Travel adapter from Costa Rica to Côte d'Ivoire — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in Côte d'Ivoire?

Côte d'Ivoire uses Type C and Type E plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Costa Rica and Côte d'Ivoire, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Costa Rica, you will need a travel adapter for Côte d'Ivoire. Costa Rica uses Type A/Type B plugs, and Côte d'Ivoire uses Type C/Type E, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (120 V at home vs 230 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not. The mains frequency is also different (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). This rarely matters for electronics but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

Frequency differs (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). Rarely an issue for most electronics, but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Costa Rica (home)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

Côte d'Ivoire (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type E Two round pins + earth hole 220–240V

Electrical specifications in Côte d'Ivoire

Voltage

Costa Rica 120 V

Côte d'Ivoire 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Costa Rica 60 Hz

Côte d'Ivoire 50 Hz

Differs

More about plugs in Côte d'Ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, the standard power plug is Type C and Type E. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in Côte d'Ivoire can be one of 2 different shapes — Type C, Type E, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full Côte d'Ivoire plug guide