Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First (2024)

Jamaicatravel adaptors

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of atravel adaptor,which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

ForJamaica there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which hastwo flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.Jamaica operates on a 110V supply voltage and 50Hz.

  • Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First (1) Type A
  • Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First (2) Type B

Voltage converters and transformers

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Jamaica. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.

All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

Dual voltage rated appliance

You can determine whether you’ll need to use a converter or transformer, by looking at the appliance rating plate.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, becauseJamaica operates on a 110V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

Single voltage rated appliances

InJamaica the supply voltage is 110V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 110V).

Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.

It’s important to understand that some travel adaptors are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below.

Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First (3)

We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Jamaica.

Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First (2024)

FAQs

Travel Adaptor for Jamaica | Electrical Safety First? ›

Jamaica travel adaptors

What plug adapter do I need for Jamaica? ›

The electrical sockets used in Jamaica are type A and type B. These are 2 variants of the same socket - one earthed (with an earth pin) and the other unearthed. You will therefore need a UK 3 pin to type A/B plug adaptor in order to connect your devices.

Is Jamaica electrical outlets same as us? ›

You are in luck! Jamaica uses the same type A/B outlets as found in the US so you should not need any adapters as long as your appliances have standard US 2 or 3 pin plugs.

What adapter do I need travel? ›

Travel Adapters and Power Adapters
Plug TypePopular Destinations
A, BUSA, Canada, Mexico and Japan
C, E, FEurope, Middle East, Israel, Asia, and South America
DIndia
GUnited Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore
5 more rows

Is it safe to plug A power strip into an adapter? ›

TWU Extension Cord & Power Strip Guidelines Examples

Proper use of power strip: plugged directly into a wall outlet. Improper power strip use: plugged into extension cord. Power strips must be plugged directly into an outlet; extension cords are for short term use only.

Do I need A phone adapter for Jamaica? ›

You don't need a voltage converter in Jamaica. The standard voltage in Jamaica (110 V) matches more or less the voltage level your devices typically operate at in the United States (120 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account.

Can I use my Iphone charger in Jamaica? ›

If your device can run on 110 volts or is dual voltage and the plug will fit in a Jamaican power outlet then you can use it in Jamaica. If your device is 110 volts or is dual voltage but the plug won't fit in a Jamaican power outlet you'll need a suitable plug adapter for Jamaica such a Type B power adapter.

What is the difference between a power adapter and a travel adapter? ›

A travel power adapter or European converter adapter fits the plug into the wall socket, while travel converters change the electrical current from 120V to 220V or vice versa. The only time you'll need an international converter is if you're traveling with a device that is not dual voltage.

What is a TSA approved travel adapter? ›

TSA Universal™ travel adapters allow North Americans traveling abroad to use their electronic devices by converting the shape of the plugs to fit foreign outlets (sockets).

Do I need a converter or just an adapter? ›

If you want to use it elsewhere, you'll need a converter. If you see something like “INPUT AC 120/240 V 50—60 Hz 1300 W,” then your device is dual-voltage, and you can safely use it for voltages anywhere between 120 V and 240 V. If this is the case, you'll only need a plug adapter (see below for more details).

What is the difference between a power strip and an adapter? ›

A power strip is a block of outlets attached to a cord; a multi-outlet adapter is a block of outlets you plug directly into the wall receptacle. Note: Power strips are NOT surge protectors. Although they look the same, a power strip is simply an extension cord with multiple sockets.

Which of the following should never be plugged into a power strip? ›

Some large appliances you should not plug into power strips include: Air compressors. Portable air conditioners and space heaters. Refrigerators and freezers.

Can you plug an extension cord into a travel adapter? ›

Using three-prong adapters or extension cords are unsafe at best; why take the chance? Your safest option is to have a licensed electrician inspect your current wiring system and upgrading outdated circuits, outlets, and other components as needed.

Can you use US dollars in Jamaica? ›

US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas, but if you pay with a note you'll receive Jamaica currency coins as change. This can often be at an unfavourable rate. So, if you're planning to explore less touristy places as part of your holiday, we recommend taking Jamaican Dollars to get the best prices.

What is the electrical standard in Jamaica? ›

The electrical standard on Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles that is compatible to the US standard. If traveling from North America you should be able to use your appliances without any problems, however if traveling from Europe you will need adapters and transformers.

Can you drink tap water in Jamaica? ›

Is the water safe to drink in Jamaica? Mostly, tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink, but in more remote areas you may want to avoid drinking water straight out of the tap, unless it has been boiled, filtered or otherwise treated.

How much to tip in Jamaica? ›

The amount you tip in Jamaica will depend on where you are and what type of services you're buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.

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