Costa Rica is listed with 120V nominal AC supply, 60Hz, and Type A, Type B in the reviewed travel references. These figures describe a destination profile, not the outlet in your room.
Before plugging in
The reference lists several plug families. That is a list of observed formats across sources, not a guarantee that every building has them.
Costa Rica voltage, frequency and plug types
| Voltage reference | 120V |
|---|---|
| Voltage mode | nominal reference |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Plug families | Type A, Type B |
| Voltage evidence | manufacturer references |
| Frequency evidence | reference agreement |
| Plug evidence | manufacturer and safety references |
| Profile review | reference data with caveats |
| Territory of | Not applicable |
Illustrations show broad family shapes only. They are not dimensioned drawings or a fit test.
A plug letter identifies a shape family. It does not establish the supply voltage, the exact subvariant, the condition of the wall socket, or a working protective earth. Nominal values can differ from the actual supply at a particular property.
What changes for a US traveler?
A 120V-only US label matches the nominal reference number, but the particular outlet and the remaining frequency, earth and load conditions still need checking. The reference shares Type A, Type B with US plug families, but the exact male-to-socket variant and the property installation are still unverified. The reference frequency includes 60Hz; a US 60Hz-only appliance still needs the other electrical checks.
- The destination reference cannot answer for an appliance without its INPUT label and grounding classification.
Compare Costa Rica with another stop
A multi-stop trip can change the outlet even when the next destination shares a nominal voltage. Compare Costa Rica with Mexico and Panama below. Use the specific property’s outlet and each device label before reusing an adapter.
| Stop | Voltage | Frequency | Plug families |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 120V | 60Hz | Type A, Type B |
| Mexico | 127V | 60Hz | Type A, Type B |
| Panama | 120V | 60Hz | Type A, Type B |
Check your device label
Find the INPUT line on the item that actually connects to AC power. Confirm its voltage range includes the local supply, its frequency rating includes the local frequency, and its plug and grounding requirements are met. A USB output rating such as 65W is not the AC input rating.
| Device | Check before use |
|---|---|
| Phone and tablet chargers | If the actual charger says INPUT 100–240V 50/60Hz, the listed 120V and 60Hz values are inside those two ranges. Check its wall plug and USB profile separately. |
| Laptop supplies | Inspect the brick and detachable cord. A Type A/B country listing does not verify a Class I earth path in your room. |
| Cameras and small chargers | Read the battery charger’s AC INPUT, not the camera body; the 120V reference still needs a matching plug and rating. |
| Hair dryers and heated tools | Even at the 120V reference, a high-load heating appliance needs a rated outlet, adapter and maker approval. |
| Medical and CPAP devices | Ask the maker and care team to compare the exact power supply with 120V and 60Hz; plan a backup rather than relying on a country-level safe-use verdict. |
Screen your device for Costa Rica · Compare from your home country
What adapter type should you look for?
Start with an adapter that explicitly accepts your device’s actual plug and has an output plug matching the outlet shown by your accommodation. Check the adapter’s AC current rating, permitted appliances and earth continuity. A universal adapter can have several pins yet lack protective earth. A shape adapter cannot step voltage up or down.
For Costa Rica, research Type A or Type B. Do not buy solely from this country-level listing; ask the property about the exact socket variant first.
- Dedicated destination head: investigate one that names the exact wall socket variant and your device plug.
- Grounded route for Class I equipment: require documented protective-earth continuity from the wall through the adapter.
- Documented universal model: useful for several stops only when every required variant and the AC load are supported.
Travel questions for Costa Rica
Will a US plug connect directly in Costa Rica?
The country list includes Type A, Type B, also seen in US references. Direct fit still depends on the exact variant, outlet and grounding.
Can I use a device marked 120V only?
The nominal number is 120V, but plug fit, frequency, earth and the actual room outlet still need checking.
What should I confirm with the property?
Ask for the voltage and a photo or exact name of the outlet you will use. The reference data with caveats research status and Type A, Type B listing do not verify every room or a working protective earth.
Evidence and limits
Voltage references: Bel Fuse . Frequency references: Bel Fuse , MENNEKES . Plug references: Bel Fuse , MENNEKES . Reviewed 2026-11-01; no on-site outlet or product test was performed.
The research record marks this profile as reference data with caveats. If sources disagree, the screening tool requests local confirmation rather than treating a nominal reference as a safety certificate. Report a correction
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