Planning a trip to Brazil? From the beaches of Rio to the jungles of the Amazon, this vibrant country offers unforgettable experiences—but don’t let a dead phone battery or a fried hairdryer ruin your adventure. One of the most overlooked travel essentials is the right power adapter and voltage setup. Here’s everything you need to know before plugging in.
1. Plug Types in Brazil: Type C and Type N
Brazil uses two types of electrical outlets:
- Type C: Two round pins, similar to most of Europe.
- Type N: Three round pins, including a grounding pin in the center.
Since 2011, Brazil has standardized new buildings with Type N sockets, but you may still encounter older Type C outlets in hotels or homes, especially in rural areas or historic buildings.
Tip: A universal adapter is your best bet—it works with both plug types and will save you the trouble of finding a new one during your trip.
2. Voltage in Brazil: 110V or 220V?
This is where things get tricky. Brazil operates on two voltage levels: 127V (often rounded to 110V) and 220V, depending on the region. And yes—it can vary within the same city. Always double-check the voltage at your hotel or Airbnb.
Here’s a quick look at some popular destinations:
| City | Voltage |
|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 110V |
| São Paulo | 110V |
| Brasília | 220V |
| Florianópolis | 220V |
| Salvador | 110V |
| Recife | 220V |
| Fortaleza | 220V |
| Porto Seguro | 220V |
| Manaus | 110V |
For a full list, scroll to the end of this post.
Tip: Some accommodations label voltage near outlets. If not, ask your host or receptionist.
3. Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
That depends on your devices. Check the label on your charger or appliance. If it says something like:
Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz
You’re in luck—your device is dual voltage and you only need a travel adapter.
However, if it only reads 110V or 120V, and you’re headed to a 220V city, you’ll need a voltage converter (also called a voltage transformer). This is common with older hairdryers, curling irons, or electric razors.
Warning: Plugging a single-voltage device into the wrong socket can permanently damage it.
4. Best Adapters for Brazil: What to Look For
When shopping for an adapter, here are the must-haves:
- Compatible with Type C and N
- Compact and lightweight
- Universal input (for any plug type)
- Built-in surge protection (bonus)
- Optional: USB ports for multiple device charging
If you need both an adapter and a converter, consider a combo device that does both.
You can find great options online on Amazon, eBay, or at major airport electronics stores. Always check reviews to ensure compatibility and safety.
5. Final Packing Tips
- Check all your devices before your trip—laptops, chargers, cameras, grooming tools
- Ask your hotel what voltage they use, especially if you’re bringing non-dual-voltage devices
- Invest in a universal adapter if you travel often—it’s a small cost for big peace of mind
- Label your electronics to remember which ones are dual voltage
Full Voltage Reference by City
| City | Voltage |
|---|---|
| Aracaju | 110V |
| Belém | 110V |
| Belo Horizonte | 110V |
| Blumenau | 220V |
| Brasília | 220V |
| Búzios | 110V |
| Campo Grande | 110V |
| Cuiabá | 110V |
| Curitiba | 110V |
| Fernando de Noronha | 220V |
| Florianópolis | 220V |
| Fortaleza | 220V |
| Foz do Iguaçu | 110V |
| Ilha do Mel | 110V |
| Ilha Grande | 110V |
| Jericoacoara | 220V |
| João Pessoa | 220V |
| Lençóis | 220V |
| Maceió | 220V |
| Manaus | 110V |
| Morro de São Paulo | 220V |
| Natal | 220V |
| Ouro Preto | 110V |
| Paraty | 110V |
| Porto Alegre | 110V |
| Porto de Galinhas | 220V |
| Porto Seguro | 220V |
| Recife | 220V |
| Rio de Janeiro | 110V |
| Salvador | 110V |
| Santarém | 110V |
| São Luís | 220V |
| São Paulo | 110V |
| Tiradentes | 110V |
| Vitória | 110V |
In Summary
- Brazil uses Type C and Type N plugs
- Voltage is either 110V or 220V, depending on location
- Bring a universal adapter and check if your devices are dual voltage
- Buy your adapter before traveling, or grab one at the airport
- Always confirm voltage at your accommodation
Being prepared with the right gear ensures you’ll stay connected, safe, and stress-free throughout your trip to Brazil.
