Technology on Bonaire

Technology on Bonaire

While Bonaire is a small island, we have several Internet service providers, cable TV, terrestrial TV, digital TV, and a number of radio stations.

Electricity

Bonaire, Curacao, and Jamaica have two things in common. The first is that they are all located in the Caribbean. The second is that they share the same electrical current with the same power characteristics. The default power from an electrical outlet on Bonaire is 127 Volts AC at 50 Cycles (or Hertz or Hz). This doesn’t really match either the power requirements of most European appliances (220V, 50Hz) or American appliances (110V, 60Hz). Both European and U.S. outlet connections are visible in most houses and hotels. It’s not always clear what voltage the outlet is running at, so it’s essential to check with whoever operates the home, hotel, apartment, etc. that you’ll be staying in. Additionally, some properties do not have both, so double-check with your accommodation. 

Electrical Outlets

Some resorts may have transformers available for rent for your more sensitive plug-in appliances, such as battery chargers. Such transformers can also be bought in local stores such as Kooyman or Playa Trading for between $50 and $100.

Some things may be plugged into a 127V socket directly without a transformer, as long as you understand that some U.S. voltage-specific devices may run warm, and may burn out if left plugged in for a long time. Note that many notebook computers already have universal power supplies and should work fine plugged into any outlet (check with your manufacturer or your notebook power supply for details).

However, it is also said that Bonaire is occasionally “generous” with its power, and surges and brownouts are not uncommon. If you plug anything electronically delicate into a wall outlet, it might not be a bad idea to have a small surge protector in between. These are available at most consumer electronics stores.