What adaptor in Argentina will keep your electronics charged but not fried?
It’s an easy question that a quick Google image search would give a QUICK answer to, but a bit of context and local advice never hurts.
Especially in Argentina, where things tend to be a bit quirky.
To start us off with the obvious and most important information: you’ll need TWO adaptors in Argentina → type I and type C.
Older buildings typically used type C (two round prongs, like Europe).
Newer buildings will likely have only type I (two angled prongs, like Australia).
And a lot of apartments and cafes will have outlets that accommodate both at the same time, see below.
In this post:
Best Argentina Adaptor: The Epicka Universal Adaptor
With all these varying outlet options floating around, it is in your best interest to bring a universal adaptor.
It allows you to plug in any plug from anywhere and has prongs to adjust to any outlet.
This will remove any further “what adaptor do I need” dilemmas.
This universal adaptor also has four USB outlets which lets you use the plug for your laptop while also charging your phone, kindle, and whathaveyou without wasting any time or extra space on multiple adaptors.
Whether you travel occasionally or often, a universal adaptor is an easy investment that will pay off.
Check prices hereWhat can I use with just an adaptor in Argentina?
Argentina outlets operate at 220v versus 110v like in the US.
With an adaptor your electronics will be just fine. You can use your computer and charge your phone, tablet, etc without any issues.
Appliances, however, are another story.
If you’re bringing a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener they will likely burn out on an adaptor. (RIP to my Chi straightener in 2006).
Instead, rely on hair dryers in hotels and Airbnbs.
It is rare that they’re not provided and it saves you one bulky thing to pack.
For a curling iron or straightener, I always recommend buying one abroad and owning two if you travel often – one 110v styler for the US and one 220v styler for abroad.
Alternatively, you can purchase this dual voltage styler on Amazon that curls and straightens.
If you’re moving to Argentina and wondering about kitchen appliances, you’ll need a transformer – not an adaptor – to keep your US slow cooker and blender alive.
They are heavy and bulky. Just pick one up once you’re here in a local ferreteria (hardware store).
Related: A Must Read Packing List for Moving to Argentina
Adaptors IN Argentina
Oops, you’re already here and you forgot an adaptor?
Or perhaps the one you brought isn’t working because Argentina can be fickle?
Fickle as in SOME outlets are recessed, which makes it impossible for some large adaptors to fit.
Sometimes they’re loose and a heavy adaptor falls out.
It’s Argentina, we learn to be flexible.
The universal adaptor will work 9 times out of 10.
But if you’re in a bind or just need a few more because we’re all addicted to electronics, where can you get an adaptor in Argentina?
Literally everywhere.
If you’re in Buenos Aires, you’ll see them for sale on the street downtown.
Keep an eye open for street vendors on the sidewalk, they always have cheap adaptors and they work just fine.
Prepare with these Argentina Guides
Preparing for your upcoming Argentina holiday?
These practical guides will help:
- Driving in Argentina: Everything You Need to Know
- Useful Apps for Argentina
- Argentina Packing List – A must read for planning your suitcase
- Best Time to Visit Argentina
- Level8: An honest suitcase review
Argentina Travel Resources
- TRAVEL INSURANCE | It is always a good idea to travel insured. It protects you in so many cases, like lost luggage and trip cancellations, medical emergencies and evacuations. It’s very affordable with the potential to save you thousands in the case of an emergency. I recommend SafetyWing.
- PHONE PLAN | These days, traveling with data is essential. Especially in Argentina where everything is managed on Instagram and WhatsApp. I recommend this E-SIM card. It’s hassle-free and affordable, for more read how to get an Argentina sim card.
- ACCOMMODATION IN ARGENTINA | booking.com is the most common hotel site used in Argentina and it’s where you’ll find the most options.
- RENTAL CARS | I love to travel Argentina via road trip, I’ve always used rentalcars.com, now they are operating under the umbrella of Booking.com’s car rental system.
- BUS TICKETS | Check Busbud for long distance bus routes and tickets.
- VPN | If you’ll be using a public WiFi connection and want to secure your data, I highly recommend using a VPN, I personally use and have had a good experience with ExpressVPN. I also use it to access Hulu and American Netflix from Argentina.
- FLIGHTS | Always check Google Flights and Skyscanner for flights to and within Argentina. Aerolineas Argentina is the local airline with the most routes. FlyBondi and Jetsmart are two budget airlines with dirt-cheap prices (but expect to pay for every add-on like luggage).
- BOOK A CONSULTATION | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Argentina. Pick my brain to get a local’s insight. Click here for more information.