4 Best Travel Adapter for Mexico Revealed For Sensitive Electronics
What Plug Adaptors Are Needed for Mexico and Why Do They Matter?
Mexico is a unique country in many ways, but it has the same voltage, plugs and outlets as the United States and Canada. But if you are from Europe or just about anywhere else in the world and you plan to travel to Mexico then you will need a universal travel adaptor like this one that Apple makes and is our editor's choice.
Rated Best Travel Adapter For Mexico
You might think that this would be a problem for travelers, but it doesn't have to be. All you need is an electrical adapter for Mexico to make sure your devices work properly. Read below for the best travel adaptors for Mexico.
Editor's Choice Best Travel Adapter Overall | Best Budget Travel Adapter | Covers Most Countries Travel Adapter | Best For USB Type C and USB Type A |
Types Of Electrical Outlets in Mexico
There are many types of travel adapters out there, but not all of them will work for Mexico. Mexico has two main types of plugs:
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Type A
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Type B
There are two types of electrical outlets in Mexico: the NEMA 1-15 (two-pole, no ground) or Type A and the NEMA 5-15, (two-pole with ground pin) or Type B
The Type A is the most common Mexico power outlet, it is also called a “standard” or “common” outlet. It has two flat holes, and it can be used to plug in any appliance with a voltage of 120V.
The second most common is the Type B and it is also accepting any appliance with 120V, but it also has a ground. All Type A plugins will plug in either electrical outlet but not the other way around for Type B.
You can see in the photo below the common electrical plug for Mexico, it is Type A and Type B.
Type C, E, F are the plugs primarily seen in Europe while Type G is the plug used in the UK.
What Types Of Power Adapters For Mexico Are There?
There are two main types of electric or power adapter for Mexico: ones that just change the shape of your plug and ones that change the voltage as well as the shape of your plug. The latter is more expensive, but it's worth it if you're traveling to a country with different voltage than what you're used to at home.
A power adapter is a device that converts the voltage of the power supply to a different voltage.
A voltage converter changes the input voltage from one type to another. It's important to have one if you're traveling outside of North America, as most countries use 220-240 volts instead of 110-120 volts.
For example, if you're in Mexico and want to plug your European laptop charger into an outlet, you'll need a power adapter that has a plug for Mexico and plugs for Europe.
What’s the Difference Between a Travel Adapter and a Voltage Converter?
A travel adapter and a voltage converter are two different types of devices that are used for traveling with electronic devices.
A travel adapter, also known as a plug adapter, is a device that allows you to connect your electronic devices to the outlets in a foreign country. It does not convert the voltage or frequency of the electrical supply, but simply provides a compatible plug shape for the outlets in the country you are visiting.
A voltage converter, on the other hand, is a device that converts the voltage and frequency of an electrical device to match the standards of the country where it will be used. This is necessary when the voltage and frequency of the electrical supply in the foreign country is different from the device's power requirements.
In summary, a travel adapter allows you to physically connect your electronic devices to the outlets in a foreign country, while a voltage converter ensures that the devices will not be damaged by the electrical supply in that country.
What Is A Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device that blocks unwanted voltage from entering the outlet. They're especially useful when using electronics and appliances that require high voltages, like computers and hair dryers.
American and Canadian power providers deliver clean power so there is small or no chance that there will be power surges or unclean power which can damage sensitive chips and equipment the kind we see in computers, tablets, washing machines and modern electric induction stoves.
Most major Mexican cities have clean and stable power supplies but some of the smaller towns and villages have sketchy power, so it is recommended to have a surge protector if traveling to these areas with sensitive electronics
#1 Editors Choice Best Travel Surge Protector | Best Budget Travel Surge Protector | Most Insurance Coverage Travel Surge Protector | Best For Office Surge Protector |
How to Know Which Voltage your Device Uses?
It is printed on the device or in the owner's manual. Check this carefully before plugging in any device as device failure can happen.
The most common voltages used are:
- 120V (United States, Canada, Mexico),
- 220-240V (Europe, UK, Africa, Asia),
- 100-127V (Australia)
Best Power Adapters On the Market
Before you go on any trip, it is essential to pack the necessary adapters for your destination. The travel adaptor is a device that allows travelers to use their electrical devices and appliances in different countries. It comes with a plug socket and an adapter which allows you to plug in your appliance into an outlet of a different type or voltage.
