Ultimate Guide to Outlets In Peru

Electrical outlets and currents vary from country to country. In this guide, learn about the electrical system in Peru, Peruvian outlets, and how to adapt when visiting from another country. 

What Is The Most Common Peru Outlet Type?

The International Electrotechnical Commission publishes a standard system of electrical outlets, to make it easier to identify outlets used around the world. You can explore the IEC’s World Plugs Map to learn about the electrical potential, voltage, frequency, and plug types compatible with different countries’ power grids.

At the bottom of the map, you’ll find a key depicting all electrical plug types used worldwide, from A to O. 

Type A and type B plugs are the only types used in the U.S. and Canada.

According to the IEC, “The Type A electrical plug (or flat blade attachment plug) is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins…the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin.” 

In contrast, the Type B plug has three pins: “two flat parallel pins and a round grounding (or earth) pin. The earth pin is longer than the other two.” The length ensures the device is grounded before the power connects.

In Peru, the most common outlets are also type A. However, type C outlets are also very common, and most wall outlets feature both “A” and “C” plug options. 

The IEC notes, “The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres…Type C plugs are generally limited for use in appliances that require 2.5 amps or less.” 

Type B outlets are technically still compatible with Peru’s electrical grid. But, they’ve essentially been phased out. 

What Is The Voltage and Frequency of Electricity in a Peruvian Electrical Outlet?

All electrical outlets in Peru are connected to the grid, which pressurizes electricity through the circuit at a 220V rate. Peru’s primary power grid uses an alternating current (AC) at a 60Hz frequency.

The power grids of the United States and Canada both run electricity at a rate of 120V. Like Peru, the U.S. and Canada also use an electric AC at 60Hz. Thus, an adapter for U.S.-based or Canadian devices or appliances need only adapt to the difference in voltage. 

In contrast, the U.K. and Australia largely use 230V electrical outlets at 50Hz. 

How To Choose a U.S. to Peru Power Adapter & Voltage Converter

A power adapter changes AC electricity to D  to empower a device that can only intake DC currents (like a laptop or smartphone). Most laptop and phone chargers are power adapters. 

Certain power adapters—particularly those marketed as “travel adapters”—are multifunctional: in addition to AC/DC conversion, they can connect to a specific outlet type and empower a powerstrip incorporating different outlet types. This lets you run an appliance with a Type B plug on power from a Type C outlet.  

Power adapters are not inherently voltage converters. Voltage converters are often necessary when traveling to Peru; you don’t want to overload a device meant to intake 110V with a 220V current. 

110v-120V Appliances Vs. Dual Voltage Devices In Peru

Most appliances (like hair dryers) are designed to be compatible with the voltage of your country’s grid. So, most U.S.-market and Canadian appliances are 110V rated. 

That said, some devices are “dual voltage,” which means they can work with a wide range of voltages. For example, all MacBooks are designed to operate on either 110-120V or 220-240V power systems. Likewise, most laptop chargers support a 100V-240V range of electrical inputs. 

In these cases, you won’t need to use a voltage converter. Instead, a travel adapter should be fine on its own. 

Voltage Converter Power Ratings

For devices that do need a voltage converter, look up the device’s wattage. Most appliances will list their wattage rating (W) on a technical label on the object’s surface (usually its underside). Others will list wattage in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Then, choose a voltage converter with at least 2x the wattage rating of your electrical appliance. Travel professionals recommend a converter with a 3x higher wattage capacity if the device utilizes surge power (like a laser printer). 

For example, a freestanding speaker might be 200 watts, and a film projector 300 watts. If you plan to run them both during a party in Peru, you’ll want a step-down voltage converter with a 1000W capacity—twice the combined wattage of your devices. In contrast, phones and laptops typically use chargers ranging from 18W – 230W.  

Note On Short-Term-Use Devices

Short-term-use devices don’t necessarily require a converter with twice their wattage capacities. 

For instance, travelers often bring hair dryers, which typically use 1400W of electricity. Fortunately, it’s usually safe to use a converter with a 25% higher wattage capacity than a hair dryer, as they’re only used once per day for 5-10 minutes (at most). So, hair dryers only need a 1,750W+ capacity converter. 

In addition to capacity, consider the converter’s portability, price, and weight. If you’re traveling light, make sure you can keep to the bag weight limit or size limit for the airline you’re using. 

What’s The Best Power Adapter For Peru Visitors From The U.S. and Canada?

The best power adapter depends on whether you need a step-down converter, how much power you need from the adapter, and whether you have additional considerations (like price, safety, or weight requirements. 

For Americans and Canadians who need only charge their dual-voltage laptops and smartphones, an adapter may not even be necessary. A laptop charger compatible with Type A outlets and 220V currents should work just fine in Peru. That said, a basic travel adapter is helpful, even for dual-voltage devices. 

Best Adapter For Dual-Voltage Devices (Non-Converter)

The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter isn’t a voltage converter. However, it can work with Type A and Type C outlets, and its maximum capacity on a 220V main is 2400W. It does effectively adapt AC power to a DC current compatible with its USB ports. It costs about $22 and weighs less than half a pound.

Best Combination Step-Down Converter & Adapter For High-Watt Devices

For visitors from the U.S. and Canada charging higher-power devices, the 2000W Ceptics 220V-110V Travel Voltage Converter is ideal. 

The step-down converter is compatible with Type A, B, and C outlets, weighs 1.54 lbs, and can connect to up to 7 devices through its ports and outlets. It’s a reputable brand, and it costs around $60-$80. Be wary of any converter claiming a similarly high capacity at half the price or less. 

Best Travel Adapter & Converter For Low-Watt Devices

If you need a step-down converter, but don’t need the power, there are more options. Look for models with protective features, like surge protectors. 

The BESTEK Voltage Converter & Travel Adapter has a limited, maximum output of 150W. Yet, that’s all you need to charge a phone or tablet. It converts 220V to 110V, it’s compatible with Peru’s Type A outlets, and it incorporates a built-in fuse to prevent overloads. At $29, it’s one of the most affordable converters on the market. 

Explore Peru With Caravan

At Caravan, our professionals do all the planning, so our guests never have to stress. Appliances and chargers? We’ve got it all handled. 

Our all-inclusive Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu is professionally curated. Every overnight accommodation, meal, event and transportation is hand picked by our travel directors for the experience it grants. 

To book your spot, call us at 1-800-227-2826. Or, contact our team at +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.