Electrical Standards in Colombia
Voltage & Frequency
Standard Voltage: 110V AC
Frequency: 60 Hz
Plug Type: Type A (two flat parallel pins, same as USA/Canada)
Electrical Outlets
Standard Colombian outlets match North American Type A plugs. Visitors from USA and Canada can use appliances without adapters. Visitors from Europe, Asia, and other regions require voltage converters and plug adapters.
What to Bring
- For European visitors: Multi-voltage universal adapter accommodating Type A plugs, voltage converter for 220V devices (hairdryers, irons)
- For Australian/UK visitors: Universal adapter supporting Type A plugs, voltage converter if using non-dual voltage devices
- For USA/Canadian visitors: No adapter needed for Type A plugs; many newer devices are dual voltage
Power Considerations
- Large hotels provide reliable constant power. Some budget accommodations may experience occasional outages
- Downtown Cartagena generally has reliable electricity. Surrounding areas may experience periodic outages
- Bring power banks/portable chargers for mobile devices, especially during beach excursions
- USB charging ports increasingly common in hotels and tourist facilities
Surge Protection
Power surges can occur, especially during rainy season. Use surge protectors for valuable electronics (laptops, cameras). Hotels usually provide some protection but individual surge protectors recommended.