The Marshall Islands Electrical Outlets & Power Plugs

In the Marshall Islands, the power plugs and sockets are Type A and Type B. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B has two flat parallel pins and one round grounding pin.

Note that some wall sockets may only accept Type A plugs, so a 3-to-2-prong adapter can be useful if your device has a grounded Type B plug.

Other Countries That Use Type A and Type B Plugs

If you have visited any of the following countries or regions, chances are that you already have a travel adapter that will work in the Marshall Islands.

Canada, the United States, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, parts of Central America and parts of the Caribbean.

Just note that plug shape does not always mean the voltage is the same, so always check your device label before plugging it in.

Can I Use US Power Plugs in the Marshall Islands?

Yes, US power plugs, Type A and Type B, are the standard in the Marshall Islands.

The electricity supply is 120 V AC 60 Hz, so travellers from the United States and other 120 V countries usually do not need a voltage converter.

In the Marshall Islands, the electric current is 120 V 60 Hz. This means that the electrical current is 120 volts with 60 cycles per second.

If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 100 V and 127 V, then you will usually be able to use your appliances and gadgets in the Marshall Islands with no problem at all. This includes countries like the United States, Canada and some countries in Central America and the Caribbean.

If you are from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand or any country that uses a voltage between 220 V and 240 V, then you may need a step-down voltage converter or transformer. Many modern travel adapters include this function, but not all of them do, so check before you plug in and give your hairdryer an early retirement.

That said, many modern devices, such as phones, laptops and camera chargers, are dual-voltage. Check the label on your charger or appliance; if it says something like “100-240 V”, then you’ll usually only need a plug adapter for the Marshall Islands.

If you’re using appliances from a country that also uses 100-127 V, then they will usually work in the Marshall Islands as long as they have a Type A or Type B plug, or you have a travel adapter. More on that later.

If coming from a country that uses 220-240 V, for example, then you should find that modern appliances, such as phones, laptops and camera chargers, are often designed to use from 100 V to 240 V. Regardless, you should check the labels of all of the appliances that you intend to use in the Marshall Islands.

Appliances that don’t clearly state that they can be used on 120 V should not be used in the Marshall Islands’ electrical outlets without a suitable voltage converter or transformer. Otherwise, the lower voltage than required could stop your appliance from working properly, if at all. The most common types of appliances this applies to include hairdryers, electric razors and irons.

Do You Need a Converter / Transformer for the Marshall Islands?

If the label on your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 220 V, 230 V or 240 V, you will need a travel adapter which is also a voltage converter or transformer suitable for a 120 V supply.

If the label has a combined low/high number, such as 100/240 V or 100-240 V, then you don’t need a voltage converter. You’ll usually only need a plug adapter if your plug doesn’t fit Type A or Type B sockets.

Can You Use a 50 Hz Appliance in the Marshall Islands?

The Marshall Islands uses a 60 Hz outlet. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 50 Hz-only appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible with the Marshall Islands. Using the wrong frequency (which is what Hz is) can cause some appliances to stop functioning properly.

Again, check your appliance label. Some appliances work on both 50 and 60 Hz.

Yes, regardless of the voltage, if your appliances are from a country that doesn’t use Type A or Type B power plugs, then you will need a Marshall Islands travel adapter. In other words, a Type A or Type B travel adapter.

Travellers from the United States, Canada and other countries that use Type A and Type B plugs usually won’t need a plug adapter for the Marshall Islands. Travellers from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and many other parts of the world will need one.

Recommended Marshall Islands Travel Adapters

• EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (use it all over the world)
• BESTEK Travel Adapter (universal and converts voltage for US appliances)
• OREI USB-to-Marshall Islands Travel Adapter
• Ceptics Tiny Travel Adapter (3-Pack)
• Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter

We don't recommend going too cheap on the travel adapters. Admittedly, like the one pictured. They tend to fall out of the wall socket once you have a heavy plug attached.

© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

Can I Buy a Travel Adapter in the Marshall Islands?

Yes, travel adapters in the Marshall Islands are sold at Majuro Computer Services in Delap-Uliga-Djarrit, easily spotted along the main road in the green building. Otherwise, EZ Price Mart, also in town, has a small selection.

However, we always recommend bringing your own if you can, as you can't always rely on the supply chain of remote atolls.

USB wall sockets should not be relied on in the Marshall Islands. We've only seen them in one accommodation (but whether they worked was a different matter); therefore, they are not common enough to count on as your main way to charge devices.

We still recommend buying a travel adapter if your appliances don’t use Type A or Type B plugs. Some travel adapters also have USB ports, which are handy if most of your devices charge by USB, such as phones, cameras and tablets.

Just remember that USB ports only solve the plug issue for USB-powered devices. For appliances that need a wall socket, check whether they are suitable for 120 V 60 Hz before using them in the Marshall Islands.