Power Plugs and Sockets in Brazil - Do You Need an Adapter?

In Brazil, the plug types used are C and N. The voltage is 127-220 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Argentina, the plug types used are C and I. The voltage in Argentina is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type C

Type N

What are the plugs like in Brazil?

In Brazil, the predominant plug types are C and N. If you are coming from Argentina, then your devices are of type C or I.

In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.

Special considerations: In Brazil, dual voltage installations are quite common for certain high-powered appliances, such as clothes dryers and whirlpool showers, which normally operate at 220 V even in areas of 127 V. Depending on the area, the voltage can be 127 V or 220 V. Currently, the standard type for outlets is type N, which is compatible with Europlug pins, but older types A, B, and I can still be found in some areas. Note that although type N is similar to type J, their dimensions are different, so they are not compatible.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Brazil?

It is important to know that in Brazil the electrical voltage is 127-220 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Argentina, the electrical voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

Due to the wide range of voltages used in Brazil, you will be able to use your devices from Argentina, but you should always verify the voltage of the socket to which you are connecting your electrical device. Your chargers will work at 220 V, so you should connect them to sockets of that range.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Brazil.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Brazil?

If you are travelling from Argentina to Brazil, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you may need an adapter in Brazil to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Brazil?

If you are travelling from Argentina to Brazil, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Argentina and Brazil have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Brazil.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Brazil?

You will have to be careful when using your hair dryer or hair straightener in Brazil. These devices are not usually dual voltage, so you should pay attention to ensure that the voltage of the hair dryer/straightener is the same as the socket you are going to use. To be able to use these devices with peace of mind, we recommend that you purchase a voltage adapter.

How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?

To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in Brazil with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Brazil from Argentina and there is not full compatibility, you may still need a plug adapter.

What happens if I connect a 220 V device to a 127 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 220 V device from Argentina to a 127 V socket in Brazil without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Brazil, make sure you have a voltage adapter.

What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?

When connecting a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket in Brazil without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a faster speed than expected. Most electronic devices nowadays should not be damaged, but it is true that in older devices, the motors could heat up and risk being damaged.