How do I use my curling iron in Taiwan?

Taiwanese power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run on 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Taiwan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Taiwanese power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Taiwan, so check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Taiwan otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Taiwan please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Taiwan

Will my curling iron work in Taiwan?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 110 volts as used in Taiwan. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 110 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Taiwan. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on do you need a voltage converter to use your curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my US curling iron in Taiwan?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Taiwan and provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Taiwanese power outlet.

Taiwan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Taiwan?

The residential voltage in Taiwan is 110 volts.

What frequency is used in a Taiwanese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Taiwanese power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Taiwan?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Taiwan?

There are two types of power outlets used in Taiwan, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, technically called a type A power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - This plug outlet, technically called a type B power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short two plug socket blades sit with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 110 volt curling iron in Taiwan is a Type B plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Taiwan. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and 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 toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Taiwan then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Taiwanese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 110 volts used in a Taiwanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Taiwan.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Taiwan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Taiwan with a curling iron

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Taiwan as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Taiwanese power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Taiwan. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Taiwan. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Taiwan might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot 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.  [10] [AD]

Can you pack a curling iron in your carry on luggage to Taiwan?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Taiwan 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Taiwan

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform a 110 volt Taiwanese power outlet to work with a non-110 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 Taiwan. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use your curling iron in Taiwan?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Taiwan. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Taiwan using a type B power adapter

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Taiwan with a 3 pronged Type B power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting to use in Taiwan - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Taiwan you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Taiwan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Taiwanese power outlet. You can identify the power outlet by two slots where the live and neutral blades slide into with a single hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Taiwanese power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Taiwan using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Taiwan using a type A power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Taiwan using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 110 volt setting to use in Taiwan - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. Check that you don't already own a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Taiwan you'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Taiwan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Taiwanese power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Taiwan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Taiwan using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Taiwan
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.