Belize Travel: The Right Power Adapter For Your Trip

If you're travelling to Belize, you'll need to know about the country's power outlets and voltage requirements to keep your devices charged. The good news is that if you're travelling from the US, you won't need a power adapter because Belize uses the same plugs and voltage as the US. However, if you're travelling from the UK, you'll need to bring a travel adapter to be able to plug in your appliances. It's also recommended to bring a surge protector as power in Belize can be spotty, with frequent blackouts.

Plug types: Type A, Type B, and Type G

If you're travelling to Belize, you'll need to bring a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A and G. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, while plug type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. If you're from the US, you won't need an adapter for plug type B, which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. However, sockets with this plug type might not always be available locally.

Plug type A, or NEMA 1-15, is an ungrounded plug rated at 15A and 125V. It has two flat parallel prongs that are 1.5 mm thick, 15.9–18.3 mm long, and spaced 12.7 mm apart. This plug type is commonly found in North and Central America, Japan, and some parts of South America.

Plug type B, or NEMA 5-15, is a grounded plug also rated at 15A and 125V. It has the same dimensions as type A, with the addition of a 4.8 mm diameter round or U-shaped earth pin that is 3.2 mm longer than the two flat blades. Type B plugs are widely used in North America, Mexico, China, Japan, and other countries that use type A plugs.

Plug type G, or BS 1363, is a British standard plug with a unique design that includes three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement and an incorporated fuse. The central earthing pin measures 4 mm by 8 mm by 22.7 mm, while the hot and neutral pins measure 4 mm by 6.35 mm by 17.7 mm. Type G plugs include a fuse rated at 3A or 13A and are considered the safest option for both users and equipment. They are commonly used in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cyprus, and Malta.

Voltage: 110/220V

The standard voltage in Belize is 110/220V, with a frequency of 60Hz. The voltage in Belize can vary by region, city, or even hotel, so it's important to check the local voltage before plugging in your devices. Some areas of Belize run power at 220V, while others run it at 110V.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, you will not typically need a voltage converter, as the voltage in the US is 120V, which falls within the range of 110/220V used in Belize. However, if you are travelling with high-powered electronics that are not dual-voltage, such as blow dryers, curling irons, or rotating fans, you may need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your devices.

It's important to check the label on your devices to determine if you need a voltage converter. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', your device can be used in any country worldwide without a converter. Most modern electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, are dual-voltage and can be used on any power supply without a converter.

In addition to voltage requirements, it's important to consider the type of power outlets and plugs used in Belize. Belize has three compatible plug types: Type A, Type B, and Type G. Type A has two parallel, flat pins, Type B has two parallel, flat pins plus a round grounding pin, and Type G has three rectangular pins formed in a triangular pattern.

If your devices have American plugs, you may not need an adapter for Type A and Type B outlets in Belize, as these plug types are commonly used in the US. However, for Type G outlets, you will need to use an adapter. It is recommended to bring a universal power adapter that works in multiple countries, especially if you plan to travel frequently.

Frequency: 60Hz

If you're travelling to Belize, you'll need to know about the country's power supply. The standard voltage in Belize is 110V or 220V, with a frequency of 60Hz. This frequency is used in the power supply in the Americas and parts of Asia. It is also used as the frame rate for video broadcasts in these regions.

60Hz means that the rotor of the generator turns 60 cycles per second, with the current changing 60 times per second. The speed of a 60Hz 2-pole synchronous generator is 3600rpm. The grid standard frequency is 60 Hertz, which is a constant value. The frequency of the power supply can affect the operation of electrical appliances. For example, a clock set to 50Hz may run faster when using a 60Hz electricity supply.

If you're travelling to Belize from a country that uses a different frequency, such as the UK or Australia, you may need a frequency converter to run your electrical appliances safely. A converter will change the electricity supply from 60Hz to 50Hz, or vice versa.

It's important to check the requirements of your appliances before you travel to Belize, to ensure you have the correct adapters and converters.

Power supply: Inconsistent

Power Supply in Belize: Inconsistent

Belize has an inconsistent power supply, with some areas of the country running power at 220V and others at 110V. This can vary by region, city, or even hotel. The voltage range for Belize is 110/220V, while the standard frequency is 60Hz.

Due to the inconsistent power supply, it is recommended that you check the local voltage before using your devices in Belize. If the local voltage is much higher at 220V, you will need a voltage converter, otherwise, you risk serious damage to your devices.

It is worth noting that some devices may not need a converter. If the label on your device states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', it can be used in every country in the world. This is common for devices with chargers like tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, and toothbrushes. For these devices, you will only need a power plug adapter.

Additionally, certain areas in Belize do not have access to electricity and suffer from power blackouts. It is advised to pack a portable power bank if you want to recharge your devices during a blackout.

To ensure you are prepared for the inconsistent power supply in Belize, consider the following:

• Check if your devices will work with the local voltage.
• Pack a voltage converter if needed.
• Bring a portable power bank in case of power outages.
• Consider a universal power adapter that will work in multiple countries.
• Invest in a combined travel adapter/voltage converter if necessary.

Adapters: Universal adapter recommended

Belize has three compatible plug types: Type A, Type B, and Type G. Type A has two parallel, flat pins, Type B has two parallel, flat pins and a round grounding pin, and Type G has three rectangular pins formed in a triangle. While Type A and Type B plugs are also used in the US, Type G is a British plug.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, you will not need an adapter for Type A and Type B sockets. However, in rare cases, you may come across a Type G socket, which will require an adapter. Given the diverse electrical systems in Belize, it is recommended to carry a universal power adapter that works in over 100 countries worldwide. This is especially useful if you plan to travel to other countries in the future.

A universal adapter will allow you to connect your US devices to Type G sockets in Belize. It is important to note that an adapter does not convert voltage or frequency. If you are connecting devices that are not dual voltage, you may need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your electronics.

In addition to a universal adapter, you may also want to consider a surge protector for your electronics. Belize experiences power fluctuations, and a surge protector can help protect your devices from any voltage spikes.

Frequently asked questions