As a Jamaican who loves to travel, I can tell you that there’s nothing more frustrating than arriving in a new country, only to realize that your charger won’t work in the outlets.
I mean, can you imagine being stranded without a charged phone or camera in a new place all because your charger doesn’t fit? Not cool.
If you’re here, you probably want to know about Jamaican power outlets. Not to worry, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of what to expect from the the power outlets on the island. Find out what works here and if you’ll need a travel adapter.
Ready to stay powered up during your Jamaican adventures? Let’s go!
Jamaica’s Power Outlets (What You Need to Know)
You might be wondering, what type of power outlets does Jamaica use? The island uses two types of plug sockets: type A and B.
Type A:
Type A outlets are the same as those found in the United States, Canada and Mexico. If you’re coming from elsewhere in the world, then you’ll probably need a travel adapter. Type A outlets have two flat parallel pins.
Type B:
Type B sockets are a close cousin of type A. They have 2 parallel flat pins and a round grounding pin. Once again, these are commonly used in North America, so you’ll need an adapter if coming from elsewhere.
The table below will give you an idea if you need a power adapter for Jamaica or not.
| Region | Travel Adapter Required? |
|---|---|
| United States | No |
| Canada | No |
| Mexico | No |
| Europe | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Yes |
| Australia | Yes |
| China | Yes |
| Japan | No |
| South Africa | Yes |
| India | Yes |
| Brazil | Yes |
| Argentina | Yes |
| New Zealand | Yes |
Please note that this table provides a general overview and may not cover all countries or regions. It’s always a good idea to double-check the specific plug types and voltage requirements for your country or region before traveling to Jamaica.
Voltage and Frequency in Jamaica
Voltage: The voltage used in Jamaica is 110-120 volts, which is different from some countries in Europe and Asia that use 220-240 volts. It’s important to check the voltage requirement of your devices before you travel to be sure that they can be used safely in Jamaica.
Frequency: The frequency of the power supply in Jamaica is 50 Hz, which is also different from North America, where the frequency is 60 Hz. This may not affect most electronic devices, but it can affect clocks and timing devices. So, if you have a clock on your stove or microwave, it may not keep accurate time.
Where to Find Power Adapters in Jamaica?
If you arrive in Jamaica and realize that you need a power adapter, there is really no need to panic. You can easily find one on the island.
Here are a couple options to consider:
Local Electronic Stores
There are many local electronics stores in Jamaica that sell power adapters. You can find these stores in the tourist areas and major towns. You can always ask the locals for directions to the nearest one, or do a quick search online to find a store near you.
Hotel or Resort
Some hotels and resorts in Jamaica may sometimes have power adapters that guests can purchase or borrow. This is not the case everywhere, so If you’re unsure whether your accommodation offers this service, it’s best to check with them before you travel.
Online Retailers
It is always a good idea to have a power adapter when you travel, as you never know when you will have a need for it. You can always order online, as it will be significantly cheaper than buying it in Jamaica.
Before You Go
So, there you have it! If you’re a North American or Japanese traveler, you probably won’t need a power adapter. European travelers and those from other countries will need to bring an adapter that is compatible with the Jamaican plug sockets.
If you want more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, head over to our FAQ page. Happy travels!
