Power Plugs and Sockets in Mexico - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Mexico 🇲🇽 from Australia 🇦🇺, then YES, you will need an adapter.
In Mexico, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 127 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Australia, the plug types used are I. The voltage in Australia is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Type A
Type B
⚠️ Your devices from Australia of type I will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Mexico they use 127 V while in Australia you have 230 V.
What are the plugs like in Mexico?
In Mexico, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Australia, then your devices are of type I.
For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Mexico are not compatible with the devices from Australia and you will not be able to use your devices.
In Mexico, type B outlets are the most common in homes, but type A is also widely spread, with adapters between both types being common. The split-phase system is extensively used, and electricians can wire both type A and B outlets to achieve the 220 V necessary for air conditioning, washing machines, dryers, and other high-consumption products. It is possible to find, although rarely, type G and I outlets in industrial and commercial areas that require the use of imported devices; however, these are not common in the country.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Mexico?
It is important to know that in Mexico the electrical voltage is 127 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Australia, the electrical voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Mexico. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Mexico.
- What are the plugs like in Mexico?
- Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Mexico?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Mexico?
- Can I plug in my laptop charger in Mexico?
- Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Mexico?
- How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
- What happens if I connect a 230 V device to a 127 V socket without an adapter?
- What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Mexico.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Mexico?
If you are travelling from Australia to Mexico, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you will need an adapter in Mexico to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in Mexico?
If you are travelling from Australia to Mexico, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Australia and Mexico have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Mexico.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Mexico?
The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Australia and Mexico, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Mexico.
However, since the plugs in Mexico and Australia are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.
How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in Mexico with a different voltage than your device.
However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Mexico from Australia, you will still need a plug adapter.
What happens if I connect a 230 V device to a 127 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 230 V device from Australia to a 127 V socket in Mexico without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Mexico, make sure you have a voltage adapter.
What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?
When connecting a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket in Mexico without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a faster speed than expected. Most electronic devices nowadays should not be damaged, but it is true that in older devices, the motors could heat up and risk being damaged.
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