Panama Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Panama, 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 Panama.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Panama uses:
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Panama
Panama power plug standards follow the North American system, meaning travelers from many parts of the world will need a travel adaptor to use their devices safely. The country relies on two plug types for its AC power plugs and sockets: Type A and Type B, both of which are widely used across homes, hotels, and commercial buildings.
Type A is the standard ungrounded two-pin plug, featuring two flat parallel pins spaced 15.9mm apart, each 15.9mm long and 6.3mm wide. It is commonly used for small appliances, lamps, and phone chargers that don't require a grounded connection. Type B is the grounded counterpart, adding a round grounding pin (4.8mm diameter) to the same two flat blades, and is required for larger appliances, computers, and power tools where grounding is important for safety.
- Type A (NEMA 1-15): Two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, rated 15A, 100-127V.
- Type B (NEMA 5-15): Two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin, rated 15A, 100-127V.
- Type B wall socket outlets also accept Type A plugs, offering backward compatibility.
Voltage and Frequency in Panama
Panama's electrical system runs on 120V at a frequency of 60Hz, matching the standard used throughout the United States, Canada, and much of Central America. This voltage range falls within the 100-127V specification for both Type A and Type B plugs, so devices designed for North American markets will typically work without any issues.
Panama Travel Adapter Guide
Visitors arriving from countries that use different plug standards, such as Type C, D, or G, will need a travel adaptor to fit Panama's Type A or Type B outlets. The adaptor itself only changes the plug shape; it does not alter voltage, so it's important to check whether your device is compatible with 120V before plugging in.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Panama
Many modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptop power supplies, and camera battery chargers, are dual-voltage and designed to accept a range of input voltages, often 100-240V. For these devices, a simple plug adaptor is all that's needed in Panama, since the internal circuitry automatically adjusts to the local 120V, 60Hz supply. Always check the voltage label on your device or charger before traveling to confirm compatibility.
Single-voltage appliances built for 220-240V systems, such as certain hair styling tools or small kitchen appliances, will not function safely in Panama without a separate voltage converter, since a plug adaptor alone cannot change the electrical current.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home country uses a plug type other than Type A or Type B, you will need a travel adaptor to fit Panama's wall socket outlets. Travelers from the USA, Canada, and much of Central America typically won't need one, since their plugs already match Panama's standard.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and support a range including Panama's 120V, 60Hz supply. You'll only need a plug adaptor if your charger's plug doesn't match Type A or Type B, not a voltage converter.
Panama uses Type A (NEMA 1-15) and Type B (NEMA 5-15) plugs, the same standards found throughout North America. Type A is ungrounded with two flat pins, while Type B adds a round grounding pin for larger appliances.
Pack a travel adaptor if your devices use a plug type other than Type A or Type B, along with any dual-voltage chargers you rely on for phones, laptops, or cameras. If you're bringing single-voltage 220-240V appliances, you'll also need a voltage converter, since Panama's supply runs at 120V, 60Hz.
