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

If you are travelling to Uruguay 🇺🇾 from Ecuador 🇪🇨, then IT DEPENDS.

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In Uruguay, the plug types used are A, C, F, I and L. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Ecuador, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Ecuador is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type A

Type C

Type F

Type I

Type L

✅ Your devices from Ecuador of type A will be valid and will work without an adapter.

⚠️ Your devices from Ecuador of type B will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.

⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Uruguay they use 230 V while in Ecuador you have 120 V.

What are the plugs like in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, the predominant plug types are A, C, F, I and L. If you are coming from Ecuador, then your devices are of type A or B.

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 Uruguay, the type L plug is the one that the National Administration of Power Plants and Electrical Transmissions is requiring for installation, which is why it is becoming the most used. The F type (known here as “Schuko”) and C type are common due to their use in computing and can be found in some imported appliances. Some imported appliances also use the A type. The I type is now only found in old installations, predating 1980, and is being replaced by the L type. Both poles are live, with the neutral or return only being used industrially at 380 V.

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

It is important to know that in Uruguay the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Ecuador, the electrical voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Uruguay. 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 Uruguay.

Table of Contents

What are the plugs like in Uruguay?
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Uruguay?
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

If you are travelling from Ecuador to Uruguay, 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 Uruguay to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Uruguay?

If you are travelling from Ecuador to Uruguay, 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 Ecuador and Uruguay have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Uruguay.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Uruguay?

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 Ecuador and Uruguay, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Uruguay.

However, since the plugs in Uruguay and Ecuador are not fully compatible, we recommend that you acquire a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer with peace of mind.

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 Uruguay with a different voltage than your device.

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

Dual Voltage Plug

What happens if I connect a 120 V device to a 230 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 120 V device from Ecuador to a 230 V socket in Uruguay without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Uruguay, make sure you have a voltage adapter.

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

When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Uruguay without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.