Outlets & Using 220 Volts
Warning: This is information that I gathered and learned for myself. I am not an expert on electricity and this is my personal opinion.
The following information is mostly for senior couples because young missionaries do not travel with computers and appliances, but young sister missionaries may find the first part relevant for appliances such as curling irons.
In the USA, we use 110 volts. In Peru, we use 220 volts.
APPLIANCES THAT ARE MADE FOR 110 VOLTS CANNOT USE 220 VOLT OUTLETS.
APPLIANCES THAT ARE MADE FOR 220 VOLTS CANNOT USE 110 VOLT OUTLETS.
If you accidentally use the wrong volts for your appliance, you will quickly burn out your appliance and you will be sad. (based on personal experience!)
For Hermanas: You may want to bring extra money to buy a curling iron, hair straightener, or blow dryer after they arrive in Peru that are specifically made for 220v. I’ve seen hair appliances sold at Plaza Vea which is a store that is somewhat similar to Walmart. It may take some time to locate a store in your area on a P-day to find what you are looking for once you arrive. The general cost is about what it is in the USA.
This is what the plugs and outlets look like in Peru, however, you will find some that look like the standard ones in the USA. However, no matter how they look in Peru, they will be 220 volts - unless otherwise specifically marked like in some of the fancier international hotels.
The picture above of the outlet in the middle, will fit both the Peruvian type plugs and the standard ones that are found in the USA. The one on the right will need an adapter if you have a standard American plug.
Some appliances or electronics have adapters that will allow both 220v and 110v like for your cell phone or tablet. If so, it will be indicated on the plug somewhere like shown here:
Notice that it says INPUT/ENTRÉE: 100-240. That means it can be used for anything between 100-240 volts.
We have been warned that if you have a computer or anything larger than a tablet that was purchased in the USA, you should use a transformer to reduce the current and don’t take a chance on killing your expensive equipment.
These are adapters:
THEY WILL NOT PROTECT YOUR DEVICE FOR A DIFFERENT VOLTAGE.
They will only allow you to plug your device into a plug of a different design. If it is the wrong voltage, you will destroy your electronics. These often help you to kill or destroy your device and make you sad. (another personal experience)
Below are two of our transformers. They are heavy and awkward, so they are not great for traveling. They are difficult to use with curling irons or blow dryers because many places don’t have enough space next to the bathroom sink and mirror. Transformers reduce or increase the voltage to your appliance. If you buy a transformer, you have the option to buy the kind that can adjust up and down in voltage, or there are some that only have one option of either up or down in voltage. These are rather expensive, quite heavy, and not practical for a missionary. They are good if you are traveling with a computer, and missionaries do not bring computers unless they are a senior couple.
We have these plugged into our office outlets. They are then plugged into the 220 outlet and then to a regular power strip where we plug in our computer, second monitor, and a printer. The power strips (or surge protectors) and extension cords for the USA work great. You can also buy those here. You may want to buy a surge protector because the electricity goes on and off frequently here.
For future Mission Leaders called to Arequipa: The Mission Home it is 220 volts throughout except for one outlet in the master bath, two outlets in the master bedroom, and one in the kitchen that provided for 110 volts.