Costa Rica is similar to most other countries in Central America when it comes to electricity and power sockets, so if you’re traveling around the region the plug adapter for Costa Rica that you get will cover most other countries. If you’re traveling from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, then the chances are that you’ll need a plug converter for your travel to Costa Rica. Your first consideration is to check the plug that you have and if it will fit into the electric sockets in Costa Rica. Secondly, you need to consider the voltage in Costa Rica and it may be different to the voltage that you’re used to at home and what your devices operate on. So here’s all you need to know about Costa Rica power adapters. I’ll cover Costa Rica plug adapters, whether you need an adapter for Costa Rica and Costa Rican electric adapter requirements too.
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This fabulous adapter will cover you no matter where you’re from. And it’ll cover you wherever you’re going to.
The electricity supply is different around the world, with voltages that range from 100 volts to 240 volts. Appliances that are used in different countries are rated to different voltage levels. And then the sockets and the plugs that fit in them are also different in many different countries. Find out more things that you need to arrange before you arrive in Costa Rica in our guide here.
What’s the Electricity Supply like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the electricity supply is 120 volts.
The voltage in Costa Rica is the same as in North America, which is also 120 volts. Costa Rica’s voltage is very different from Central Europe, which is 230 volts. The United Kingdom operates at 230 volts. Australia operates at 220 -240 volts. New Zealand operates at 230-240 volts.
This SK Ross travel adapter supports Costa Rica and another 204 countries. This fabulous world traveler piece of kit covers you regardless of the plug type you’re using and whatever socket you need to plug into. It does NOT however convert the voltage.
Voltage converters are heavy and expensive and you really shouldn’t be taking them on holiday. As I mentioned if the voltage is different it’s usually an issue with heating devices, so just use the hairdryer that your hotel provides. It’s way easier. And safer.
The Costa Rica Electrical Standards
- Electric plug types A and B (see the photos)
- Voltage 120 volts
- Frequency 60Hz
Type A electric plugs tend to be used in North America, Central America, and Japan.
Type B electric plugs are used in Colombia, Cuba, the Caribbean, and some Central American countries.
What does it mean that the voltage is different in Costa Rica?
If the voltage of your device is different from what’s used in Costa Rica, (and if you’re coming from them you usually need to use a converter to safely use it). The main issue is with hair dryers, curling irons, and hair irons. However, virtually all devices that we use every day cover a range and will display a notice like “Voltage 100 volts to 240 volts”.
What types of plugs are used in Costa Rica?
Two different (but similar) types of plugs are used in Costa Rica. Type A and Type B. You’re likely to find both socket types in Costa Rica. It was a relief that our SK Ross adapter fitted in both types of sockets.
If you’re traveling from the USA then you don’t need a plug adapter for Costa Rica.
Plug Type A has two flat parallel pins. A Type A plug looks like this and a Type A socket looks like this.
Plug Type B has two flat pins and a grounding pin. A Type B plug looks like this and a Type B socket looks like this.
What types of sockets are used in Costa Rica?
You will find both type A and Type B sockets in Costa Rica for electricity. You’ll need to account for finding either of these sockets.
Does Costa Rica use the same plug as the USA?
Yes! If you’re traveling from North America then your plug should work. Note that a Type B plug will NOT fit into a Type A socket. So if you have a Type B plug you’ll need a converter.
Do you need a voltage converter in Costa Rica?
Probably NOT. Most people traveling with laptops, phones, and other such devices – like us – simply use a plug adapter. 99% of travelers manage with just a plug converter. Voltage converters tend to be heavy and expensive and most devices that we use every day are fine with a plug converter
What type of plugs are needed in Costa Rica?
You’ll find two different types of sockets (and plugs) in Costa Rica. You will find a mix of plug types A and B in Costa Rica.
What is the recommended power adapter for Costa Rica?
A recommended power adapter for Costa Rica will ensure that your plug then fits into the socket in Costa Rica. We’ve used SK Ross devices around the world for more than 9 years now, and this power adapter has covered us in all the 110 countries, that we’ve traveled to, including Costa Rica.
Read our other guides to what plug adapters you’ll need when traveling
- Bulgarian Plug Adapters
- Costa Rica Plug Adapter
- Plug Adapter for Japan
- Colombia Plug Adapter
- Sri Lanka Plug Adapter
Travel Tips for Exploring Costa Rica
- Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
- Arriving by air? Arrange your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- Make sure you have the right plug adapter for Costa Rica.
- Book the best Costa Rica tours and guides on GetYourGuideand Civitatis
- Save money in Costa Rica with a Wise debit card
- Book Buses in Costa Rica with Bookaway
- Book accommodation in Costa Rica with Booking.com
Final Words on Travel Adapters for Costa Rica
There are a combination of two different types of plugs and sockets for electricity in Costa Rica. You’ll need to ensure that you can charge from both of them, as it’s impossible to tell which hotel has which type of socket. If you’re traveling from the USA then you *should* be ok with your devices, but most travelers from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will need to consider a plug adapter for Costa Rica.
Stock images in this article are courtesy Deposit Photos.
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