In San José, 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 San José. Their plugs and outlets are the same as our standard Type A and B back in the States.
Quick Overview of the Plugs in San José:
- Plug type in San José: 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 voltage converter isn’t necessary
All details on this page are verified using official electrical guidelines from each country, international standards like the IEC, and up-to-date insights from travelers who’ve been there.
Travelers going to San José also tend to visit Panama, Nicaragua, or Mexico. Be sure to check the outlet types ahead of time.
Power Outlets in San José
In San José, 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
It’s always the small, useful things that make travel better. These items might not be obvious, but they sure come in handy.
Digital Luggage Scale
Packing Cubes
Power Bank
No products found.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
Unless the country’s voltage is different, you won’t need a converter. In San José, the voltage matches the U.S., so you’re good!
Always check your device’s voltage rating before packing for an international trip. If the label says “100-240V, 50/60 Hz”, it can safely run on both 120V and 220-240V power sources without a converter. This applies to most laptops, tablets, smartphones, and electric razors.

Which Travel Devices May Need a Converter?
Worried about overseas voltage spikes? Toss the crowd-favorite travel converter—this Amazon top seller—into your suitcase and keep every device humming across 180-plus countries.
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 San José
San José gets a bad rap, but stick around and it’ll surprise you. It’s a mash-up of old theaters, street food stands, city parks, and buzzing markets. There’s real culture here if you slow down enough to take it in.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab breakfast at a bakery, tour a gold museum, and still catch a sunset from a rooftop bar. For a capital city, it’s pretty easy-going—and super walkable if you stay central.
San José uses the same plugs and outlets as the rest of Costa Rica.
