Travel adapter from Japan to Italy — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in Italy?

Italy uses Type C and Type F and Type L plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Japan and Italy, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Japan, you will need a travel adapter for Italy. Japan uses Type A/Type B plugs, and Italy uses Type C/Type F/Type L, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (100 V at home vs 230 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

Japan (home)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

Italy (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type F Two round pins + side earth contacts 220–240V Type L Three round pins in a row 220–240V

Electrical specifications in Italy

Voltage

Japan 100 V

Italy 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Japan 50/60 Hz

Italy 50 Hz

Match

More about plugs in Italy

In Italy, the standard power plug is Type C and Type F and Type L. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in Italy can be one of 3 different shapes — Type C, Type F, Type L, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full Italy plug guide