Do I need to bring AC adaptors?
In short
For any non-European appliances you wish to bring to the apartment you will need European AC adaptors for 220 volt current. You can purchase European adaptors prior to arrival in Italy and even in most major airports. Once you are here you can also find those at local shops and supermarkets open only day time and week days.
Want to know more? Let's go!
If you're travelling to Italy from outside Europe, dealing with plugs and power sockets might catch you off guard — but don't worry, it's really straightforward once you know what to expect!
The basics: voltage and frequency
Italy uses 220–230 volt alternating current at 50 Hz. If you're coming from the US, Canada, or Japan (where the standard is 110–120V), this matters a lot: plugging in an appliance that isn't dual-voltage can damage it or even cause a fire. Always check the label on your charger or device — if it says "Input: 100–240V", you're good to go.
Most modern electronics — laptops, phones, cameras, e-readers — are dual-voltage and will work fine with just a plug adaptor. Where you need to be careful is with hair dryers, straighteners, electric shavers, and small kitchen appliances: these are often single-voltage and will need a proper voltage converter, not just an adaptor.
Italian plug types: Type F (and the old Type L)
Italy officially uses the Type F socket (the standard European two-round-pin plug, also called Schuko), which is shared across most of continental Europe. However, you'll still encounter the older Type L socket — a three-pin Italian-specific design — in older buildings and apartments. Acacia Firenze has modern Type F sockets throughout, so a standard European adaptor is all you need.
Here's a quick cheat sheet:
🇺🇸 USA / Canada → Type A or B plug → needs Type F adaptor
🇬🇧 UK → Type G plug → needs Type F adaptor
🇦🇺 Australia / New Zealand → Type I plug → needs Type F adaptor
🇯🇵 Japan → Type A plug → needs Type F adaptor (and check voltage!)
Where to buy adaptors in Florence
If you forget to pack one, no panic — they're easy to find:
Airport (Florence Peretola): international departure and arrival areas usually have a small travel shop
Supermarkets: chains like Esselunga, Carrefour, and Conad carry basic adaptors in the household section
Tabaccherie and ferramente: small tobacconists and hardware stores often stock them too
Pharmacies (farmacia): some carry travel accessories
Prices range from €3 to €12 depending on the type and quality.
A friendly tip before you travel
Buy your adaptor before you leave home — it's cheaper and you'll have one less thing to worry about on arrival.
Universal travel adaptors (the kind with multiple flip-out pins) work well and last for years. Brands like Skross or Travel Blue are reliable and widely available online.