel Adapter* | SKROSS 1.302930 World Adapter MUV USB* |
| Test result | RatingVery good! | ||
| Price | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping |
| Manufacturer | Skross | THESSAN | CROSS |
| Availability | |||
| Price | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping | Price not available Price incl. VAT., Excl. Shipping |
| View product | View product | View product | |
| Buy now on Amazon* | Buy now on Amazon* | Buy now on Amazon* | |
| Additional offers |
| Manufacturer | Skross |
| Availability |
| Manufacturer | THESSAN |
| Availability |
| Manufacturer | CROSS |
| Availability |
Comparison of socket types F (Germany) and L (Italy)
| feature | Type F (Germany) | Type L (Italy) |
|---|---|---|
| Common name | Schuko | Italian or Chilean |
| Form | Cow | Flat, linear arrangement |
| Pin arrangement | Two round pins with side ground contacts | Three pins in a row |
| Grounding method | Side grounding clips | Central earthing pin |
| amperage | 16A | 10A or 16A versions |
| Compatibility | Can accommodate Type-C connectors | Can accommodate Type-C plugs (in 10A version) |
| security features | Recessed socket, with lock | Partially recessed socket |
| pin diameter | 4,8 mm | 4 mm (10A) or 5 mm (16A) |
| Pin spacing | 19 mm between the pins | 19 mm between the outer pins |
| Socket depth | About 15 mm | About 10 mm |
Benötige ich einen Adapter für meine Geräte in Italien? Für die meisten deutschen Geräte benötigen Sie einen Adapter in Italien. Eurostecker (die schmalen, runden Stecker ohne Erdung) passen allerdings in die meisten italienischen Steckdosen vom Typ C. Geräte mit Schukostecker (mit Erdung) benötigen in der Regel einen Adapter für italienische Typ L Steckdosen.
Welche Spannung hat das Stromnetz in Italien? In Italien beträgt die Netzspannung 230 Volt bei einer Frequenz von 50 Hz – genau wie in Deutschland. Daher benötigen Sie keinen Spannungswandler, sondern lediglich einen Steckdosenadapter.
Last updated: 16.10.2025