The best travel adapters will be lightweight, durable and have the required amount of plug ins required for your use. Flow through power adapters like this give you the best versatility as you can still use the original plug in and have extra USB C and USB A ports
Do I Need a Voltage Converter For Mexico?
If you are coming from USA or Canada, you will not need a voltage convertor but if you are coming from anywhere else in the world then yes, you will need a voltage converter for Mexico if you are bringing electronic devices that are not designed for the country's electrical system.
Mexico uses a standard voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz, which is different from the voltage and frequency used in many other countries.
A voltage converter is a device that converts the voltage and frequency of an electrical device to match the standards of the country where it will be used. This ensures that your electronic devices will not be damaged by the power supply in Mexico.
It is important to note that voltage converters are different from plug adapters, which only allow you to plug your electronic devices into the outlets in Mexico. Plug adapters do not convert the voltage or frequency of the electrical supply, so you will still need a voltage converter to use your electronic devices safely in Mexico.
Many modern devices now are dual powered (meaning they can operate at 120V or 220V) Generally if your device just has a battery, it is dual powered but if it has a motor or a heating element then it will not be dual powered (blenders, curling irons, hair dryer). If you are unsure? always use a plugin adapter or voltage adapter.
How Do I Check if My Eletronic Device is Dual Power?
To check if your electronic device is dual power, you can look for a voltage or power specification label on the device itself or its packaging. This label should indicate the range of voltages and frequencies that the device is compatible with.
Alternatively, you can consult the device's user manual or contact the manufacturer for information about its power requirements. Some devices, such as laptop computers and smartphones, may have a switch or setting that allows you to select the appropriate voltage and frequency for the country where you are using the device.
If your electronic device is not dual power and is not compatible with the voltage and frequency in Mexico, you will need to use a voltage converter to safely use the device in the country.
If you are travelling to Mexico, you will need to make sure that your electronic devices are compatible with the power supply in the country. You can buy a travel adapter on Amazon or any other website.
Should I Bring a Power Adapter to Mexico?
Mexico uses Type A and B outlets, which are different from the outlets used in many other countries. Type A outlets have two flat pins, while Type B outlets have two flat pins and one round pin. Which is the dame as what the USA and Canada use.
If your electronic devices have a plug shape that is not compatible with these outlets, you will need a travel adapter to connect them to the outlets in Mexico. It is important to note that a travel adapter does not convert the voltage or frequency of the electrical supply, so you may also need a voltage converter if your electronic devices are not dual power and are not compatible with the voltage and frequency in Mexico.
How to Buy A Travel Adapter For Your Next Vacation to Mexico
The first thing to consider is what type of voltage your device uses. If you do not know, check the label on the bottom of your device. If it is not labelled, then check your owner's manual to see if your device uses a 110V or 240V power supply?
A travel adapter will convert the power from 220-240 volts to 110 volts, so that you can plug in and use electrical devices in Mexico.
If you are travelling with an electronic device that does not have a voltage converter, like a laptop or camera battery charger for example, then you will need to purchase a separate converter for these devices.
Travel Adapter For Mexico Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need an adaptor for my travel headphones?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a power adapter for your headphones.
Does Mexico Use the Same Plugins as USA?
USA and Mexico plugins’ and voltage are the same, both use Type A or B electrical plugs with 110V
Electrical outlets in Mexico the same as Canada?
Yes, electrical outlets in Mexico are the same as Canada.
Will I need an adaptor for my portable toothbrush?
Yes, Canada, USA and Mexico all have the same plugins and voltage, both use Type A or B electrical plugs with 110V
What plug adaptors are required for Mexico?
The outlets in Mexico use Type A or Type B socket plugs. So if you are from USA or Canada you dont need any travel adaptor. If you are coming from anywhere eles in the world you will need a travel adaptor like this one from Apple.
Will I need an adaptor for my portable power banks?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a power adapter for your power bank.
Do I need to bring an adapter to Mexico?
Yes, you will need to bring a travel adapter to Mexico if you are bringing electronic devices that have a plug shape that is different from the outlets in the country.
Will I need an adaptor for my Kindle e-reader?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter for your Kindle e-reader
What type of electrical outlets are in Cancun?
