How do I use my hair straighteners in Bhutan?

Bhutanese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Bhutan?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Bhutan:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Bhutanese power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Bhutan, so please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Bhutan otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts used in Bhutan you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Bhutan check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Bhutan

Will my hair straighteners work in Bhutan?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volts used in Bhutan. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Bhutan. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with domestic hair straighteners in Bhutan for help deciding which option is more suitable. [13] [AD]

Can I use my US hair straighteners in Bhutan?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Bhutan and provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Bhutanese power outlet.

Bhutan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Bhutanese power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Bhutanese power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

What mains voltage is used in Bhutan?

The standard voltage used in Bhutan is 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Bhutan?

There are five different types of power outlets used in Bhutan, types G, C, D, F and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - The power socket, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the power outlet by the three holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular wall socket can be recognised by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into and a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify this plug outlet by the three holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type M - This power socket (known as a type M power outlet) looks like 3 large holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A Type G power adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Bhutan - read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Bhutan. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [10] [15] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Bhutan?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Bhutan then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Bhutanese power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Bhutanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Bhutan.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Bhutan or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Bhutan with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Bhutan will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Bhutan?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Bhutanese power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Bhutan.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Bhutan. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Bhutan could be higher than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.   [17] [19] [AD]

Power converters for Bhutan

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Bhutan?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Bhutan?

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Bhutanese power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Bhutan. [13] [AD]

Can you use hair straighteners with a converter for Bhutan?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Bhutan. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own hair straighteners, however it can be cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [13] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [17] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [22] [24] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type C power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Bhutan with a 2 pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Bhutan isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Bhutan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Bhutanese power outlet. This unearthed plug supply is identified by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Bhutan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type D power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Bhutan with a 3 pronged Type D power charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Bhutan, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Bhutan you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Bhutan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Bhutanese power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Bhutan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type F power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Bhutan using a two pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Bhutan. The Type F plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Bhutan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Bhutanese power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral and a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Bhutan with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Bhutan - consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [10] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Bhutan. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Bhutan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three rectangular slots forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bhutanese power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type M power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Bhutan using a three pronged Type M power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Bhutan isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [12]. The Type M plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Bhutan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type M plug adapter and inserting it in the Bhutanese power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes known as a Type M power outlet [11], looks like 3 large circular holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Bhutan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bhutan using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bhutan Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  9. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  10. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  11. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  12. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  13. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  17. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  19. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  20. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  21. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  22. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  23. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  24. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..