In Costa Rica, they use Type A and B power plugs and outlets. The voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz.
✅ Good news! You won’t need a travel adapter in Costa Rica. Their plugs and outlets are the same as our standard Type A and B back in the States.
Quick Overview of the Plugs in Costa Rica:
- Plug type in Costa Rica: A and B
- Standard voltage: 120V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Need a travel adapter? No, you don’t need a travel adapter
- Need a voltage converter? No, a converter isn’t needed
We’ve collected and double-checked this information using official power regulations from each country, global standards like the IEC, and firsthand experiences from travelers on the ground.
Visiting Costa Rica as part of a longer trip? Many travelers continue on to Panama, Nicaragua, or Mexico. It’s smart to check outlet compatibility beforehand.
Power Outlets in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, they use Type A and B power plugs and outlets.
Type A
Type A outlets have two flat prongs and no grounding pin.
Type B
Type B outlets have two flat prongs and a grounding pin. Type A plugs will also fit.
Top Travel Essentials to Pack
Once you’ve sorted the right adapter, it’s worth packing a few extra essentials. They won’t take up much space, but they’ll make a big difference during your trip.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
A voltage converter is unnecessary in Costa Rica since the voltage is identical to the U.S. You only need one if there’s a difference.
To be safe, always check the label on your electronics before you travel. If you see “100-240V, 50/60 Hz”, your device is compatible with multiple voltage systems and won’t need a converter. Most phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and rechargeable toothbrushes have this capability.
Which Travel Devices May Need a Converter?
If you’re even a little unsure about foreign power, err on the side of caution and pack this highly praised converter; it keeps everything from phones to hair tools safe in more than 180 destinations.
Device Need Converter? Notes Phone ❌ No Most modern phone chargers are dual voltage (100–240V) Laptop ❌ No Check the power brick label for 100–240V Hairdryer ❌ No (usually) High wattage; many models are not dual voltage Electric toothbrush ❌ No Most models are 110V only Camera / DSLR ❌ No (usually) Most chargers are dual voltage Power bank ❌ No Charges via USB, adapter is enough Electric shaver / trimmer ❌ No Older or cheaper models may not support 230V Tablet / iPad ❌ No All models are dual voltage Portable fan ❌ No Many models are compatible with 110V Game console ⚠️ Check voltage Newer consoles like PS5 and Xbox are often dual voltage — check to be sure Bluetooth speaker ❌ No Charges via USB E-reader (Kindle, etc.) ❌ No USB charging only, no converter needed
More About Costa Rica
For a small country, Costa Rica is packed with adventure. You’ve got volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and cloud forests—all within a few hours of each other. It’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning and hike a volcano by afternoon.
More than a quarter of the country is protected land, which explains why you’ll see so much wildlife: monkeys, toucans, sloths, and frogs that look like they belong in a Pixar movie. Add in the “pura vida” mindset and it’s hard not to fall in love with the place.
Top places to visit in Costa Rica: San José, Tamarindo, Liberia (Costa Rica), Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and Monteverde.