Power Plugs and Sockets in Japan - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Japan 🇯🇵 from Mexico 🇲🇽, then NO, you will not need an adapter.
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 Mexico, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Mexico is 127 V with a frequency of 60Hz.
Type A
Type B
✅ Your devices from Mexico of type A and B will be valid and will work without an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Japan they use 100 V while in Mexico you have 127 V.
What are the plugs like in Japan?
In Japan, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from Mexico, then your devices are of type A or B.
In this sense, you will not have any problems with your electronic devices, as the plugs in Japan are compatible with the devices from Mexico.
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 Mexico, the electrical voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60Hz.
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.
- What are the plugs like in Japan?
- Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Japan?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Japan?
- Can I plug in my laptop charger in Japan?
- Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Japan?
- How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
- What happens if I connect a 127 V device to a 100 V socket without an adapter?
- What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?
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 Mexico to Japan, you will be able to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device without any problems. Nowadays, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not 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 Mexico to Japan, you will be able to charge your laptop without any problems. Nowadays, laptops are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Japan to charge your laptop.
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 Mexico and Japan, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Japan.
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.
What happens if I connect a 127 V device to a 100 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 127 V device from Mexico 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.
What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?
When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Japan without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.
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