Q: I apologize for this question, as I know that I have already seen the answer in someone's email, but I cannot currently find it. What I remember is that we do not need special adaptors for plugging in electrical devices in Brazil. Is this correct?
A: The following information is from TAM's (temporary) web site,
Electrical Current
"In Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the current is 127 volts (60 cycles) but many of the larger hotels also offer 220 volts. If there is any doubt, check with the front desk of the hotel or the owner of the house or apartment. Transformers to boost the current from 110 volts to 220 volts are available in most good electrical supply stores."
"Not all of Brazil is 127 volts, however. Salvador and Manaus, for example, are [127 volts], while Recife and Brasília are 220 volts."
"For most electric appliances Brazil uses a two round-pinned socket."
Here is a picture of a typical electrical outlet Mr. Kats saw on his conductor's tour.
I believe Mr. Kats reported that he had no problem plugging his appliance into the outlet, which appears to have incorporated the flat blades we use here in the U.S. Nonetheless, "Brazil--The Rough Guide" recommends taking a universal electric plug adapter, but that advice is probably meant for nationwide travel, not specifically for our destinations. I believe the hotels can sometimes lend adapters to guests (don't count on it, however), and adapters will certainly be available in the free trade zone market in Manaus (an electronics shopping mecca).
If we find any other information, we will post an update here.