How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in Mexico?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Mexico uses Type A and B plugs at 127V/60Hz — identical to the USA and Canada, so North Americans need no adapter whatsoever.
2What You Need to Know
Mexico's electrical system is essentially identical to that of the USA and Canada: Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat pins plus a round ground pin) sockets, running at 127 volts and 60 Hz. North Americans can plug in directly with no adapter. European and UK travellers will need a Type A/B plug adapter. Most modern laptop chargers, phone chargers, and cameras are dual-voltage (100–240V) and work fine with just an adapter. Power cuts are rare in tourist areas but can occur in rural regions.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Europeans and Australians need a Type A plug adapter — buy one before travel or at Mexican electronics shops
- 2Check your device's voltage rating on the charger block: if it says 100–240V, only an adapter is needed, not a converter
- 3Pack a small multi-port USB charger to charge multiple devices from a single socket in older hotels
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
Brazil uses Type N plugs (two round pins plus a grounding pin) as its national standard, but voltage varies by city — São Paulo and Rio are 127V while many other cities are 220V.
Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the USA) at 120V/60Hz — North American devices work perfectly; European and UK devices need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Argentina uses a unique Type I plug (three flat pins in a triangle shape) at 220V/50Hz — most visitors need a specific adapter.
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Drug possession for personal use is partially decriminalized, but firearms are strictly prohibited under any circumstances for tourists.
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Call 911 for all emergencies nationwide; dial 078 for the tourist assistance hotline.
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Dress is casual throughout Mexico, but cover shoulders and knees when entering Catholic churches and respect stricter rules in indigenous communities.
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