Using your curling iron in Malaysia

Malaysian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Malaysia:

  • If your curling iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Malaysia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Malaysian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Malaysia, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Malaysia otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts used in Malaysia you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Malaysia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Malaysia

Will my curling iron work in Malaysia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 240 volts as used in Malaysia:

How can I use my US curling iron in Malaysia?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Malaysia and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a Malaysian power outlet.

Malaysia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Malaysia?

The common residential voltage in Malaysia is 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Malaysia?

The frequency of the current from a Malaysian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Malaysia?

Type G power outlets are used in Malaysia. The power socket (also known as a type G power outlet) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern. A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt curling iron in Malaysia - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Malaysia using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Malaysia?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Malaysia with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Malaysia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Malaysian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Malaysia.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Malaysia. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Malaysia might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Malaysia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Malaysia will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Malaysia

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 240 volt Malaysian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Malaysia. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter for Malaysia to use a curling iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Malaysia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Malaysia using a type G power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Malaysia with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Malaysia, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Malaysia. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Malaysia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malaysian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Malaysia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malaysia page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.