El Salvador Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In El Salvador, 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 120V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to El Salvador.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
El Salvador uses:
Do You Need a Travel Adaptor for El Salvador?
If you are travelling from a country that uses Type A or Type B plugs, such as the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you will not need a travel adaptor in El Salvador. The El Salvador power plug standard matches the same flat-pin design used throughout North America, so devices and chargers from these regions will plug directly into the local electrical outlet. However, if your home country uses a different plug standard, such as Type C, D, E, F, G, or others common in Europe, Asia, or Australia, you will need a travel adaptor to physically fit your device's plug into a Salvadoran socket-outlet.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for El Salvador
Travel adaptors suitable for El Salvador's Type A and Type B outlets are widely available before you depart, including at airport travel shops, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. Since El Salvador uses the same plug types as the United States and Canada, a simple North American style adaptor is usually all that's required for travellers coming from regions with different plug standards. It's a good idea to purchase your adaptor before arrival, as specialty adaptors can be harder to find locally.
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in El Salvador
El Salvador uses two plug types: Type A, the standard ungrounded two-pin plug with flat parallel pins, and Type B, its grounded three-pin counterpart that adds a round grounding pin for extra safety. Type B outlets are backward compatible and will accept both Type A and Type B plugs, which makes them the more versatile socket-outlet found in most homes, hotels, and commercial buildings across the country. Grounded Type B connections are typically used for larger appliances, computers, and power tools, while Type A plugs remain common for smaller electronics and chargers.
Voltage and Frequency in El Salvador
El Salvador's electrical system runs on 120 volts at a frequency of 60Hz, consistent with the standard used across most of North and Central America. Travellers from countries with 220-240V systems should check whether their devices are dual-voltage before plugging them in, as appliances designed only for higher voltages may not operate correctly or safely on El Salvador's 120V supply. Most modern electronics, including phone chargers and laptops, are built to handle a wide voltage range and will work without issue.
- Voltage: 120V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Plug Type A: Two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, 15A, 100-127V
- Plug Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded, 15A, 100-127V
Frequently Asked Questions
You only need a travel adaptor if your home country doesn't use Type A or Type B plugs. Since El Salvador uses the same plug standards as the United States and Canada, travellers from those countries can use their existing chargers and appliances without any adaptor.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and designed to handle a range of electrical systems, so they will work fine on El Salvador's 120V, 60Hz supply. You'll only need a plug adaptor if your charger's plug isn't already a Type A or Type B design.
El Salvador operates on a 120V electrical system with a frequency of 60Hz. This matches the standard used throughout most of North and Central America.
El Salvador uses Type A and Type B plugs. Type A is the ungrounded two-pin plug with flat parallel pins, while Type B adds a round grounding pin for safety and is backward compatible with Type A plugs.
