Costa Rica power adapters - What adapter do I need for Costa Rica?

Power adapters for Costa Rica

If you are organizing a trip to Costa Rica it can be helpful to know if you can power all your gadgets such as mobiles or tablets that you are bringing with you. Without knowing which plug socket is being used in Costa Rica you could end up either bringing too many adaptors or pack the wrong power adaptor, therefore leaving you having to purchase a suitable power adaptor when you get there which might be incompatible. Varying different voltages and plugs can often lead to confusion when planning to stay in another country especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of sockets being used in the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power your device in Costa Rica. This page has links to simple instructions telling you which power adapters you'll need to power your devices when you're in Costa Rica using the B or A type Costa Rican 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets, a majority of Costa Ricans will normally use Type B power outlets. You will find most power adapters are different from region to region so please read our WikiConnections world power adapters list for a full list of destinations.

What is the best power adapter for Costa Rica?

The best power adapter for Costa Rica will be a Type B power adapter which is suitable for powering any 120 volt device or appliance. [2] [AD]

What is the best power adapter for Costa Rica?

What is a power adapter for a Costa Rican power outlet?

Power adapters are small, cheap and lightweight plastic adapters that allow a Costa Rican power outlet to accept a different shaped power plug from a different region. [3]

Do I need a power adapter in Costa Rica?

If the type of Costa Rican power outlet is different to the power plug that you are using then you will need a power adapter.

Will I need a plug adapter for Costa Rica if I'm from the US?

A US plug won't require a plug adapter as it already fits into a Costa Rican power outlet.

Will a power adapter change the voltage from a Costa Rican power outlet?

Power adapters only adapt the shape of a plug to fit into a 120 volt Costa Rican power outlet and can't convert to a different voltage. Should you wish to safely use a 220-240 volt appliance you will also need to bring a step up power converter for Costa Rica along with the right type of adapter.

What does a power adapter do?

A power adapter for a Costa Rican power outlet allows visitors travelling from a different country to use their electrical devices in Costa Rica simply by adapting the shape of the plug to fit the power socket.

Where to buy a power adapter in Costa Rica

Arriving at an airport

Where to buy a power adapter in Costa Rica

On arrival power adapters could be found in local electrical high street shops and drug stores, but always check the build quality first as safety standards might be different in a foreign country as this is important when dealing with electrical goods. Keep in mind that a shopping trip searching for power adapters in an unknown location might be impractical, especially as this needs to happen quickly before batteries run out.

Hotel receptions could have a power adapter for sale, hire or as a complimentary extra for guests; however, availability is normally limited and a hotel might not have the exact type required for your country. If in doubt, call ahead to the hotel first and request a reservation as it is unlikely that an adapter will be found in your room on arrival.

Where to buy a power adapter for Costa Rica in the US

Power adapters for sale in an airport

Where to buy a power adapter for Costa Rica in the US

Costa Rica to US power adapters will most likely be available in most major US International airports prior to departure, however the range of adapters might be limited to popular destinations. It is recommended to research the exact type of adapter required prior to shopping at the airport. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores and pharmacists such as Hudson News or Brookstone, but expect to pay more than regular prices. Airports will be your last chance to buy a power adapter before departure, always check the returns policy to ensure you can easily exchange or refund a faulty or unsuitable product in an airside shop.

It will be more convenient and cheaper to buy the correct power adapter in advance of your trip. High street electrical stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Home Depot or Fry's normally sell a limited range of travel adapters to popular locations but for widest choice it is recommended to buy a power adapter online.

  1. Wikipedia - Costa Rican Wikipedia web page.
  2. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  3. Wikipedia - power adaptor