Peru Electrical Plug: Do I need a travel adapter?

2021 Updated Information about everything you need to know about Peru electrical plug, from the voltage used to the shape of the plugs that you can use.

Peru electrical plugs are 220 volts. This means if you plug any electronic device made for 110 volts, you’ll break it! – sparks and smoke included. If you are planning to come to Peru, these are a few things to keep in mind.

Most of the devices in North and South America use 110 volts. So, to plug these devices in Peru you’ll need a volt travel adapter. However, most European, Asian, African countries use 220 volts for its electrical devices – Same as electricity in Peru, so there no need for volt adapters.

What About Cellphones in Peru?

Modern cellphones are usually adapted for the two types of volts: 110 and 220 volts. Same for Laptops and speakers recently out.

Nevertheless, it’s very important to check the small letters on the boxes or batteries. If they say anything like “INPUT 110 V/220 V” it means that it has the capacity to adapt for both types of volts.

What Do I Do if my Device is Not Compatible with Peru’s Electrical Plug?

The first thing to know is that the main hostels, hotels and touristic places have the adapters incorporated in the Peru Electrical plugs. But maybe in remote places, this is not an option.

Don’t take the risk! You can get a volt adapter at any hardware store or supermarket. They are really cheap and easy to get. Or you can opt to bring some volt adapter from home.

If you’re planning on going to Peru with electronic devices such as electronic toothbrushes, razors, hairdryers or irons. Make sure you consult first with your travel agency.

What Are the Risks of Using the Wrong Electrical Plug?

If you are feeling a little adventurous then I’d recommend for you to take some Machu Picchu treks. DO NOT TRY TO PLUG IN YOUR DEVICE IF IT NEEDS A DIFFERENT VOLT.

Imagine coming to Peru from Mexico or Colombia. You connect your device in a Peru electrical plug. Your device needs a 110 volt — it’s going to get messy! You’d be lucky if he doesn’t explode.

Now, If you’re using a device that works with 220 voltage and you plug it on a 110 voltage plug. Will it be ok? well, no it will not. It may not happen immediately but it’s going to break at some moment.

Another indicator that you need to keep in mind is the frequency (Hz for “hertz”) from the original country and the destination. Some are 50 Hz and some other 60 Hz.

In these cases, you cannot convert different frequencies to another. Not even with an adapter. Best thing to do is just use it at home.

Different Types of Peru Electrical Plugs

Round, flat, combined… Did you know there are more than 14 types of plugs in the world? It might be better if you get a universal adapter just in case, not for the voltage, just for the plug entrance.

These universal electrical plugs adapters are also easy to find in supermarkets and DIY stores. In Peru, the more typical Peru electrical plug entrances are for Type A (2 parallel right-angled slits), Type B (2 parallel slits and a round entrance) and type C (2 round entrances).

What’s the Reason for the Different Volts of Peru’s Electrical Plugs?

All around the world, there are not standard volts, frequencies, or electrical plugs. Electricity, in a relative way, is a brand new invention. So the type of electricity adopted by some countries had a lot to do with historical and practical aspects.

The reason for this has a cool story behind it. What it comes down to is irreconcilable differences between Thomas Alba Edison and Nikola Tesla. This episode in history is known as “War of the currents” at the end of XIX century.

The Direct Current (DC) is 110 volts promoted by Edison. It was more difficult to manipulate the voltage converters. Its practice was more expensive, but it became more popular in the United States, Canada, and most of Latin America.

The Alternative Current (AC) is 220 volts promoted by Tesla. It was easier to modify and it was cheaper to use. That motivated Europe, Asia, Africa and some countries in South America such as Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Peru to use this voltage as standard.

Peru Electrical Plug – Conclusion

If you are coming from Europe, Africa, Asia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay or Paraguay, where 220 volts devices’ are used: You DO NOT need an adapter.

But if you come from Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador, where 110 volts decide are used: You DO need an adapter.