Which power adapter do I need for using a curling iron in The Bahamas?

Bahamas power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in The Bahamas:

  • If your curling iron can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for The Bahamas however 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 120 volt Bahamas power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The Bahamas, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for The Bahamas otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 120 volts you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in The Bahamas read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Bahamas

Will my curling iron work in The Bahamas?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 120 volts as used in The Bahamas. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 120 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in The Bahamas. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in The Bahamas for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in The Bahamas?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to The Bahamas and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Bahamas power outlet.

The Bahamas power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in The Bahamas?

The frequency from a Bahamas power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in The Bahamas?

Power outlets in The Bahamas are 120 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in The Bahamas?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in The Bahamas?

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

  • Plug Type A - The power socket, technically known as a type A power outlet, is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots.
  • Plug Type B - This wall outlet (called a type B power outlet) can be identified by the two thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the ground pin.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 120 volt curling iron in The Bahamas is a Type B power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in The Bahamas. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to The Bahamas with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on to The Bahamas?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Bahamas will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. 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 will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Bahamas?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to The Bahamas as it ensures that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Bahamas power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Bahamas.

Please note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in The Bahamas. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in The Bahamas might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Bahamas

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in The Bahamas. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in The Bahamas?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 120 volt power outlet used in The Bahamas. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a curling iron in The Bahamas by using a 3 pinned Type B travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 120 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in The Bahamas won't take the plug on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in The Bahamas simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], is recognised by the two thin slots with a hole below for the ground pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bahamas power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Bahamas using a type B power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a curling iron in The Bahamas by using a 2 bladed Type A travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 120 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume that you're not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron will work with a 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in The Bahamas you will need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in The Bahamas by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the Bahamas power outlet. You can recognise the power outlet by 2 slots.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bahamas power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Bahamas using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bahamas page on wikipedia.org
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.