You are thinking of travel to Costa Rica, you need to make sure that your devices are compatible with the power sockets in Costa Rica or if you need a world travel adapter. We will cover all the different Costa Rica’s plug types, power voltage, and some information about the converter and the transformer.
The Electricity in Costa Rica:
- Costa Rica wall Outlet Voltage: 120V
- Costa Rica standard frequency: 60H
- Costa Rica power Plug Types : A and B
The power plugs and sockets in Costa Rica
The power plugs and sockets in Costa Rica are of types A and B. Check out the following pictures:
Type A: Is the plug type which has two flat parallel pins, is mainly used in North and Central America, Japan and China. And this plug socket only works with plug type A.
Type B: Is the plug type which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin, is like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. And this plug socket also works with plug A.
The voltage and frequency in Costa Rica
The standard voltage Costa Rica is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. You will use your appliances in Costa Rica, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 V and 127 V .
And if the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 and 240 V, you will need a voltage converter in Costa Rica. Some say you can carefully try to use your appliances in Costa Rica without a converter. But most likely they won’t be damaged, but may not function optimally. Otherwise, if you don’t want to take any chances, use a converter.
In another hand, if the frequency in Costa Rica is different from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your equipment. If there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliances for a short time.
The converter and transformer in Costa Rica
If the equipment or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the equipment to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).
The transformers and the converters perform a similar function, but their applications differ. The converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), however, the most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.
Do you need a travel adapter for a trip to Costa Rica?
No, you do not need a travel adapter for a trip from the United States to Costa Rica. Because in Costa Rica, The people are using the same plugs and electrical outlets as in the United States.
The voltage :
The voltage is equal to the 120 volts in the United States. It means that you can use all your electrical appliances without any problems.
The frequency :
The frequency is the same as in the United States. It is safe to use all your electric appliances in Costa Rica.