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

In Costa Rica, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Brazil, the plug types used are C and N. The voltage in Brazil is 127-220 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type A

Type B

What are the plugs like in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Brazil, then your devices are of type C or N.

For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Costa Rica are not compatible with the devices from Brazil and you will not be able to use your devices.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Costa Rica?

It is important to know that in Costa Rica the electrical voltage is 120 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Brazil, the electrical voltage is 127-220 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

Since Brazil uses a wide range of voltages, you will not have a problem plugging in your devices in Costa Rica as long as it matches the voltage there, which is 120 V.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Costa Rica?

If you are travelling from Brazil to Costa Rica, 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 Costa Rica to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Costa Rica?

If you are travelling from Brazil to Costa Rica, 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 Brazil and Costa Rica have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Costa Rica.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Costa Rica?

You will have to be careful when using your hair dryer or hair straightener in Costa Rica. These devices are not usually dual voltage, so you should pay attention to ensure that the voltage of the hair dryer/straightener is the same as the socket you are going to use. To be able to use these devices with peace of mind, we recommend that you purchase a voltage adapter.

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 Costa Rica with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Costa Rica from Brazil, you will 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 Brazil to a 120 V socket in Costa Rica without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Costa Rica, make sure you have a voltage adapter.