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

In Puerto Rico, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz. 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 Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico?

It is important to know that in Puerto Rico the electrical voltage is 120 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. 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 Puerto Rico. 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 Puerto Rico.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Puerto Rico?

If you are travelling from Bolivia to Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Puerto Rico?

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

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Puerto Rico?

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 Puerto Rico, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Puerto Rico.

However, since the plugs in Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Puerto Rico 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 120 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 220 V device from Bolivia to a 120 V socket in Puerto Rico without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico 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.