The electrical outlets in Cancun Mexico use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz
Will I need a travel adaptor for my tablet?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter for your tablet.
Can I charge my iPhone in Mexico?
Yes, most iPhones are dual power so you can charge your iPhone with just a travel power adapter in Mexico.
Will I need a power adaptor for my airpods?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter for your airpods.
Will I need an adaptor for my action camera?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter for your action camera (GoPro, Action 360)
What type of electrical outlets are in Acapulco?
The electrical outlets in Acapulco use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
Will I need an adaptor for my portable hair dryer?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is no. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter for your hair dryer or buy a dual power hair dryer.
What type of power plugins are in La Paz Mexico?
The power plugins at La Paz use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What is a Travel Adaptor For Mexico?
A travel adapter is an electrical device that allows a user to plug their appliance from home into the wall outlet of a different country.
A travel adapter for Mexico converts the plug type from the US type to the Mexican type. It has two prongs and one metal pin.
How to Choose the Best Type of Adaptor for Your Trip To Mexico?
If you are from USA or Canada you dont need an adapter. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then yes you will need a travel adapter that is lightweight, portable and reliable.
What type of electrical outlets are in Tulum Mexico?
The electrical outlets in Tulum use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What type of plugins are in Mexico City?
The electrical plugins in Mexico City use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
Does Mexico use same power outlets as US?
Yes, the power outlets in Mexico use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What type of electrical outlets are in Montgomery?
The electrical outlets in Tulum use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What type of plugins are in Puerta Vallarta Mexico?
The electrical outlets in Tulum use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What type of plugins are in Cozumel Mexico?
Do I need a voltage converter for Mexico?
Yes, you will need a voltage converter for Mexico if you are bringing electronic devices that are not designed for the country's electrical system. Mexico uses a standard voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz, which is different from the voltage and frequency used in many other countries.
What type of plugins are in Merida Mexico?
The electrical outlets in Tulum use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
What type of plugins are in Puebla Mexico?
The electrical outlets in Tulum use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
Can I use my curling iron in Mexico?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is yes. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then you will need a travel adapter for your curling iron or buy a dual power curling iron.
Can I use my laptop charger in Mexico?
If you are from USA or Canada the answer is yes. If you are from anywhere else in the world, then you will need a travel adapter for your laptop.
Electrical outlets in Mexico same a Canada?
Yes, electrical outlets in Mexico use Type A or B electrical plugins with 120V at 60Hz. The same as USA or Canada.
Best Dual Voltage Travel Electronic Devices That You Didn't Know You Needed
Power Banks - Backup power is something everyone should have for an emergency phone charge to uploading the last few percent of a YouTube video that needed to be uploaded yesterday
Noise Cancelling Headphones - For keeping out jet engine noise or the baby crying across the aisle, headphones will be your next best friend
Kindle Reader - Waiting at the airport for cancelled flights or long layover needs a way to pass the time. Catch up with your favorite book while you wait.
Tablet - whether its Samsung or Apple a tablet is a great compromise for a laptop by saving space and weight and it’s great for viewing all the vacation pics you will be taking 🙂
Air pods - such a small item but used for so many things that we can’t mention them all here
Digital luggage scale - Bought too many souvenirs and need to calculate your luggage weight at the airport? you will be glad you have one along
Blue tooth Adapter - Use your Air pods on the flight instead the low-quality headphones passed out
Tile Pro - keep track of your luggage and any other valuables with a set of these
Hair Dryer - Travel off the beaten path and skip the hotels with complimentary hair dryer and bring your own dual voltage hair dryer
Surge protector- Going to a country with sketchy power with dirty sine waves and brownouts? A good surge protector is cheap insurance for all your valuable electronics.
Hidden USB - a safe way to protect yourself from theft, keep a copy of all your travel documents (passport, credit cards) on a USB that blends with you vacation attire like a necklace or belt
Action Camera - capture those unforgettable moments with a camera that you barely notice in your bag and is ready for anything! even underwater
Headlamp- having a light on your head can be a lifesaver if your hands are full of luggage. Small package that has a lot of uses.
Travel Adapter - In case you cant have all the above bring a universal travel adapter to charge all you electronic devices safely