First Day Abroad

Power sockets and voltage in Bolivia

Part of the Bolivia arrival guide.

This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Sockets and voltage in Bolivia

  • Type ANEMA 1-15No earth
  • Type BNEMA 5-15Earthed
  • Type CCEE 7/16 (Europlug)No earth
Voltage
230 V or 115 V
Frequency
50 Hz
Earthed sockets
Type B

Sockets are unearthed Type A and C at 230 V, so a US appliance that is not dual-voltage needs a converter - except in parts of La Paz, which are still supplied at 110-115 V. The plug shape is identical on both, so check the label rather than the wall.

What you need, by where you are coming from

  • Arriving from the United States or CanadaThe plug fits, and the voltage does not: anything not marked 100-240 V needs a converter, not an adapter.
  • Arriving from the UK or IrelandA plug adapter is enough - the voltage is the same as at home.
  • Arriving from most of continental EuropePlugs go straight in and the voltage matches. Nothing to pack.
  • Arriving from Australia or New ZealandA plug adapter is enough - the voltage is the same as at home.

Socket types, voltage and frequency are the nominal domestic supply as published in IEC/TR 60083 and the national standards it lists.

Bolivian sockets take American flat pins at 230 V, which destroys US appliances that are not dual-voltage.

Sockets in Bolivia are Type and at 230 V, 50 Hz - American flat pins and European round ones, at European voltage.

  • This is the dangerous combination. A US appliance fits the socket and then receives 230 V. Check the label for 100-240 V before anything goes in the wall.
  • La Paz is a partial exception: parts of the city are still supplied at 115 V, so the same country can give you either.
  • Most sockets are unearthed, whichever shape they are - the earthed Type outlets that the fact block above lists turn up in newer buildings and are the exception, not the rule.
  • A Europlug fits the round-pin outlets, which are common in newer buildings.
  • Altitude does nothing to electricity but does to batteries - cold nights in the altiplano flatten a phone faster than the socket can refill it.
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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.