Travel adapter from Costa Rica to Zimbabwe — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe uses Type G plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

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

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Costa Rica, you will need a travel adapter for Zimbabwe. Costa Rica uses Type A/Type B plugs, and Zimbabwe uses Type G, 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

Zimbabwe (destination)

Type G Three rectangular pins 220–240V

Electrical specifications in Zimbabwe

Voltage

Costa Rica 120 V

Zimbabwe 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Costa Rica 60 Hz

Zimbabwe 50 Hz

Differs

More about plugs in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the standard power plug is Type G. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means every wall socket in Zimbabwe is the same shape — Type G, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full Zimbabwe plug guide