What Plug is Used in Mexico? Mexico Power Outlet Guide (2024)
Are you traveling to Mexico soon and wondering about the power outlet and plug used in the country? You’ve come to the right guide!
I’m a travel blogger that lives in Mexico and I’m here to share all the information you need to know about Mexico’s power outlets.
Because making sure all your devices are charged and working is a critical part of any international trip–I personally can’t travel anywhere without my favorite hair tools!
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the electrical outlets in Mexico, and answering all of your burning questions about using your favorite electronic devices during your Mexico vacation.
So if you’re wondering if you can use your hairdryer, curling iron, or phone chargers in Mexico, I’ve got you covered!
Read on to find out all about the Mexico power outlet and how to use it safely during your travels.
Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!
🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars
🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator
🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master
What plug is used in Mexico?
The Mexico power outlet is Type A and Type B, which is the same type of plug used in the United States and Canada.
This means that if you have any electronic devices from the United States or Canada, you won’t need a travel adapter for them to fit into the power socket and they will work normally in Mexico.
However, if you have electronic devices from Europe or other countries that use different plug types, you will need a travel adapter and will likely need a voltage converter in order to use them in Mexico.
What is the difference between Type A and Type B plugs?
Like the US, Mexico uses both Type A and Type B plugs. The difference between Type A and Type B power plugs is simply the number of prongs:
- Type A = 2 prongs (2 flat parallel pins)
- Type B = 3 prongs (2 flat parallel pins and 1 round grounding pin)
Type A plugs will fit into both Type A and Type B outlets, but Type B plugs will only fit into Type B plug outlets.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to bring a plug Type B to Type A plug converter just in case the three hole electrical plugs in Mexico are not available. Additionally, you could also use a power strip.
Mexico Voltage and Frequency
The electricity in Mexico has a standard voltage of 127V and a standard frequency of 60 Hz, which is the same as the United States and Canada.
This means that if your electronic device is made for use in North America, it will work normally in Mexican electrical plugs without needing a voltage converter.
Do I need a voltage converter for Mexico?
If you have North American electrical appliances, you will not need a voltage converter to use it safely in Mexican plugs.
However, if your device is made for use in Europe or another country with a higher voltage (such as 220V), then you will first want to check if the device is dual voltage.
🔍 How do you know if it’s dual voltage? You can normally check the voltage information written in small print on the device or its power plug adapter. If it says 100-240V, then it is dual voltage.
Many electronic devices, such as hair styling tools, laptop chargers, and phone chargers, are now made to be dual voltage and will work fine with a simple travel adapter in Mexico.
However, it’s always important to double check first before using any electronic device in Mexico.
If your device is not dual voltage or you are unsure, it is safest to use a voltage converter to convert the electricity to the appropriate voltage and frequency.
What’s the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter?
It’s important to note that a travel adapter and a voltage converter are two different things and serve different purposes.
Travel adapters simply allow your electronic device’s plug to fit into the outlet, while a voltage converter ensures that the electricity passing through the outlet is compatible with your device.
If your device is dual voltage then you will only need a travel adapter, but if it is not dual voltage then you should also use a voltage converter in addition to the travel adapter.
Do I need to bring an adapter to Mexico?
If your electronic devices are made for use in the United States or Canada, then you do not need a travel adapter to use them in Mexico electrical plugs.
However, if they are made for use in Europe or other countries that have different outlet types, then yes, you will need a travel adapter to fit them into the Mexican power outlet.
Best Travel Adapter for Mexico
For those that are visiting Mexico from countries other than the United States or Canada and need a travel adapter, I highly recommend the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter.
This adapter has plug types for over 150 countries, including the Mexico plug type for Type A and Type B outlets. It also has built-in safety features and USB ports for charging multiple devices at once.
Mexico Power Outlets: Using Electronics in Mexico
Here’s what to know about using your favorite electronics in Mexico like your iPhone, laptop, hair dryer, flat irons, curling irons, and more:
Can I charge my iPhone in Mexico?
