using your computer
in italy - part one

plugging in
where to buy
voltage check
english software
modem problems
where to get it fixed
italian jargon glossary
internet service provision
apple store in central rome

voltage check

WARNING ! – Check your voltage supply before you plug in your computer in Italy.

United States mains electrical supply is 110-120 Volts, but the Italian supply is double this amount ie, 220-230 Volts. If your computer is from America, you will burn out your computer if you plug it in in Italy without first making the appropriate adjustment.
Most computers have a voltage input adjustment switch – have a look at the back or underneath your computer, or possibly on its power supply cable unit if it has one. Make sure you set it to 220 or 230 Volts. If in any doubt, read the manual, or contact the manufacturer for instructions and confirmation of your computer’s compatibility with foreign voltage supplies. The same goes for all your peripherals (printer, modem, scanner, CD Writer etc)

If your computer or peripheral hardware does not have a built-in voltage-change switch, you will need to buy a separate voltage converter (also sometimes known as a transformer). The converter plugs into the wall in Italy and you then plug your computer into the converter. If you’re planning on moving to Italy long term and bringing a slew of American electrical equipment with you that doesn’t have built-in voltage adjustment, it’s probably worth investing in at least one of these converters. They range in price from between $50 and $300 – The more expensive ones allow you to plug multiple appliances into them. Cheaper ones tend to have inferior build and may burn out early, cannot handle local power surges and have only one appliance output. It is not advisable to run more than one appliance out of the same transformer unless the transformer’s documentation specifically states that it is possible.


The next problem is that in fact you probably physically won’t even be able to plug your computer into the wall sockets in Italy because the American plug is a different shape to the Italian socket.
You can however buy an adaptor which quickly and simply mates your American plug with the Italian socket. (but fellas, this won’t work in Italian nightclubs – you’ll have to use your charm instead).
To avoid blowing up your computer, it’s important not to confuse converters with adaptors. A converter (or transformer) CHANGES THE VOLTAGE. An adaptor ONLY CHANGES THE PLUG SHAPE. So if you clip on your plug adaptor and manage to get your computer plugged into the wall, you will still blow your computer if you haven’t also changed the voltage. (see above)

Plug adaptors are fine, but they can sometimes be the cause of a loose connection in the power supply, and as the fine electronics inside a computer are notoriously twitchy, a better and safer solution is to actually remove your American plug and rewire an Italian plug onto it. Or purchase an complete new computer cable in Italy from an electrical store like Edom, Eldo or Computer World. That way you can minimise the risk of power dropouts due to a loose mains connection. Don’t attempt manually rewiring anything unless you know what you’re doing. If you get it wrong, you’ll blow your computer, and it could also be life threatening. Electricity is nasty stuff.

British computers should not need to have their voltage changed (though always check before plugging in) but they will need the plug changing or adapting.
Whatever country you’re coming from, always check that your computer is set to run on 220-230 Volts when in Italy. Voltage my vary in different localities though. Particularly in the south of Italy, or Sicily, ask a local expert what the local voltage supply is, and adjust your computer accordingly. If still in doubt, wherever you are, just don’t plug it in.

romebuddy's glossary of
italian computer jargon

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your computer in italy