Travel Adapter for Brazil
& Brazilian Plug Types
Brazil Plug Types & Outlets
- Voltage
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127 / 220 V
- Frequency
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60 Hz
Brazil uses plug types A, B, C, I and N with matching outlets. Voltage: 127 / 220 V, Frequency: 60 Hz.
Your American (type A/B) plugs will fit some (but not the most common) Brazilian outlets.
Type N outlets are the most common so our recommendation is a US to type N plug adapter for maximum compatibility.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Brazil Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type N plug adapter as that will fit the most commonly found outlets in Brazil. You may however be presented with any one of the outlets shown (types A, B, C, I and N). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adapters shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere. Due to the number of different outlets found in Brazil you may also want to seriously consider a universal travel adapter, which is a single unit capable of plugging in to multiple outlet types.
A simple ungrounded adapter is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For grounded equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose a grounded adapter or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best US to Brazil travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Brazilian type A, B, C, I and N outlets.
Other Travel Adapters You May Find Useful in Brazil
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what outlets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to Brazil that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
Choosing the Right Power Adapter
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and outlet configurations you now need to decide what sort of adapter suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adapter, here are some useful features to consider:
- Grounded vs ungrounded adapters
- Multiplug adapters
- Extensions / power strip adapters (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adapters (any plug to any outlet) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adapters
Brazil Electrical Supply
Brazil uses plug types A, B, C, I and N with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 127 / 220 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
Brazil - Traveler Notes
Type I is becoming common for 220 V outlets and appliances in 127 V areas. Dual-voltage wiring is rather common for high-powered appliances, such as clothes dryers and electric showers which tend to be 220 V even in 127 V areas. Depending on the area, the exact voltage might be 115 V, 127 V, or 220 V. The A, B and C types are sometimes together (flat with rounder ends and ground pin) so that an A, B or C type can be used. Also note that by Jan 1st 2010, Brazil converted to the IEC 60906-1 international plug (type N) which looks similar to type J but is not compatible. Since then, all devices shall comply with new standard.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Brazilian outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - Multiple voltages are in use in Brazil (127 V / 220 V). It is therefore necessary to verify what the voltage is locally before plugging in an appliance. Some countries use different outlets for the different voltages but this is not always the case so always check first. US appliances will generally operate satisfactorily with a voltage in the range 114-126 V. Many appliances will also operate without a problem at lower voltages as well as at 127 V but you should check the voltage requirements of sensitive or critical equipment. Single-voltage appliances designed for 120 V will require a transformer or voltage converter to operate safely on a supply voltage over 220 V as this is well over the normal US range. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - Brazil operates at 60 Hz, the same as the US. Frequency compatibility is therefore not a problem for US appliances.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Brazilian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Brazil. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travelers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adapter.
Brazil Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II ungrounded, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarized and can only be inserted into the outlet one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarized. Ungrounded type A outlets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type B
NEMA 5-15 class I grounded, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and 6.3mm wide spaced 12.7mm apart. There is also a 4.8mm round or U shaped ground pin which is 3.2mm longer than the 2 blades in order to ensure that the appliance is grounded before the live electrical connection is made. The ground pin is offset from the 2 blades by 11.9mm.
The blades are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the outlet.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, ungrounded appliances.
Type C outlets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their grounded equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type I
Type I plugs have 3 flat prongs in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 10A. The live and neutral prongs are 1.6mm thick, 6.35mm in width, spaced 13.7mm apart and 17.3mm long. They are set at 60° to each other in an upside down V. The ground prong is also 6.35mm wide but is 20mm long and offset by 10.3mm. The prongs are insulated and there is a 2 prong (ungrounded) version with just the 2 V prongs.
There is also a 15A version where the ground prong is wider at 9.08mm. A further 20A version has all 3 prongs wider at 9.08mm. Lower power plugs will fit higher power outlets but not vice versa.
Plug Type N
Plug type N is available in 3 variants rated at 10A, 16A and 20A. In all 3 variants the plug has 3 round pins arranged in a triangle where the pins are 19mm long, the live and neutral pins are spaced 19mm apart and the ground pin is offset by 3mm. The plugs are polarized and the live and neutral pins are insulated to protect against accidental electrocution in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
The 10A and 20A variants are found in Brazil with the 10A version having pins of 4mm diameter and the 20A one 4.8mm.
The 16A variant is found in South Africa and has a pin diameter of 4.5mm.
This plug looks similar to the type J plug used in Switzerland but the two are incompatible as the ground pin has a smaller offset in the type N plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Brazil
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Brazil uses type A, B, C, I and N plugs. Type N are the most commonly used.
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Brazil uses type A, B, C, I and N outlets. Type N are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple outlets used in Brazil. A type N adapter would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found outlets. Adapters with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. Some US appliances may also require a voltage converter.
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Multiple voltages are used in Brazil (127 V / 220 V). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. The normal US voltage range is 114-126 V. Many appliances will also operate without a problem at lower voltages, but you should check the voltage requirements of critical or sensitive equipment. Single-voltage appliances designed for 120 V will require a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely with a supply of 220 V or higher. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 220 -240 V supply - it is dangerous.
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To charge your phone in Brazil you can use your normal phone charger with a type N plug adapter. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel adapter with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adapter's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Yes, type C plugs are cross compatible with the type N outlets used in Brazil.
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Brazilian plug adapters have 3 round prongs in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a Brazil plug adapter.