Yes, as long as your iPhone charger is made for use in the United States or Canada, it will work normally in Mexico.
iPhone and cell phone chargers are typically dual voltage so if you are visiting from Europe or another country, you can safely use your iPhone charger in Mexico with just a travel adapter.
Newer hotels in Mexico may also have USB charging ports for charging devices, so you may not even need to worry about a travel adapter for the Mexico plug.
📱 Related Reading: Will my phone work in Mexico?
Can I use my hairdryer in Mexico?
If your hairdryer is made for use in the United States or Canada, it will work normally in Mexico without needing a travel adapter or voltage converter.
But if it is made for use in Europe or another country with different plug types, you will need a travel adapter and voltage converter in order to use it safely in Mexico.
However, voltage converters do not always work properly with high-powered devices such as hair dryers and can be dangerous to use.
A safer option would be to purchase a compact dual voltage travel hair dryer to avoid the need for a voltage converter.
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Can I use my hair straightener in Mexico?
If your hair straightener is made for use in North America, it will work normally in Mexico without needing adapter plugs or a voltage converter.
But if it is made for use in Europe or another country with a higher voltage, you will need a voltage converter in order to use it safely in Mexico.
Many flat irons nowadays are dual voltage, meaning they can be used in countries with different voltages–just be sure to check and make sure before using it in Mexico.
I would also recommend purchasing a compact dual voltage travel flat iron to avoid the need for a voltage converter. Plus, they are small and compact, perfect for traveling anywhere around the world.
Can I use my curling iron in Mexico?
The same rules apply for curling irons as for hair straighteners–if it is made for use in North America, it will work normally in Mexico without needing a travel adapter or voltage converter.
But if it is made for use in Europe or another country with a higher voltage, you will need a voltage converter in order to use it safely in Mexico.
Can I use my laptop charger in Mexico?
If your laptop charger is made for use in North America, it will work normally in Mexico without needing a travel adapter or voltage converter.
But if it is made for use in Europe or another country with a higher voltage, you will need a voltage converter in order to use it safely in Mexico.
Many laptop chargers nowadays are also dual voltage, so check to see if yours is before using it in Mexico.
Mexico Outlets: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mexican outlets:
Yes, the Mexico electricity outlet is the same as in the United States and Canada–it is Type A and Type B.
If your electronic devices are made for use in the United States or Canada, then you do not need a travel adapter to use them in Cancun.
However, if they are made for use in Europe or other countries that have different plug types, then yes, you will need a travel power plug adapter.
Yes, US phone chargers will work in Mexico exactly as they do in the States.
If you are visiting from the United States or Canada, you will not need a plug adapter to go to Mexico. But if you are visiting from Europe or other countries, then you will need to bring a travel adapter.
No, European plugs will not work in Mexico. You’ll need to bring a travel adapter to fit the Mexico outlet type.
Cozumel uses the same electrical plug type as the United States and Canada–Type A and Type B.
Conclusion: Mexico Power Outlet Guide
I hope this Mexico electric plug guide has been helpful in learning more about what plugs are used in Mexico!
The plug type in Mexico is the same as in the United States and Canada–Type A and Type B.
If your electronic devices are made for use in North America, they will work normally in Mexico without needing a travel adapter or voltage converter.
So if you’re visiting Mexico from the United States or Canada, your electronics will work just fine in the power outlets in Mexico and you won’t have to worry about bringing a travel adapter.
But if they are made for use in Europe or another country with a different plug type or higher voltage, you may need a universal USB travel power adapter and/or voltage power converter in order to use them safely in Mexico.
It is always important to check the voltage and plug type compatibility before using any electrical devices in a foreign country.
And for added convenience and safety, consider purchasing dual voltage travel versions of your favorite electronics like a travel hair dryer or a mini flat iron.
Now that you know all about the Mexico power plug and voltage for Mexico, you can safely use your electronics during your trip!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
