I have always used the 2 rounded prong adapter in Italy (last trip 2007) but I saw where someone answered a question a poster asked and that person indicated a 3 rounded prong adapter is needed for Italy. ????? What is the 3 prong adapter. I have not seen it in any travel store in my area. do I need it. I am leaving in 4 days

Google it up. They sell them at Radio Shack. They also sell them in airports and in Italy. I wouldn't stress about it. Some plugs take 2 prongs or pins and some take 3. Sometimes inside the same room! Hotels will lend them to you as well.

I always bring the 2-prong adapter, because I once brought a 3-prong adapter and it (obviously) wouldn't work in a 2-prong outlet.

I just take the two prong.

This is the radio shack plug I use for my American computer (I live in northern Italy)

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3196497

but if a 2 prong works, great. If it doesn't you won't have any trouble locating what you need.

I have put a picture of the alternatives here -

http://italianplugs.blogspot.it/

Generally, but not always, a two pin works in a three pin (type L) and will also fit in a Type F. Certain three pin plugs require all three pins to work.

There is also a larger version of the three pin plug which will not take a two pin. Just to confuse things!

In Varenna, Italy now with a 2 prong adapter. Unfortunately, my prongs are too close together! Strange!

Some of the prongs on the 2-prong adapters are "fatter" than others. I have two sizes of 2-prong adapters. I've never seen a case where the prongs were too close together. Strange!
(the "fatter" prongs I think I used in Amsterdam)

The "fatter" prongs are Schuko plugs (a German plug) that's used in Italy for major appliances. The two prong plugs should work in all three-hole outlets; the middle prong is just a ground. A two-prong adapter with skinny prongs should work in virtually every circumstance. If it doesn't, look for another outlet in the room. It that fails, ask your hotel for an adapter. They should at least have an adapter that will accept your two-prong adapter, and you can piggyback it.

There are lots of "universal" adapters floating around. However, many Italian outlets are recessed, and some of the universal adapters are too fat for them.

thanks all.....

>>>They should at least have an adapter that will accept your two-prong adapter, and you can piggyback it.<<<

I take a couple of 2 prong adapters. Some outlets are recessed and I have to stack both (piggyback) to be able to plug something in. I also take a USB plug as so many things charge that way.

I buy my two-prong adapters on Ebay for about a buck apiece, and usually buy 10 at a time. The plugs for southern Italy have been thinner than Northern Europe, but for me they have worked interchangeably. The only problem has been getting plugs that are too wide - - the plastic fans out and doesn't fit in circular sockets, such as those in Germany, so I only buy plugs in narrow housings.