Travel essentials for Italy

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type C, F, L adapter required

Italy uses Type C and F round-pin plugs plus its own three-pin Type L. Buy an adapter that covers Type L specifically - plenty of 'Europe' adapters don't, and older Italian buildings still use it.

230V, 50Hz

Tap water

Safe to drink

Tap water is safe throughout Italy, and Rome's public nasoni fountains are free and drinkable. A refillable bottle saves real money.

Staying connected

Excellent across cities and most of the countryside.

A Europe-wide eSIM covers Italy and every neighbouring country for barely more than an Italy-only plan. If you're doing multiple countries, buy regional.

Compare Italy eSIMs

Health risks

Summer heatwaves, increasingly severe
Pickpocketing on Rome and Naples public transport
Ticket and taxi scams around major stations

Emergency numbers in Italy

All emergencies	112
Police	112
Ambulance	118
Fire	115
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Rome - +39 06 852 721

Tipping and everyday costs

Not expected the way it is in the US. Restaurants charge a coperto (cover charge) of €1-€3 per person instead. Rounding up is plenty.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

Plan a trip to Italy Pick recharge, scenic, food or balanced and get a day-by-day itinerary, with Italy's entry rules and your checklist on the same page.

More Italy essentials

Italy visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to Italy Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. Italy eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. Italy travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. Italy money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Italy airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in Italy International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in Italy Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

Italy travel essentials FAQs

What plug adapter do I need for Italy?

One that covers Type C, F and - importantly - Type L, Italy's three-pin plug. Many generic 'Europe' adapters skip Type L, which is still common in older buildings.

We will send you the Italy guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.