Power Plugs and Sockets in Barbados - Do You Need an Adapter?

In Barbados, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 115 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Bolivia, the plug types used are A and C. The voltage in Bolivia is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type A

Type B

What are the plugs like in Barbados?

In Barbados, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Bolivia, then your devices are of type A or C.

In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Barbados?

It is important to know that in Barbados the electrical voltage is 115 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Bolivia, the electrical voltage is 220 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 Barbados. 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 Barbados.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Barbados.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Barbados?

If you are travelling from Bolivia to Barbados, 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 may need an adapter in Barbados to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Barbados?

If you are travelling from Bolivia to Barbados, 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 Bolivia and Barbados have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Barbados.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Barbados?

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 Bolivia and Barbados, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Barbados.

However, since the plugs in Barbados and Bolivia are not fully compatible, we recommend that you acquire a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer with peace of mind.

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 Barbados with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Barbados from Bolivia and there is not full compatibility, you may still need a plug adapter.

What happens if I connect a 220 V device to a 115 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 220 V device from Bolivia to a 115 V socket in Barbados without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Barbados, make sure you have a voltage adapter.