Electricity

The electrical system of Peru is 220 volts and 60 cycles. If you absent-mindedly plug in a 110-volt appliance from the United States into a 220-volt Peruvian outlet, you will start a small fire. All high-end hotels (such as Casa Andina or Libertador, for example) have additional outlets of 110 volts.

You can use 110-volt appliances in Peru is with a converter, which can be quite heavy. You can buy one in an electronics shop, though they are cheaper in Peru. Make sure you get the right type, as a hair dryer needs a more robust converter than, say, a digital camera battery charger. Voltage surges are common in Peru, so it is also a good idea to bring a surge protector from home that can be plugged between your appliance and the converter. Most laptops and digital cameras these days can take either 110 or 220 volts, so check on this before you buy a converter.

© Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio from Moon Peru, 3rd Edition