South America is one of the most electrically diverse regions on earth — and one of the most confusing for travelers. Unlike Europe, which largely standardized on 230V and a handful of plug types, South America is a patchwork of competing standards inherited from North American, European, and locally-developed electrical systems. Understanding what you'll encounter before you travel can save your devices — and your trip. This guide gives you a complete, country-by-country reference for all 12 South American nations.
The South American Power Landscape
South America has no unified continental standard. Individual countries — and sometimes different cities within the same country — use different voltages and plug types. The continent splits roughly into three categories: countries using North American-style 110–120V (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname), countries using European-style 220–240V (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru), and Brazil — a special case that uses both 127V and 220V depending on location.
Plug types are equally varied. South America is home to Type A, Type B, Type C, Type I (Argentina's unique variant), Type J, and Type N (Brazil) sockets — sometimes all in the same building. A quality universal adapter is your single most important piece of equipment for a multi-country South American journey.
⚠ Brazil warning: Brazil is uniquely challenging because it uses both 127V and 220V, and the standard varies by city and even by building. São Paulo mostly runs at 127V; Rio de Janeiro also varies. Always check the actual wall socket voltage before plugging in sensitive electronics. When in doubt, use dual-voltage devices only.
Plug Types Found Across South America
TYPE N Brazil's Official Standard
Two round pins plus a round grounding pin in a recessed socket. Adopted as Brazil's official standard in 2007, Type N is now mandatory in new construction. It is visually similar to Type C but with a third grounding pin. Older buildings throughout Brazil may still have Type A, C, or even Type I sockets — especially in older hotels and apartments. Brazil shares the Type N standard with South Africa.
TYPE I Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay
Two flat pins in a V-shape plus a flat grounding pin. Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay use a unique Type I variant with angled flat pins — distinct from the Australian Type I (which uses the same IEC designation but different dimensions). If you're traveling from Argentina to Australia or vice versa, note that these are different and not fully interchangeable. Most universal adapters include this Argentine Type I variation.
TYPE A/B North American Standard — Colombia, Venezuela & More
Two flat parallel blades (Type A) with optional round grounding pin (Type B). Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname all use the North American plug standard at 110–120V / 60Hz. American and Canadian travelers visiting these countries need no plug adapter — their devices plug in directly. The voltage is also the same, eliminating converter concerns.
TYPE C Europlug — Bolivia, Peru & Mixed-Use
Two thin round pins, ungrounded. Type C is found across Bolivia, parts of Chile, and Peru alongside Type A sockets. It is also widely accepted in sockets designed for Type E and F plugs, making Type C adapters highly versatile across the continent. If you carry just one adapter into South America, Type C is the most widely useful single option.
Country-by-Country Reference
Brazil: The Most Complex Case
Brazil deserves special attention because it is unlike any other country in the world in terms of electrical diversity. Brazil officially adopted the Type N standard in 2007 — a new universal plug designed to work with both 127V and 220V systems. However, the actual voltage present at the wall varies dramatically:
- São Paulo — predominantly 127V (similar to North American standard)
- Rio de Janeiro — mixed, with both 127V and 220V buildings common
- Brasília, Manaus, Fortaleza — predominantly 220V
- Older buildings everywhere — may still have Type A (US-style flat blades) or Type C (Euro round pins) sockets from before the 2007 standard
The practical consequence: always use dual-voltage devices (100–240V) in Brazil. A single-voltage device may work fine in one Brazilian hotel and be destroyed in the next. When you arrive at accommodation, check what voltage is labeled on the outlet (many newer hotels label sockets 127V or 220V). A universal adapter rated for Type N sockets is the correct adapter for modern Brazilian buildings, but having a Type C adapter as backup handles older sockets.
Argentina: The Unique Type I Plug
Argentina uses a distinctive Type I plug — two angled flat blades arranged in a V-shape, plus a flat grounding pin. This is Argentina's own national standard, also used in Uruguay and Paraguay. It is not the same as the Australian Type I despite sharing the designation. European Type C plugs physically fit into Argentine Type I sockets in many locations, but this is not a guaranteed or officially sanctioned fit — a proper adapter is the right solution.
Argentina runs on 220V at 50Hz throughout the country, so American travelers with 120V-only devices need a step-down voltage converter. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage and need only the plug adapter. Argentina is a popular destination with reliable urban power infrastructure, though power outages are more common in rural areas.
Colombia: The Easy Option for North Americans
Colombia is the simplest South American destination for American and Canadian travelers. It uses Type A and Type B plugs at 110V / 60Hz — exactly the same as the US and Canada. You plug your American devices in directly, no adapter required. Dual-voltage devices work perfectly, and even single-voltage 120V appliances are compatible with Colombia's 110V supply (within the acceptable tolerance range). Colombia is an excellent gateway country for North Americans starting a South American trip.
Chile: Long Country, Single Standard
Chile uses Type C and Type L sockets at 220V / 50Hz. Type C (the Europlug with two thin round pins) is the most common and widely available adapter. Type L (the Italian standard with three inline round pins) is less prevalent. A Type C adapter handles the vast majority of Chilean sockets. Chile's power infrastructure is reliable by South American standards, particularly in Santiago and major cities. Travelers with dual-voltage devices need only a Type C adapter.
Adapter Strategy: What to Pack for South America
✓ Key tip: For any multi-country South American trip, invest in a quality universal travel adapter before leaving home. The combination of Type A/B, Type C/E/F, and the Argentine Type I covers nearly all South American destinations. Check all your device chargers say "100–240V" before departure to avoid converter hassles.
Use our interactive voltage checker to look up the exact plug type and voltage for any South American country. For the full breakdown of how different countries use different voltages worldwide, see our guide to voltage differences around the world. And for understanding the critical difference between adapters and converters, see our adapters vs converters guide.