Electric Adapter Requirements For Bolivia: A Traveler's Guide

If you're travelling to Bolivia, you'll need to take a plug adapter to be able to use your electrical devices. In Bolivia, they use power plugs and sockets of type A (two flat parallel pins) and type C (two round pins). The standard voltage is 115V or 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. If your device is 115V or dual voltage and the plug fits in a Bolivian power outlet, you won't need anything else. If your device is 115V but your plug doesn't fit, you'll need a type C power adapter. If your device isn't dual voltage, you'll also need a power converter.

Type A and Type C sockets are used in Bolivia

If you're travelling to Bolivia, you'll need to bring the right power plug travel adapter to be able to use any of your electronic devices. In Bolivia, they use power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type C.

Type A power sockets are identified by their two slots that are next to each other. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins that fit into these slots.

Type C power sockets, on the other hand, are identified by their two holes that are also next to each other. Type C plugs have two rounded pins that fit into these holes and are often referred to as "Europlugs".

The standard voltage in Bolivia is 115V or 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're travelling from a country that uses a voltage of 220-240V, you should be able to use your electrical/electronic devices in Bolivia without a voltage converter. However, if your device is from the US, Canada, or some Latin American countries, you will likely need a voltage converter, as these countries typically use a voltage of 120V.

It is recommended to check the label on your appliances or chargers to see if they support the voltage and frequency in Bolivia. Many modern devices are built to handle multiple voltages (100-240V) and frequencies (50-60Hz), so you may not need a voltage converter at all. However, if you are bringing older devices or ones that require a lot of power, such as hair dryers or kettles, you may need to purchase a voltage converter to avoid damaging your devices.

It is also important to note that some areas in Bolivia, particularly older buildings in La Paz, may still use 110V outlets. Always check the voltage and ask locals before plugging in your devices to avoid any issues.

The standard voltage in Bolivia is 115V or 230V

The voltage in Bolivia can vary by region, city, or even hotel, so it is important to check the local voltage before using your devices. Some older buildings in La Paz still use 110V outlets, so be sure to double-check the voltage before using your devices.

Most electronic devices today support multiple frequencies (50-60Hz), so this shouldn't be an issue. However, it is always good to check the label on your device to ensure compatibility. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz', your device can be used in Bolivia.

If you are travelling with high-power devices, such as hair dryers, kettles, or anything that generates heat, you will need to bring a power converter, as these devices typically do not handle different voltages.

It is recommended to purchase adapter plugs or voltage converters in your home country, as they can be difficult to find in Bolivia.

You may need a power converter if your device isn't dual voltage

If your device is not dual voltage, you may need a power converter for your trip to Bolivia. Voltage converters are used to ensure a safe input voltage level for devices when travelling to countries with different voltage levels.

Bolivia has two voltage levels in use: 115V and 230V. These can vary by region, city, or even hotel. If you are travelling to Bolivia from a country with a lower voltage, such as the US where devices typically operate at 120V, you will need to purchase a voltage converter to prevent your equipment from frying.

You can determine whether you need a converter by checking the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter, but just a travel adaptor, because Bolivia operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

If your appliance is a single voltage-rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country. In Bolivia, if your device only operates at 120V, it will need to be used alongside a voltage converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously. It is important to note that voltage converters should not be used with electronic devices such as computers, radios, and battery chargers.

Some older buildings in La Paz use 110V outlets

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to know that the country uses two types of power plugs: Type A and Type C. The standard voltage is 115V/230V at a frequency of 50Hz. So, if you're bringing electrical devices that aren't dual voltage, you'll need to bring a power converter. Most of Bolivia uses 220-230V outlets, but some older buildings in La Paz still use 110V outlets.

If you're travelling to La Paz, it's crucial to double-check the voltage of the outlets before plugging in your devices. Using an electronic device with the wrong voltage can damage your device or even cause a fire. To avoid any issues, check the label on your appliance or the small box attached to the charger plug. If it says 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz', your device is dual voltage and can be used safely in Bolivia.

If you have single voltage devices that only operate at 120V, such as older hair dryers or hair straighteners, you have a few options. You can purchase a voltage converter to use these devices safely in Bolivia. Alternatively, it may be more cost-effective to buy new appliances in Bolivia that are compatible with the country's voltage.

It's worth noting that some high-power devices, such as hair dryers, kettles, and baby bottle warmers, typically don't handle different voltages due to the high currents involved. On the other hand, modern low-power devices like USB chargers and laptop chargers are likely to auto-detect and auto-adapt to different voltages.

When packing for your trip to Bolivia, be sure to check the voltage requirements of your devices and bring the necessary adapters and converters. This will ensure you can safely use your electrical appliances during your stay in the country.

It is recommended to buy adapters before arriving in Bolivia

If you are travelling to Bolivia from a country that uses a different voltage and plug type, you will need to buy a plug adapter to be able to use your devices. For example, if you are travelling from the US, you will need to pack a Type C power adapter if the plug you intend on using won't fit in a Bolivian power outlet. You can buy plug adapters from most electrical stores or online.

It is also important to note that a plug adapter does not change the current or voltage. If you are using a device that is not dual voltage, you will need to buy a voltage converter. Voltage converters can be used with electrical appliances but should not be used with electronic devices such as computers, radios, and battery chargers.

It is a lot easier to purchase adapters in your home country as they can be a bit of a hassle to find in Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions