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If you’re planning a trip to Italy you may be wondering what you can bring with you. If you’ve never traveled overseas before, it may surprise you to learn that electricity runs at a different voltage over there. To use your favorite appliances, like hair dryers, curling irons, or electric razors, you will need to purchase an electricity adaptor . An alternate plan is to buy a special smaller version of these items that are intended specifically for travel. Most such travel appliances will come with dual adaptors that will allow you to use them in North America or Europe.

Other items require a bit of research. For example, to find out if Motorola GSM phones will work in Europe, you’ll have to contact your wireless service. In actuality, the mobile phone services are different in Europe and North America, so there are very few phones that will work on your trip to Italy. You may be better off buying a cheap pay-as-you-go phone once you’re over in Europe.

If you’re worried about being able to access cash from your bank account during your travel to Italy , call your bank and check with them. Most ATMs these days will accept cards from worldwide, but you may have to look around a little to find one that belongs to your network, and fees may be steep. Still, changing money at the ATM often offers a better rate than changing money at a money exchange.

If you’re wondering about whether or not your health insurance or roadside assistance will work in Italy, the best bet is to contact the company and see how far their protection extends. In most cases, it probably won’t extend to Europe, but some companies, like American Express, who specialize in travel-related services, will offer protection to their loyal customers overseas.

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