The voltage in Peru is 220 volts. This means that if you plug in electrical appliances made for 110 volts, you'll damage them, including sparks and smoke. If you're planning a trip to Peru, here's what you need to know.
Most countries in North and South America use 110 volts. Therefore, to plug in these devices in Peru, you'll need a voltage adapter. Meanwhile, many countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia use 220 volts (the same voltage as Peru), and appliances don't need adapters.
What about cell phones?
Modern cell phones are usually adapted to both types of current: 110 and 220 volts. The same goes for laptops and newer generation stereos.
However, it's important to check the fine print on packaging and batteries. If they say something like INPUT 110 V / 220 V, it means they can adapt to both voltages. If it only says 110 V, be suspicious of their adaptability, because electricity in Peru is 220 V.
What should I do if my device isn't compatible with the voltage in Peru?
The first thing you should know is that major hotels, hostels, and resorts have voltage adapters built into the power outlets. However, in more remote areas, this may not be an option.
To be safe, you can buy an adapter at a hardware store or supermarket. They are very easy to find and inexpensive. You can also bring a power adapter from your home country.
If you need to travel to Peru with electronic devices such as electric toothbrushes, razors, hair dryers, or clothes irons, you should consult with your travel agency.
What are the risks?
If you're feeling adventurous, it's better to take a trek in Machu Picchu, not try to plug your electronic device into a different power source without an adapter.
Imagine coming to Peru from Mexico or Colombia and plugging your device designed for 110V into a 220V outlet (the voltage in Peru), it will be damaged immediately! You'll know because the device will make as much noise as possible.
Now, if your device is rated for 220V and you plug it into 110V, does that mean you're safe? NO. The device will still be damaged, but in the long term.
Another indicator you should take into account is the frequency (Hz per "hertz") of the country of origin versus that of the destination country. Some are 50Hz and others are 60Hz. In these cases, the difference in frequency cannot be converted, even with an adapter, and it's best to leave the device at home.
The Issue of Plugs
Round, flat, mixed... did you know there are around 14 types of plugs worldwide? Depending on this, you'll likely also need a universal adapter, this time not for the voltage in Peru but for the plug type.
These plug adapters are also very easy to find in supermarkets and home improvement stores. In Peru, the most common plugs are Type A (two parallel rectangular slits); Type B (two parallel slits plus a third circular prong); and Type C (two circular prongs).
It's recommended to check the plug type for your appliances and purchase a plug adapter before traveling, or as soon as you arrive in the country.
What's the reason for the voltage difference?
Around the world, neither voltage, frequency, nor plugs are standard. Electricity, relatively speaking, is a recent invention, so the type of electrical current adopted by some countries had to do with historical and practical considerations.
The reason has a curious history, which includes "irreconcilable differences" between Thomas Alba Edison and Nikola Tesla. This episode from the late 19th century was called the "War of the Currents."
The 110-volt Direct Current (DC) promoted by Edison was more difficult to convert to other voltages. It was more expensive to implement, but it became popular in the United States, Canada, and much of Latin America.
Meanwhile, the 220-volt Alternating Current (AC), championed by Tesla, could be more easily modified and was cheaper to implement. This meant it was adopted in Europe, Asia, Africa, and some South American countries such as Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Peru.
Do you need a voltage adapter in Peru? – Quick Guide
If you are coming from Europe, Africa, Asia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay where the current is 220 volts: you do NOT need a voltage adapter.
If you are coming from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador where the current is 110: YES, you need a voltage adapter.
