Charging your mobile phone from a power outlet in Mexico

Using type B USB micro connector with a three pinned Type A power adapter to recharge your mobile phone with a Mexican power outlet and how to power any mobile phone using a Type B USB charger.

Mexican power outlet

Varying different frequencies and region codes can all be daunting when planning on visiting another country especially if you've never been there before. This page contains useful instructions which shows how to charge your mobile phone when travelling to Mexico using the standard B or A type Mexican 127 volt 60Hz plug outlets, please note Type B plug outlets are typically used by most Mexicans. Type A electrical sockets aren't as commonplace but still used by some hotels in Mexico. Most power sockets differ regionally so we suggest reading the Wikiconnections global power supplies guide for a complete list showing powering devices in different regions and countries. If the mobile phone charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Mexico from a different country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally devices which come from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, check the device is dual voltage (normally indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Mexico

Can you use any mobile phone in Mexico?

You can connect any mobile phone to a Mexican power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Mexico?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than just your mobile phone then the best international travel adapter for Mexico to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Mexico (B and A) and using a power adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the included heads. If your model of mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of travel adapters along with additional support for more power demanding devices.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port charger will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Because you are only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being suitable for charging your mobile phone at the airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used when you return home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets using only a single power outlet.

We suggest searching for this type of flexible travel adapter at your preferred electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Mexico

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Mexico and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from America going to Mexico.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Mexico. [7] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Mexico?

Powering any mobile phone with a Mexican power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using type B USB micro cable with a three pinned Type A power adapter to recharge your mobile phone with a Mexican power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the mobile phone using a Mexican power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Mexican power outlet. The plug supply, technically known as a Type A power outlet [2], can be identified by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go. Note that Type A plug outlets might not be as commonplace however are still found in some hotels in Mexico.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the Type B Micro USB cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the side or bottom of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Mexican power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Mexican power outlet

Instructions showing how to power any mobile phone with a Mexican power outlet using Type B USB cable and a Type B USB adapter.

  1. To charge any mobile phone using the Mexican power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug the Type B USB power plug adapter into the power supply. The power supply, technically called a Type B power outlet [5], can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle hole below for the slightly long ground pin. The most commonly found outlets in Mexico are Type B plug outlets.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the bottom or along one side of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the Mexican power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Mexican power outlet

See also

  1. Visitmexico - Visit Mexico Web Site
  2. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  3. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  6. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  7. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..