Colombia Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Colombia, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded) and Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 110V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Colombia.
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Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Colombia
Anyone travelling to Colombia will want to understand the local electrical system before packing their devices. The Colombia power plug setup runs on 110V at 60Hz, which matches the electrical standard used throughout North America. Colombia uses two plug types—Type A and Type B—both of which are flat-pin designs originally developed in the United States and now common across much of the Western Hemisphere.
Do All Sockets in Colombia Look the Same?
Not quite. Some outlets in Colombia are simple two-pin Type A socket-outlet fittings designed for ungrounded devices like phone chargers and small electronics, while others are three-hole Type B outlets that accept a grounded 3-pin plug. Because Type B outlets are backward compatible with Type A plugs, most visitors won't run into compatibility issues, though older buildings may still only offer the two-pin variety.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for Colombia
Travellers arriving from countries that use different plug shapes will need a travel adaptor to fit Colombia's Type A and Type B sockets. These adapters are widely available at airport shops, electronics retailers, and luggage stores before departure, or online in multi-country kits that also cover surrounding regions. Since Colombia's plug types are the same as those used in the United States and Canada, travellers from those countries typically need no adapter at all.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Colombia
The Type A plug found in Colombia features two flat parallel pins spaced 15.9mm apart, each measuring 15.9mm long and 6.3mm wide. It is an ungrounded design rated for 15A at 100-127V, commonly used for lamps, small appliances, and phone chargers. Modern versions include one wider blade to ensure correct polarity, though it remains unsuitable for high-power or grounded equipment.
The Type B plug is the grounded counterpart, adding a round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) alongside the same two flat blades, forming the familiar 3-pin plug used for larger appliances, computers, and power tools. Rated for 15A at 100-127V, this plug's longer grounding pin connects before power flows, offering added shock protection. Type B outlets accept both Type A and Type B plugs, making them the more versatile and widely required option in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor circuits.
- Type A: two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, 15A, 100-127V
- Type B: two flat pins plus round grounding pin, 15A, 100-127V
- Voltage in Colombia: 110V at 60Hz
- Type B outlets accept Type A plugs, but not vice versa
Frequently Asked Questions
If your devices already use Type A or Type B plugs, you won't need a travel adaptor in Colombia. Visitors from countries with different plug shapes, however, will need an adapter to fit the two-pin or three-pin outlets used throughout the country.
Pack a travel adaptor compatible with Type A or Type B sockets if your home country uses a different plug standard. It's also worth bringing a surge-protected power strip if you're travelling with multiple 100-127V devices.
Most modern phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle Colombia's 110V, 60Hz supply without a converter. Just confirm your charger's plug matches the Type A or Type B socket-outlet before plugging in.
Colombia operates on a 110V electrical system at a frequency of 60Hz. This matches the standard used in the United States, so devices rated for 100-127V will work without issue.
