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Costa Rica
Electrical outlets and plug types

Travelers from Australia need a power plug adapter and voltage converter in Costa Rica.

Country of residence

Your destination
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
from🇦🇺 Australia
to🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Outlet type APlug type A
A
Outlet type BPlug type B
B

In Costa Rica, they use power outlets and plugs of type A and type B. The voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz.

Travel adapter neededYou will need an adapter for type A and B power outlets in Costa Rica
Voltage converter needed You will need a voltage converter as well.
Frequency converter needed Be cautious with some devices due to the frequency difference.

Do power plugs from Australia fit into Costa Rica outlets?

In Costa Rica, type A and B power outlets are used, while in Australia, you use plugs I. If you're traveling to Costa Rica, you'll need a power adapter for types A and B, as your power plugs won't fit the sockets there.

sockets from🇨🇷 Costa Rica
plugs from🇦🇺 Australia
Outlet type A
A
Plug type not compatiblePlug type I
I
Socket type not compatible

Your plug I does not match outlet type A.

Outlet type B
B
Plug type not compatiblePlug type I
I
Socket type not compatible

Your plug I does not match outlet type B.

Power adapter for Costa Rica needed?

Since you'll need a travel adapter for Costa Rica when coming from Australia, we suggest opting for a universal power adapter that works in many countries and will also prepare you for future trips.

We recommend getting a universal travel (plug) adapter that covers the most popular countries.
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Make sure to get a power adapter for outlets of type A and B. If you often go abroad, consider getting an all-in-one adapter (most adapters even have additional charging ports for USB-A and USB-C). Since you also need an international power (voltage) converter to keep your devices protected (more info further down), getting a combo power adapter/converter might be the best solution.

Do I need a voltage converter for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica uses 120 V at 60 Hz, while Australia operates on 230 V at 50 Hz. This voltage and frequency difference can affect your devices if they are not designed to handle both standards, potentially causing damage or malfunction.

Origin🇦🇺 Australia
Destination🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Voltage230 V
Frequency50 Hz
Frequency
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
A voltage converter is necessary to safeguard your devices in Costa Rica.
Look for a voltage converter that can adjust the frequency as well.

A voltage converter keeps your electrical devices from Costa Rica running properly by adjusting the power to the right voltage. Without it, your devices could overheat or get damaged from the wrong power supply. Since you need a travel adapter as well, a combo power (voltage) converter with adapter features might be a good choice.

You need a voltage converter for Costa Rica if you live in Australia.
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Please note: If your voltage converter can't switch the frequency, it’s safer not to use your electronics. Proceeding without caution could lead to issues, especially with devices that rely on precise timing or motors, like hair dryers, electric razors, kitchen appliances, and health-related equipment such as blood pressure monitors. These kinds of electronics are more vulnerable to damage or malfunction when the frequency is off. If you choose to use them anyway, be extremely cautious and always check the specifications first.

To confirm, check if your devices require a voltage converter by looking at the 'INPUT' label, typically found on the power adapter or charger. If the label shows "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz," the device is built to handle different voltage and frequency ranges, meaning you’ll only need a plug adapter for the outlets in Costa Rica. This is typical for devices such as notebooks, smartphones, digital cameras, and also for tablets, e-readers, and some battery chargers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my Australian hair dryer in Costa Rica?

No, you will need a voltage converter. Australia uses 230 V, while Costa Rica uses 120 V, and the frequency difference (Australia's 50 Hz vs. Costa Rica's 60 Hz) may also affect the motor in your hair dryer. Without a converter, the device could malfunction or not work properly.

Can I use my Australian laptop or smartphone in Costa Rica?

Yes, most laptops and smartphones are designed to work with a voltage range of 100-240V, so they will work in Costa Rica without a voltage converter.

Can I use my Australian curling iron or hair straightener in Costa Rica?

No, you will need a voltage converter to use your Australian curling or flat iron in Costa Rica due to the lower voltage (230 V vs. 120 V). The frequency difference (60 Hz in Costa Rica) may also cause performance issues, such as uneven heating. A voltage converter is required to safely use the device.

If I live in Australia, do I need a power plug adapter in Costa Rica?

Yes, when traveling from Australia, you will need a power adapter for type A and B power outlets in Costa Rica.

Do I need a voltage converter for Costa Rica when traveling from Australia?

Yes, you will need a voltage converter for devices that are designed to work with 120 V. Australia operates on 230 V, and the different frequency (60 Hz) may also affect some devices with motors or timers. However, modern devices like laptops and smartphones that support 100-240V won’t require a converter.

Traveling to more countries?

See if your power plugs from Australia fit into the sockets of other destinations and whether you need a voltage converter.

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