Traveling To Bolivia? Don't Forget Your Electrical Adapters!

If you're travelling to Bolivia from the USA, you will need to pack a plug adapter to be able to use any electrical appliances. Bolivia uses two types of power plugs and sockets (also known as outlets): Type A and Type C. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, and Type C plugs have two round pins. You may also need a voltage converter, as the voltage in Bolivia may be too high for your devices. The voltage in Bolivia is typically 115V or 230V, whereas in the USA, devices usually operate at 120V. It is important to check the voltage of the local power supply before plugging in your devices, as using the wrong voltage can damage your devices or even cause a fire.

Plug types in Bolivia

In Bolivia, there are two associated plug types: type A and type C. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. The standard voltage in Bolivia is typically 115V or 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz.

If you are travelling to Bolivia from the US, it is recommended that you bring a plug adapter for types A and C power outlets. This is because US plug types A and B are incompatible with Bolivian power outlets. A power plug adapter will change the shape of your US plug to fit into a Bolivian power outlet but will not change the voltage.

It is also important to note that you may need a voltage converter for your devices, as the voltage in Bolivia may be too high for your devices and can cause serious damage. Voltage converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration, while transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously.

Some devices may not need a converter. If your device states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz', it is a multi-voltage device and can be used in Bolivia without a converter. Devices with dual voltage, such as hair dryers and hair straighteners, will have a toggle between 110V and 220V, allowing you to switch before use.

Voltage and frequency in Bolivia

The standard voltage in Bolivia is 115V or 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. This is a higher voltage than in the US, where electrical devices typically operate at 120V. Therefore, if you are travelling to Bolivia with electrical devices, it is important to check the local voltage before plugging them in. If the local voltage is 230V, you will need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your devices.

In La Paz and Viacha, the voltage is 115V. However, some older buildings in La Paz still use 110V outlets, so it is important to double-check the voltage before using any electrical devices.

Bolivia's electricity supply alternates at 50 cycles per second (50 Hertz). Most electronics today support multiple frequencies (50-60Hz), so this shouldn't cause any compatibility issues. However, it is always a good idea to check the label on your devices to be sure. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', the device can be used anywhere in the world and will not require a converter or transformer in Bolivia.

Dual voltage appliances, such as hair dryers and hair straighteners, will have a voltage input of 110V/220V and may have a toggle between the two inputs. Single voltage devices, usually household kitchen appliances, rated at 120V will require a voltage converter for Bolivia. However, you are unlikely to be travelling with these types of items.

It is recommended to purchase adapter plugs or voltage converters in your home country, as they can be difficult to find in Bolivia. Alternatively, for 120V electrical devices that don't operate on dual voltage, it may be cheaper to buy new appliances in Bolivia than to buy a voltage converter.

Adapters and converters

When travelling from the USA to Bolivia, it is important to consider what adapters and converters to pack to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely. The electrical setup varies within Bolivia, and within the USA, so it is important to check the voltage and plug type of your devices and compare them to the electrical setup of the specific place you are travelling to in Bolivia.

Adapters

In Bolivia, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type C are used. Type A has two flat parallel pins, and type C has two round pins. In the USA, plugs are type A and B. Therefore, if you are travelling from the USA to Bolivia, you will need to bring a power plug adapter for sockets type A and C. A power plug adapter will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a plug outlet in Bolivia.

Voltage Converters

Bolivia has two voltage levels in use: 115V and 230V. These can vary by region, city, or even hotel. In the USA, electric devices typically operate at 120V. Therefore, you will need to check the local voltage in Bolivia before using your devices. If the local voltage is higher than your device is designed to operate at, you will need a voltage converter. A voltage converter will ensure a safe input voltage level for your devices.

Dual Voltage Devices

Some devices are dual voltage, which means they can operate within a voltage range, for example, 'INPUT: 110-240V'. If you are travelling with a dual voltage device, you will not need a voltage converter, just a travel adapter.

Frequency

The frequency of the electrical supply in Bolivia is 50Hz, whereas in the USA it is typically 60Hz. Be extra careful with devices that have motors or timing components, as the difference in frequency may affect their operation.

Using dual voltage devices in Bolivia

If you're travelling from the USA to Bolivia, you'll need to be aware of the different power plugs and sockets used in the two countries. In Bolivia, they use power sockets (outlets) of type A and C, whereas in the US, you have plugs A and B. This means you will need a power plug adapter for sockets type A and C in Bolivia.

Bolivia has two voltage levels in use: 115V and 230V. This can vary by region, city, or even hotel. In the US, electric devices typically operate at 120V. Therefore, you may need a voltage converter in Bolivia, depending on the local voltage and the devices you are using.

If you are using a dual voltage device in Bolivia, you will not need a voltage converter. Dual voltage devices can accept both 110-120V and 220-240V, so you will only need a plug adapter. Many modern travel devices are dual voltage, including iPhones, laptops, and cameras. You can check if your device is dual voltage by looking at the power label or the body of the appliance or its power supply. A dual voltage device will display something like 'INPUT: 100-240V' or 'INPUT: 110-240V'.

If you are using a dual voltage device in Bolivia, be sure to check the local voltage before plugging in your device. If the local voltage is 230V, you will not need a voltage converter. However, if the local voltage is 115V, you may need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your device. It is important to exercise caution when using electric devices in a different voltage network.

Power banks and solar power

If you're travelling from the USA to Bolivia, you will need to bring a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A and C. In Bolivia, they use power sockets of type A and C, whereas in the US, you have plugs A and B. A power bank will be useful to combat the differences in voltage and frequency between the two countries.

In Bolivia, two voltage levels are in use: 115V and 230V. In the US, electric devices typically operate at 120V. Therefore, you will need to check the local voltage before using your devices. If the local voltage is much higher at 230V, you will need a voltage converter. Without one, you risk serious damage to your devices.

It is also important to note that the frequency in Bolivia is 50Hz, which differs from the US. Be extra careful with certain devices because of this difference in frequency. A voltage converter will not always change the frequency, so always check before using your devices. If your converter cannot change the frequency, it is not advisable to use your devices. But if you do so at your own risk, exercise special caution with motorized devices and those containing electronic chips, such as clocks, shavers, and medical devices.

If you are planning to stay in rural areas of Bolivia, it is worth noting that the World Bank has been working to increase and improve access to sustainable electric power in these communities. Since 2006, the World Bank has supported electrification in Bolivia's rural sector. In 2023, the World Bank approved US$125 million in financing to support the Plurinational State of Bolivia in expanding and improving access to sustainable electric service for rural homes and communities. The project includes the installation of 9,000 individual household solar power systems and 350 solar power systems in public institutions.

Frequently asked questions