Power Plugs and Sockets in Japan - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Japan 🇯🇵 from Bolivia 🇧🇴, then IT DEPENDS.
In Japan, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 100 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
✅ Your devices from Bolivia of type A will be valid and will work without an adapter.
⚠️ Your devices from Bolivia of type C will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Japan they use 100 V while in Bolivia you have 220 V.
What are the plugs like in Japan?
In Japan, 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.
In Japan, the eastern region (including Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, and Sendai) operates at 50 Hz, while the western part (covering Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima) uses 60 Hz. Older homes often have outlets without polarized plugs (both prongs of the same width), and many homes lack a ground connection. All outlets can be fitted into US-style wall boxes.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Japan?
It is important to know that in Japan the electrical voltage is 100 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 Japan. 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 Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Japan.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Japan?
If you are travelling from Bolivia to Japan, 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 Japan to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in Japan?
If you are travelling from Bolivia to Japan, 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 Japan have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Japan.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Japan?
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 Japan, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Japan.
However, since the plugs in Japan 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 Japan with a different voltage than your device.
However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Japan 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 100 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 220 V device from Bolivia to a 100 V socket in Japan without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Japan, make sure you have a voltage adapter.
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