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

In Rwanda, the plug types used are C and J. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Jamaica, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Jamaica is 110 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type C

Type J

What are the plugs like in Rwanda?

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

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

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

It is important to know that in Rwanda the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Jamaica, the electrical voltage is 110 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 Rwanda. 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 Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

If you are travelling from Jamaica to Rwanda, 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 Rwanda to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Rwanda?

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

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Rwanda?

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

However, since the plugs in Rwanda and Jamaica 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 Rwanda with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Rwanda from Jamaica, you will still need a plug adapter.

What happens if I connect a 110 V device to a 230 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 110 V device from Jamaica to a 230 V socket in Rwanda without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Rwanda, make sure you have a voltage adapter.