Guatemala Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Guatemala, 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 Guatemala.
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Guatemala uses:
Do You Need a Travel Adaptor for Guatemala?
Whether you need a travel adaptor for Guatemala depends on the shape of the plugs on your devices. Guatemala uses the same AC power plugs and sockets as the United States and Canada, so visitors from those countries typically don't need any adaptor at all. Travelers arriving from countries using Type C, Type G, or other European and Asian plug styles will need a travel adaptor to fit Guatemalan outlets, since a Guatemala power plug is either a flat two-pin Type A or a flat two-pin-plus-round-pin Type B.
Do All Sockets in Guatemala Look the Same?
Not exactly. Guatemala uses two plug types side by side: Type A, an ungrounded two-pin plug, and Type B, a grounded three-pin plug with an added grounding pin. Type B outlets are backward compatible with Type A plugs, so most sockets you encounter in hotels, homes, and businesses will accept both flat-pin plug styles without issue, though older or budget accommodations may only have ungrounded Type A outlets.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Guatemala
Guatemala's electrical supply runs at 120V and 60Hz, matching the standard used across North America. If you're traveling from a country with a 220-240V supply, check whether your devices are dual-voltage, since a device rated only for higher voltages may not operate correctly or safely on Guatemala's 120V system. Many modern electronics, such as phone chargers and laptop power adapters, are dual-voltage by design and will work fine with just a plug adaptor rather than a voltage converter.
Electrical Standards in Guatemala: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
Guatemala's electrical system operates at 120 volts and 60Hz, the same standard found throughout North and Central America. The country uses two plug types: Type A (NEMA 1-15), an ungrounded flat two-pin plug rated for 15A, and Type B (NEMA 5-15), a grounded flat two-pin plug with an added round grounding pin, also rated for 15A. Both are widely used for household and commercial equipment, with Type B preferred for larger appliances and electronics that require a grounded connection for safety.
- Type A (NEMA 1-15): Two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, 15A, 100-127V — used for small appliances, lamps, and chargers.
- Type B (NEMA 5-15): Two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin, grounded, 15A, 100-127V — required for larger appliances, computers, and power tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your devices already use Type A or Type B plugs, you won't need a travel adaptor in Guatemala. Travelers from countries using other plug standards, such as Type C or Type G, will need an adaptor to fit Guatemala's flat-pin outlets.
Guatemala uses a 120V electrical supply running at 60Hz. This matches the standard used in the United States and much of Central America, so devices rated for 120V will work without a voltage converter.
Guatemala uses both Type A (NEMA 1-15) and Type B (NEMA 5-15) plugs. Type A is an ungrounded two-pin plug, while Type B adds a round grounding pin for a three-prong, grounded connection.
Some are and some aren't. Type B sockets in Guatemala are grounded and include a grounding pin for safety, while Type A sockets are ungrounded; Type B outlets can also accept ungrounded Type A plugs.
