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South America Plug Types: What Travel Adapter do I Need?

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A quick guide to the different plug types used in South America, and what kind of travel adapter you’ll need there…

One of the things that had me stumped when I was planning for my first major backpacking trip was what kind of travel plug adaptor for South America I needed. 

Previously, I’ve only ever needed to use the same European one. But, as it turned out, for South America it’s not so easy. Many of the countries have different electrical outlet plugs and different voltages, so it’s not really a one-plug-fits-all job!

The following guide breaks down the different plug types used in each South American country to help you plan your trip.

Best Travel Plug Adapter for South America

To solve the problem, I found a World Wide Travel Adaptor, which really helped out when I was travelling around South America.

This is a super handy little gadget that converts a UK plug into three different plug types: Type A, the American-style two-pronged plug; Type C, the Northern European rounded two-pin; and Type E, the Southern European rounded two-pin. These three plug types can be used in over 150 countries; including most of South America. Perfect!

South America Plug Types: What Travel Adapter do I Need?South America Plug Types: What Travel Adapter do I Need?

CHECK PRICES – Latest prices in the UK  |  Latest prices in the USA

World Travel Adapter from SKROSS

The USB World Adapter from SKROSS is a small, lightweight travel adaptor suitable for over 150 countries. Rather than only converting a UK plug to the rest of the world, there are multiple input sockets which overlap – so you can input a plug from the UK, Euro, USA, Japan, Australia, and China.

There are also two USB ports, meaning you can plug a USB cable directly into the World Adaptor and charge your mobile or other USB devices at the same time as using the plug for, say, a laptop or hairdryer.

Then, the various output plugs – which work in over 150 countries around the world – simply pop out using the black sliders on the side of the adaptor. It’s so easy to use, and far more compact than the worldwide travel adaptor I was previously using.

Although this Swiss-made adaptor doesn’t convert voltage, this shouldn’t be a problem, because most new electronics are able to support both voltages anyway – although it’s always a good idea to check the power input details on your device before plugging it in. If, like my Chromebook, it says 100-240V~50-60hz; you’re good to go! The SKROSS adaptor is super compact, easy to use, very lightweight, and really sturdy – making it the ideal travel companion. I love it!

So, it should be that the only thing you need to worry about when travelling South America is which output plug to use where. Here’s a list of all the plug types by country:

Plug Types in South America – by Country

Argentina – Voltage 220V, Frequency 50Hz

May use either the standard European rounded two-prong plug (Type C), or the 3 prong plug used in Australia (Type I).

Bolivia – 220V, 50Hz

Same as the USA (Type A).

Brazil – Depending on the region, voltage might be 115 V, 127 V, or 220V.

Brazil uses a number of different outlets, some areas use a European round pronged outlet (Type C), others the American two/three-pronged outlet (Type A).

Chile – 220V, 50Hz

European two-prong plug (Type C) as well as a third, rounded prong plug (Type L).

Colombia – 120V, 60Hz

Same as USA (Type A).

Ecuador – 120V, 60Hz

Same as USA (Type A).

French Guiana – 220V, 50Hz

European two-prong plug (Type C) or the French two-pin (Type E).

Guyana – 120V, 60Hz

Same as USA (Type A).

Paraguay – 220, Frequency 50Hz.

European two-prong plug (Type C).

Peru – 220V, 60Hz (some areas may be 50Hz)

Either the American two-prong plug (Type A) or the European (Type C). Many outlets have been designed to accept both types of plug.

Suriname – 220-240V

European two-prong plug (Type C).

Uruguay – 230V, 50Hz

Either the European rounded two-prong plug (Type C) or the three-pronged plug used in Australia (Type I).

Venezuela – 120V, 60Hz

Same as USA (Type A).

Click here to buy your own Worldwide Adaptor – or HERE if you’re in the USA!

I hope this guide to the different plug types used in South America has been helpful. Got a question? Scroll down to leave a comment and I’ll try to help.

3 thoughts on “South America Plug Types: What Travel Adapter do I Need?”

  1. This was really helpful! Thank you. I’m heading over in September and couldn’t decide which plug was the best, but will buy this one on your recommendation!

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