Costa Rica

Are you planning to visit Costa Rica? Select your country of residence to check automatically if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter in Costa Rica.

First select your country of residence, so we can give you more specific information.

Select the country you live in

Electricity in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica the power plug sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.

Which power plug sockets in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica the power plug sockets are of type A and B. Check out the following pictures.

Type A: mainly used in North and Central America, China and Japan. This socket only works with plug A.
Type B: like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A.

Power plug sockets type A are used in Costa Rica — Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs

Power plug sockets type B are used in Costa Rica — Type B: This socket also works with plug A

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don't sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters.

Find travel adapters at AMAZON #ad

You can also check the map to see the use of different plugs and sockets in the world.

Spread of Power Plugs and Sockets around the world

What voltage and frequency in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica the standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Costa Rica, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries). Manufacturers take small deviations (plus or minus 5%) into account. Be careful if you bring appliances from Japan (100 V).

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), you need a voltage converter in Costa Rica. Some say you can carefully try to use your appliances in Costa Rica without a converter. Most likely they won't be damaged, but may not function optimally. If you don't want to take any chances, use a converter. You can find voltage converters at Amazon. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

If the frequency in Costa Rica (60 Hz) differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances. But if there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliance for a short time. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers or electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.