Power Plugs and Sockets in Argentina - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Argentina 🇦🇷 from Barbados 🇧🇧, then YES, you will need an adapter.
In Argentina, the plug types used are C and I. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Barbados, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Barbados is 115 V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Type C
Type I
⚠️ Your devices from Barbados of type A and B will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Argentina they use 220 V while in Barbados you have 115 V.
What are the plugs like in Argentina?
In Argentina, the predominant plug types are C and I. If you are coming from Barbados, then your devices are of type A or B.
For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Argentina are not compatible with the devices from Barbados and you will not be able to use your devices.
In Argentina, new appliances use type I plugs. Type C outlets are still used in older installations. In type I outlets, the phase and neutral are reversed compared to other countries. The use of adapters is very common. There are also special 20A outlets for high-consumption appliances. Gradually, type C outlets are being phased out, although many installations still have them. It is also common to find outlets that mix types I and C.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Argentina?
It is important to know that in Argentina the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Barbados, the electrical voltage is 115 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Argentina. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Argentina.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Argentina?
If you are travelling from Barbados to Argentina, 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 will need an adapter in Argentina to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in Argentina?
If you are travelling from Barbados to Argentina, 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 Barbados and Argentina have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Argentina.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Argentina?
The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Barbados and Argentina, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Argentina.
However, since the plugs in Argentina and Barbados are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.
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 Argentina with a different voltage than your device.
However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Argentina from Barbados, you will still need a plug adapter.
What happens if I connect a 115 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 115 V device from Barbados to a 220 V socket in Argentina without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Argentina, make sure you have a voltage adapter.
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