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

Jamaica power adapter
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Jamaica is a Caribbean island that brings together the stress-free island life culture and white sand beaches in a way that no other country can. While the beaches are a main draw, it’s more than just a tropical beach destination. Inland they have jaw-dropping waterfalls, Jamaican Jerk dishes that are mouth-watering good, and of course, the world’s best reggae music.

In order to get the most out of your trip to Jamaica, you need to know what to pack. You may be wondering if you need a travel adapter in Jamaica. After reading this guide, you’ll know all you need to know about Jamaica’s plugs and adapters and whether or not you’ll need an adapter.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Jamaica?

Taiwan power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Jamaican power outlet

If you’re traveling from North America, you’re in luck. The power outlets in Jamaica are the standard A and B sockets. These are the same sockets that are used in The United States, Canada, Mexico, and even Japan.

The A and B sockets are extremely similar, the only difference being the extra grounding prong on the B plug. However, they both have the same two slit-style pins. The A plugs can be used in both the A and B sockets safely. The voltage is 110V with a frequency of 50 Hz, which is also the same as North America– This means you won’t need an adapter or a voltage converter for the plugs in Jamaica.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Jamaica?

Jamaica power adapter
Recommended Jamaica power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

If you’re traveling from the U.S. or anywhere in North America you won’t need a power adapter in order to use the outlets in Jamaica. However, rather than using an adapter that’s for the plug specifically, it’s a handy tip to use an adapter that has multiple USB ports within it.

Chances are you won’t be spending a lot of time in your hotel room, so there won’t be a lot of time to charge all of your devices. Having an adapter with multiple ports lets you charge everything at once– namely your phone, portable charger, camera, etc. Also it’s a life saver if your hotel room doesn’t have many outlets. This way there won’t be an arguing over which devices get priority over others.

View on Amazon.com ➜

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

Jamaica power Jamaica is highly reliant on importing electricity from other countries, importing more than 87% of its energy. This means that electricity comes at a high price in Jamaica. However, as a tourist, this won’t change much, but you should be considerate while turning off the lights in your hotel or Airbnb when you’re out and about. They predominantly use fossil fuels to power the country but are increasingly looking at switching to renewable energy sources.

Compared to the US, power outages are much more common in Jamaica. Luckily most places that tourists will be staying or visiting will have generators at the ready– so if the power does cut out, they will kick in within seconds. Making minimal disruption to your experience.

Do I need a voltage converter for Jamaica?

If you’re coming from the US or anywhere that runs on a 110V 50 Hz electricity grid, you won’t need a voltage converter to safely use your electronics while in Jamaica.

If you’re coming from a country in Europe, parts of Asia, and South America chances are your devices are running on a higher voltage, namely, 220V. If this is the case you will need a voltage converter.

To find out what your devices are compatible with you can read the tag that is attached to the cord on things like hair dryers and curling irons and on the bottom of the device on things like cameras or laptops.

Other Jamaica Packing List Items

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

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    Jamaica has some neighborhoods that are known for being dangerous, but most likely as a tourist, you’re not going to be going into those areas. The crime that happens most often to tourists is petty theft, namely pickpockets for robbery. To avoid having your wallet taken from your pocket or having to hand over your passport to a robber, use a neck wallet to keep your belongings safe while you’re in Jamaica.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Packing Cubes

    When you’re in a Caribbean country, you’ll find yourself headed to the beach more often than not. I’ve found that using packing cubes to separate your “normal” clothes from your beachwear makes it super easy to effortlessly do exactly what you need from your suitcase without making a huge mess. Having a packing cube to throw your clothes in after the beach helps localize the stray sand you’ve picked up, keeping everything else clean.

    hero packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. VPN

    Something most travelers don’t think about until after it’s too late is data safety while being abroad. Public wifi networks are extremely easy to hack, which means that the hacker can access all of your data– including credit card information. Using a VPN like NordVPN is a simple way to keep your data safe and avoid any mishaps or theft.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    There are a lot of daylong excursions you can take while you’re in Jamaica, and if you find yourself out at sea for the day, there’s most likely not going to be an electrical socket for charging your phone. You don’t want your phone to be dead when you’re trying to take a picture of the dolphins swimming or a whale spotting, so bring along a lipsticked size charger.

    Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    For a destination that revolves around having fun and relaxing by the water, you can’t forget a travel towel. They’re lightweight, compact, and dry super fast. They’ll come in handy whether you go for a dip in the pool, head to the beach, or go on a waterfall excursion.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Extra Charging Cables

    Your lipstick-sized charger won’t get you very far if you don’t have a cord to use it with. While you can always use the cord from your phone charger, I’ve found that it’s always better to have a few extra cords around while traveling. Cords tend to be the things that get lost or left behind, so having an extra will come in handy if that happens to you.

    Extra Charging Cables

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    You might not expect it, but Jamacia gets rain all year long. While some months are drier than others, it’s important to make sure you have a good quality travel umbrella with you. If you’re there during the rainy season (June-November), having an umbrella with you is essential to staying dry. I found it’s best to just throw it in your backpack or purse just in case the weather gets temperamental.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Whenever you plan on leaving your luggage in the hands of someone else, be it at the airport or at your hotel, it’s vital to make sure you have luggage locks on your bags. This way, your luggage is secure, and all the belongings in your suitcase are safe and sound.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Travel Insurance for Jamaica

    Another must-have for every trip abroad is travel insurance. While we always hope for smooth sailing while we’re away, that’s not always what happens in reality. Things like canceled flights and luggage getting lost are more common than we think. Plus, it’s always better to be on the safe side when you’re in a foreign place. We recommend using the comparative site TravelInsurance.com which lets you compare plans from top companies to find the best options for you and your travel plans.

    travelinsurance.com

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 10. Cooling Towel

    A cooling towel is such a refreshing item to have when traveling to a tropical destination. All you have to do is wet the towel, wring out excess water, and within seconds the towel becomes ice cold and incredibly refreshing. It’s compact, making it super easy to bring on excursions or whenever you’re relaxing on the beach and want to cool off.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Other FAQs about traveling in Jamaica

  • 1. What is the weather like in Jamaica?

    What is the weather like in Jamaica?

    The weather in Jamaica is pretty warm all year. With an average temperature of 89.6 degrees and rarely drops below 71. The rainy season starts in June and continues until November. During this period there can be heavy thunderstorms, so make sure you pack your travel umbrella if you’re visiting during these months. The summer and early fall months is also hurricane season in the Caribbean, which is something to be aware of when planning your trip.

  • 2. When to travel to Jamaica?

    Jamaica is great all year round, but the peak season is throughout the colder months in the US, starting in December and continuing until April. This is when you can expect the full tourist experience.

  • 3. What are Jamaica's best beaches?

    What are Jamaica's best beaches?
    • Doctor’s Cave Beach
    • Treasure Beach
    • Runaway Bay
    • Negril Beach (Negril Cliffs)

    Most likely, if you’re headed to Jamaica, you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation, and while there are some of the world’s best beaches, there’s also a lot of other great things to do while you’re there.

  • 4. What to do in Jamaica?

    Soaking up the sun and jumping the waves in the sea is definitely a must-do in Jamaica. The beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean, if not the world. Think emerald sea water with white sand beaches, fresh coconuts, and the sound of reggae playing in the distance.

  • 5. Other activities not to miss?

    Other activities not to miss?

    Jamaica is filled with attractions you don’t want to miss. Of course, there are the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, but Jamaica also offers incredible jungle and waterfalls and rich history and culture.

    • Bob Marley Museum
    • Dunn’s River Falls & Park
    • Visit the Rastafari Indigenous Village
    • Emancipation Park
    • YS Falls
  • 6. What cities are worth visiting?

    Most of the tourist cities are along the coastlines. The most popular being Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Negril. Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, is also worth visiting while you’re in Jamaica.