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Costa Rica
Electrical outlets and plug types

Travelers from USA need a power plug adapter but no voltage converter in Costa Rica.

Country of residence

Your destination
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
from🇺🇸 USA
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 power outlets in Costa Rica

Do power plugs from USA fit into Costa Rica outlets?

In Costa Rica, power outlets are of type A and B, similar to USA. A plug adapter is required for type A outlets. B outlets are compatible with your plugs, although they aren't always common in some areas.

sockets from🇨🇷 Costa Rica
plugs from🇺🇸 USA
Outlet type A
A
Plug type compatiblePlug type A
A
Plug type not compatiblePlug type B
B
Socket type not compatible

Your plug B does not match outlet type A.

Outlet type B
B
Plug type compatiblePlug type A
A
Plug type compatiblePlug type B
B
Socket type compatible

Your plugs match outlet type B.

Bring a grounding adapter to use your three-prong type B plugs in two-prong type A outlets.Bring a grounding adapter to use your three-prong type B plugs in two-prong type A outlets.

Power adapter for Costa Rica needed?

Since you'll need a travel adapter for Costa Rica when coming from USA, 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. 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).

Do I need a voltage converter for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica runs on a 120 V electrical system, which is the same voltage standard used in USA.

Origin🇺🇸 USA
Destination🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
Frequency
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
There is no need for a voltage converter in Costa Rica, when traveling from USA.

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.

Essential gear for powering your devices while traveling

Universal Travel Power Adapter - EPICKA
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
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Frequently asked questions

Can I use my American hair dryer in Costa Rica?

Yes, since both USA and Costa Rica use 120 V and 60 Hz, you can use your American hair dryer in Costa Rica without needing a voltage converter.

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

Yes, you can use your laptop or smartphone in Costa Rica without any issues, as the voltage and frequency are the same in both countries (120 V, 60 Hz).

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

Yes, your American curling iron or flat iron will work in Costa Rica without needing a voltage converter, since both countries use 120 V, 60 Hz.

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

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

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

No, you do not need a voltage converter since both USA and Costa Rica use the same voltage (120 V) and frequency (60 Hz).

Traveling to more countries?

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

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