Mexico Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Mexico, 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 Mexico.
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Understanding Mexico's Power Plugs and Sockets
Mexico power plug standards follow the North American system, meaning travelers from most other regions will need an adapter to plug in their devices. Mexico uses a 120V electrical system, which is compatible with plugs and appliances designed for the United States and Canada, but different from the 220-240V systems common in Europe, Asia, and much of the rest of the world.
Voltage and Frequency in Mexico
Electricity in Mexico is supplied at 120 volts with a frequency of 60Hz. This matches the electrical standard used throughout the United States and Canada, so visitors from those countries can use their devices without any voltage concerns. Travelers from countries with 220-240V systems should check whether their devices can handle the lower voltage before plugging into any wall socket in Mexico.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Mexico
Many modern electronics, including laptop chargers, phone chargers, and camera battery chargers, are dual-voltage and designed to accept anywhere from 100V to 240V. For these devices, only a simple plug adapter is needed to fit Mexico's socket shape, since the device itself will automatically adjust to the local 120V, 60Hz supply. It's always worth checking the voltage label on your charger or appliance before traveling, as single-voltage devices built for 220-240V regions will require a separate voltage converter rather than just an adapter.
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Mexico
Mexico uses two plug types: Type A and Type B. Both are widely found in homes, hotels, and businesses across the country, and most modern buildings are wired to accept either style through the same electrical outlet.
- Type A (NEMA 1-15): An ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins spaced 15.9mm apart, rated for 15A at 100-127V. It's commonly used for small appliances, lamps, and electronic device chargers that don't require grounding.
- Type B (NEMA 5-15): A grounded 3-pin plug featuring two flat parallel blades plus a round grounding pin, rated for 15A at 100-127V. It's the standard for larger appliances, computers, and power tools where grounding protection is important, and Type B sockets also accept Type A plugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home country uses Type A or Type B plugs, such as the United States or Canada, you won't need an adapter at all. Travelers from countries using other plug types will need an adapter to fit Mexico's Type A or Type B wall socket, though voltage compatibility should also be checked separately.
Mexico uses a 120V electrical system running at a frequency of 60Hz. This is the same standard used in the United States and Canada, making devices from those countries fully compatible without a voltage converter.
Pack a plug adapter if your devices use a plug type other than Type A or Type B. If you're bringing single-voltage appliances designed for 220-240V systems, you'll also need a voltage converter, since Mexico's electrical outlet supply runs at 120V.
Mexico uses Type A and Type B plugs. Type A is the ungrounded two-pin version, while Type B is a grounded 3-pin plug with an added round grounding pin, and both types are rated for 15A at 100-127V.
