Do you need a travel plug in Costa Rica?

Yes, for Costa Rica you usually need a travel plug. In Costa Rica type A and type B are common, while in the Netherlands and Belgium you are mainly used to type C and type F. As a result, a standard European plug does not fit directly into the socket.

If you use a European plug at home, it is handy to also look at our pages about travel plug Netherlands, travel plug Belgium, travel plug type C and travel plug type F. That way you quickly see what is different about the situation in Costa Rica.

Which plugs and sockets are used in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica you will mainly come across plug type A and plug type B. These are the same main types you also see a lot in the USA, Canada, Mexico and partly in countries such as Japan.

As a result, it is smart to look not only at the country, but also at the plug type. If you travel to North or Central America more often, you often benefit more from a travel plug type A, a travel plug type B or directly a universal universal travel plug.

Do you need a voltage converter in Costa Rica?

That depends on your device. Costa Rica uses 120 volts and 60 Hz. That is lower than the 230 volts that is usual in the Netherlands and Belgium. For modern devices such as phones, laptops, tablets and cameras a converter is often not needed, as long as the charger is suitable for 100-240V. An adapter only changes the shape of the plug and does not convert the voltage.

If you use devices that only work on 220-240V, then a voltage converter may indeed be needed. That mainly applies to older or more powerful devices, such as some hairdryers, straighteners or other equipment without dual-voltage support.

Why a universal travel plug is handy for Costa Rica

A universal travel plug is often the most practical choice for Costa Rica. You then know for sure that you are prepared if you come across several hotels, ecolodges, apartments or workplaces during your trip. Especially on a tour you do not want to keep having to think about adapters or local solutions.

That applies even more if you combine Costa Rica with other destinations in North, Central or South America. Think for example of the USA, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia or the Dominican Republic. In many of those countries you also come across type A and/or type B.

Buying a travel plug for Costa Rica

A good travel plug for Costa Rica is compact, sturdy and easy to take with you in your hand luggage or backpack. If you are only going to Costa Rica, you can choose an adapter that works well with type A and type B. If you travel internationally more often, a universal travel plug is usually the smartest choice.

For many travellers Costa Rica is moreover not the only destination. Perhaps you make a stopover via the USA, combine your trip with Mexico or continue towards Colombia. Then one universal solution is extra practical.