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US to Colombia Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

colombia power adapter
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Colombia is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Surrounded by three bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea, beach-goers will appreciate Colombia’s diverse coastlines. Further inland, hikes through the Santa Marta mountains to tour coffee and chocolate farms will immerse you in Colombia’s vibrant nature.

Between beaches, mountains, and sprawling cities, Colombia offers something that fits any traveler’s destination wish list. Below you’ll find all the information you need about Colombia’s electronics and power outlets, as well as packing list items not to forget and answers to FAQs.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Colombia?

Type B Wall Outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Colombia power outlet

Like the United States, Colombia uses Type A and Type B outlets. They are the most common types you’ll find in North, Central, and parts of South America.

Electrical sockets in Colombia have a standard voltage (V) of 110 V and a frequency (Hz) of 60 Hz. The power outlets lay flat against the wall and have two long, thin prong openings for your appliance plug. The only difference between Type A and Type B is that Type B has an extra third hole for three-pronged plugs.

An important note is that you can use Type A, two-pronged plugs in Type B outlets, but you can’t use Type B plugs in a Type A outlet.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Colombia?

Colombia Power Adapter
Recommended Colombia Power Adapter available on Amazon.com ➜
You may wonder if you need a specific US to Colombia power adapter for your trip. Luckily, the United States uses Type A and Type B plug types, just like in Colombia.

Traveling to Colombia with a power adapter isn’t necessary, but if you want to make sure you’re prepared for both type A and B outlet types no matter what, bringing a Universal Power Adapter is the best way to make sure you’re covered. It’s also a great purchase for future travels since it’s compatible with more than 100 countries’ power outlets. It’s also useful for charging multiple devices at once, thanks to the two built-in USB ports.

View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Colombia?

Colombia Power Adapter Overall, Colombia has a reliable power grid that relies mostly on hydropower. In large cities like Medellin, Bogota, and Cali, electricity outages are rare. Most brief power outages in Colombia’s cities are due to heavy rain or are part of planned maintenance. In Colombia’s rural areas, power outages are more common but still not the norm.

Colombia is one of the largest coal exporters in the world, but coal, natural gasses, and nuclear energy make up about a quarter of Colombia’s power sources. The country’s main source is hydropower, and it’s only beginning to tap into other renewable resources like solar and wind power.

Do I Need a Voltage Converter for Colombia?

The standard voltage in Colombia is 110 V, and in the United States, it’s 120 V. Although the standards are different, your electronics should work fine in Colombian power outlets without having to use a voltage converter.

If you want to be certain, you can always check the tag or engravings on your products, where it lists the maximum voltage it can handle. Small devices will work without a problem, but you may want to check large products like a hair dryer or curling iron.

Other Colombia Packing List Items

In addition to your US to Colombia power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Colombia packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    The neck wallet is not only a convenient way to reach for your travel documents, it’s also a great way to keep them safe and in your line of sight. This lightweight wallet lays flat against your chest like a lanyard, or you can wear it across your chest like a crossbody bag.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Packing Cubes

    This 5-piece set of packing cubes comes in small, medium, and large sizes, so you can pack clothes from thick sweatshirts to socks in a compact square. Just roll or fold your items into each zip-up cube, and they will make organizing your suitcase efficient, leaving room around the sides of your bag for shoes.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. VPN

    A Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps your online privacy safe while you travel in a foreign country. Using a VPN encrypts your online information, like passwords and credit card numbers, so hackers have a hard time stealing it. A VPN can also connect you to websites in your home country instead of pulling local results in Colombia.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Using ride-sharing apps and maps on your phone while you travel through Colombia can drain your phone battery quickly. A portable charger that fits into your pocket or a small purse is one of the best travel accessories you can bring so that you always stay connected. When you’re back at your hotel, make sure to charge the portable charger itself after each day so that it’s ready for the next time you go out.

