Belize's Power Sources

Belize uses power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A, type B and type G. The standard voltage is 110V or 220V at a frequency of 60Hz. The power supply is inconsistent throughout the country, with some locations running power at 220V, and others at 110V.

Belize's power outlets are not always safe, so caution is advised when plugging and unplugging devices. If you're travelling to Belize from the US, you won't usually need a converter or adapter, except when the power supply is 220V.

What is the standard voltage in Belize?

The standard voltage in Belize is 110V, with a frequency of 60Hz. However, it is worth noting that Belize has two voltage levels in use: 110V and 220V. The voltage can vary by region, city, or even hotel, so it is important to check the local voltage before using electronic devices. If the local voltage is 220V, a voltage converter will be needed to avoid damaging your devices.

Belize uses three types of power plugs and sockets (outlets): Type A, Type B, and Type G. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins and are commonly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China, and Japan. Type B plugs are similar but have an additional round grounding pin. Type B plugs are mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Japan, and Type A plugs can also be used in Type B sockets. Type G plugs have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and are of British origin. They are mainly used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as some other countries.

What types of power plugs and sockets are used in Belize?

In Belize, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A, type B and type G are used. If you are travelling to Belize from the US, you will need to bring a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A and G. Type B sockets are also used in the US, so plugs from the US will fit into these. However, sockets of type B may not always be available locally.

Type A

Type A plugs have two thin, flat pins and are mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China and Japan. No other plug types will fit into a type A outlet.

Type B

Type B plugs are similar to type A, but with an extra pin for grounding. They are mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and Japan. Plugs of type A will also fit into a type B socket.

Type G

Type G plugs have three rectangular pins formed in a triangle pattern. They originated in the UK and are mainly used there, as well as in Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore. No other plug types fit into a type G outlet.

It is worth noting that the voltage in Belize may vary locally and can be too high for your devices. In Belize, two voltage levels are in use (110V / 220V), which can vary by region, city, or even hotel. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the local voltage before using your devices. If the local voltage is much higher at 220V, you will need a voltage converter. Without a converter, your devices may be damaged.

Do I need a power plug adapter in Belize?

Belize uses three types of power plugs and sockets (or outlets): Type A, Type B, and Type G. The standard voltage is 110V or 220V (but this varies by region, city, or even hotel) and the frequency is 60Hz.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, your devices will likely be compatible with Type A sockets (which are also used in the US) and you will not need a power adapter. However, as Type G sockets (which require a three-prong plug) are also common in Belize, it is recommended that you bring a Type G power adapter. Type B sockets are also compatible with US plugs.

If your devices are not dual voltage, you may also need to bring a voltage converter, as advised by some sources. This is because, while the standard voltage in the US is 120V, the voltage in Belize might be as high as 220V in some areas. Using a device with a voltage higher than it can handle may damage the device. However, other sources claim that a voltage converter will not be necessary for US travellers, as their devices should be compatible with the voltage in Belize.

Do I need a voltage converter in Belize?

Belize has three types of power supply: type G, A, and B. The standard voltage is 110/220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The type of power adapter or voltage converter you'll need in Belize depends on the voltage and type of device you're trying to power.

If you're from the US, you won't usually need a voltage converter in Belize, as the voltage in Belize is in the same 100-120 volt range as the US. However, if the voltage in Belize exceeds the maximum limit or falls far below it, you will need a voltage converter.

Converters are only required for devices that are not dual-voltage. Most personal electronics, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, are dual-voltage and can be used on any power supply without a converter. Converters are only needed for high-powered electronics that can cause a power outage or short a fuse, such as blow dryers, curling irons, rotating fans, and boilers.

To check if you need a voltage converter, look at the label on your device. If it states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', it will work in Belize without a converter.

What is the standard frequency in Belize?

Belize's electricity supply is primarily produced by local Independent Power Producers (IPP) using hydroelectricity, biomass, petroleum, and solar energy sources. The standard frequency in Belize is 60 Hz.

Belize's power grid is secured and stabilized by an interconnection with Mexico, from which Belize imports electricity. This makes energy imports expensive and unpredictable.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the primary distributor of electricity in Belize and served over 100,000 accounts in 2019. The company's national electricity grid connects all major municipalities (load centers) except for Caye Caulker, which is served by an off-grid power station.

The Government of Belize (GOB) has invested in domestically produced energy to strengthen and stabilize its energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy sources such as hydropower, biomass, solar, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). In 2019, 58.6% of Belize's electrical production was renewable, making it the top renewable energy producer in the Caribbean by percentage produced.

The GOB is also pursuing initiatives to promote sustainable energy projects, such as converting sargassum seaweed to electricity. Additionally, Belize has installed solar micro-grids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

To enhance energy sustainability and become a net exporter of energy, the GOB is encouraging investment in utility-scale solar energy facilities. Belize is also working towards introducing electric vehicles and replacing its diesel school bus fleet with electric buses.

Frequently asked questions