What plug type is used in Costa Rica?

Type A and Type B sockets, Type A being the most common.

What is the mains voltage in Costa Rica?

120 V at 60 Hz. Anything not marked 100-240 V on its own label needs a converter rather than a plug adapter.

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

Arriving from the United States or CanadaPlugs go straight in and the voltage matches. Nothing to pack.
Arriving from the UK or IrelandA plug adapter, and appliances marked 100-240 V. Anything single-voltage needs a converter.
Arriving from most of continental EuropeA plug adapter, and appliances marked 100-240 V. Anything single-voltage needs a converter.
Arriving from Australia or New ZealandA plug adapter, and appliances marked 100-240 V. Anything single-voltage needs a converter.

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

Costa Rican sockets are Type and at 120 V, the American standard, with unearthed outlets common outside newer hotels.

Sockets in Costa Rica are Type and at 120 V, 60 Hz - the American standard.

American and Canadian plugs fit straight in. European, British and Australian ones need an adapter.
120 V is what stops European appliances working, adapter or not, unless they are marked 100-240 V.
Unearthed two-slot sockets are the norm in older buildings and in lodges away from the main towns.
Rainforest and beach lodges frequently run on solar and battery banks with limited overnight capacity, so charging a laptop can be a daytime job.
The rest of Central America matches on shape but not always on nominal voltage: El Salvador is 115 V, Panama and Honduras 110 to 120 V.

Report a change

No comments yet. Share the first one.

Sources (1)

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