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    There are only a handful of U.S. cities with direct flights to Colombia’s major airports. Between stopping through airports, taking local transportation, and checking in and out of hotels, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe with luggage locks. With the set of luggage locks linked here, you can create a custom code for each lock and attach them to the zippers of your luggage. This way, they can’t open either by accident or by someone else.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Cooling Towel

    Colombia is humid, and on a sunny day with temperatures anywhere above 70 degrees, you’ll notice how hot it feels. This cooling towel holds onto water for up to an hour, so you can wear it around your neck or wipe your face to cool off on a hot day in Colombia. Just pour water on it or soak it in some, and give it a few minutes to absorb!

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Travel Insurance for Colombia

    Between outdoor excursions, flights, and unexpected illnesses, getting travel insurance will give you peace of mind while you’re traveling in another country. Most insurance coverage has fine print about whether you can use your coverage in other states and what incidents it will cover. You can use the TravelInsurance.com search engine to find a short-term travel insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget.

    Travel Insurance for Colombia

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 8. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Colombia’s beautiful greenery is thanks to all the rain it gets throughout the year. You can expect rainfall across the country during your visit. A rain jacket and an easy-to-tow travel umbrella will be essentials. This travel umbrella expands to full size and collapses into a small drawstring bag you can carry in a backpack or purse.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Other FAQs about traveling in Colombia

  • 1. When to travel to Colombia?

    When to travel to Colombia?

    The best time to travel to Colombia depends on where you’re going and what conditions you want to visit. Areas around the Andes mountains have cool, crisp weather during the summer, and it’s a great time of year for outdoor hikes. Major cities like Medellin and Bogota are lively during the winter holiday season, and you’ll find local activities and holiday shopping throughout each city.

    Along the coast, summers are hot, humid, and busy with tourists, so visiting in the fall offseason is a quieter and slightly cooler time. For south-central regions like Cali and the palm tree forest Valle de Cocora, you can avoid the rainiest months by visiting in the spring.

  • 2. What is the weather like in Colombia?

    Colombia has a mix of climates and landscapes across the country, from tropical rainforests to deserts and cold mountains. On average, the temperatures range anywhere from 65 to 85 degrees F throughout the year.

    Central, high-altitude areas of Colombia, like Bogota and the Andes Mountains, are some of the coldest and rainiest in the country. These areas experience chilly winters, pleasant summers, and rainy, cool spring and fall seasons.

    Along Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast are tropical temperatures and year-round warm, humid weather. Less extreme parts of Colombia are mild and pleasant throughout the year, like Medellin and the Cali region in the southwest. Be ready for rain during your trip to any part of Colombia!

  • 3. What to do in Colombia?

    What to do in Colombia?

    Each part of Colombia has a distinct flair and diverse attractions. Medellin and Bogota are creative hubs where you’ll find street art, cozy coffee shops, and national history museums.

    Areas along the northern coast are popular for visiting the lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for hiking in one of the most diverse terrains in the world; the Santa Marta mountain range is among the highest coastal mountains in the world!

    Travelers looking for warm weather will enjoy towns like historic Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Cartagena is one of the oldest cities in South America, and it’s a short boat ride from Colombia’s white-sand islands like Isla Barú.

    Colombia is also home to stunning national parks. The most popular among travelers is the Tayrona National Park, where you can stay overnight and sleep under the stars. Further south, the Valle de Cocora has the tallest palm tree forest in the world.

  • 4. Is there public transportation in Colombia?

    Is there public transportation in Colombia?

    Colombia’s main public transportation is its bus system. Colombia is an enormous country with drastic landscapes, so getting from city to city is not quick on the bus, but it’s affordable and accessible. Colombia also has well-connected domestic airports to fly from one place to another. Once you’re settled in a small town or city, you can get around on foot or using ride-sharing services.

  • 5. Do I need a travel visa to visit Colombia?

    Americans planning a short visit to Colombia do not need to apply for a travel visa and can travel freely for up to 90 days

  • 6. What is the currency in Colombia?

    What is the currency in Colombia?

    Colombia’s currency is the Colombian Peso. You should always keep small amounts of Colombian Pesos on hand during your trip, just in case you find yourself in a hurry or without access to a credit card machine. You can also use your international credit cards in Colombia and charge the local currency instead of paying U.S. Dollars. Charging your credit card in the local currency usually gives you a better exchange rate!