Using Thai Phone Charger in Panama – Voltage/Frequency Question

[falangUK]

Hi all,

I’m currently in Thailand and planning a trip to Panama. My phone charger says "Input: 230V, 50Hz" only. Panama uses 110V, 60Hz.

Can I use this charger safely in Panama with just a plug adapter? Or do I need a step-up transformer?

Anyone with experience using Thai appliances or chargers in Panama (or other 110V countries) — I’d really appreciate your advice. Thanks!

[Yellowtail]

Buy a new charger in Panama. There are travel adaptors that do, but plug adaptors generally do not change voltage. 

 

Or buy a chargeable power bank. 

 

 

[Equatorial]

Most chargers these days are 110-240V compatible, but they have to say so explicitly. Otherwise, if you plug it in an outlet with wrong voltage, it may damage the charger, and it may damage the device (phone). 

 

Your phone likely uses a cable that attaches to the phone on one end, and to the charger on the other. The connection to the charger is USB-A or USB-C 99.9% of the time. 

 

I recommend getting a USB charger when you get to Panama, and plugging your existing cable to it. Chargers are cheap, as little as $5 or $10, and your phone will be safe.

[falangUK]

Thanks. Just to clarify:

 

1. I’m thinking of buying a travel adapter in Thailand — is that okay, or better to wait till Panama?

 

 

2. Planning to carry a chargeable power bank — will there be any issues taking it through Chiang Mai Airport?

 

Appreciate any tips from anyone who’s done a similar route.

[falangUK]

4 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

Most chargers these days are 110-240V compatible, but they have to say so explicitly. Otherwise, if you plug it in an outlet with wrong voltage, it may damage the charger, and it may damage the device (phone). 

 

Your phone likely uses a cable that attaches to the phone on one end, and to the charger on the other. The connection to the charger is USB-A or USB-C 99.9% of the time. 

 

I recommend getting a USB charger when you get to Panama, and plugging your existing cable to it. Chargers are cheap, as little as $5 or $10, and your phone will be safe.

 

Thanks for the detailed reply.

 

Yes, my charger cable is USB-C, and it connects to a regular adapter (I’ll double-check the voltage range). Makes sense to just get a cheap USB charger in Panama to be safe — especially if it avoids any risk to the phone.

 

Appreciate the tip!

 

 

[Equatorial]

1. Do NOT use an adapter. Adapter allows you to plug in your device to a different type of wall outlet, but it does not change voltage. That's what transformers do, but they are more expensive and heavier than getting a new USB charger. Either way, I would get it in the target country. 

 

2. Airlines limit the powerbanks in many ways. One per person, must be in carry-on, must be under certain capacity. Look up the rules that are set by the airline you'll be flying, as they vary. 

 

But I will point out that if you want to charge a powerbank, you need to solve exactly the same problem as charging a phone. You need a USB charger that plugs into a wall outlet, and a cable to connect the device (phone or powerbank) to the charger. 

[pgrahmm]

I've used this with success on devices around the globe.....

It will allow use of 110 & match what you need for your phone & other accessories...

[cjinchiangrai]

You can get a 110-220 charger block with a USB-A plug at any night market for 50baht. For 100 baht you can get one at 7-11. Make sure it is dual voltage. The one pictured above is nice but expensive overkill.