Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Curacao?

Curacaon power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Curacao:

  • If your curling iron can run on 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Curacao 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 127 volt Curacaon power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Curacao, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Curacao otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Curacao read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Curacao

Will my curling iron work in Curacao?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 127 volts used in Curacao:

Can I use my American curling iron in Curacao?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Curacao and provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Curacaon power outlet.

Curacao power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Curacao?

The common residential voltage used in Curacao is 127 volts.

What is the frequency used in Curacao?

The frequency of the current from a Curacaon power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Curacao?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Curacao?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Curacao, these are type C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall outlet, also known as a type A power outlet, can be identified by 2 slots next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - This wall outlet, also known as a type B power outlet, can be identified by 2 slots parallel to each other where the twin plug socket blades go with a single hole below for the long earthed pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 holes adjacent to each other.

A Type C power adapter is suitable for powering a 127 volt curling iron in Curacao, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Curacao. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is 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 plug or handle of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Curacao then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Curacaon 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 127 volts used in a Curacaon power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Curacao.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Curacao or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Curacao with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Curacao?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Curacaon power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Curacao. Please note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in Curacao. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Curacao might be more than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Curacao 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Curacao

Can you use your curling iron with a voltage converter in Curacao?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Curacao. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to bring their existing curling iron, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet to work with a non-127 volt curling iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Curacao. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Curacao with a three pin Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting for use in Curacao, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Curacao you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Curacao by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 thin slots where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Curacaon power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Curacao. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Curacao using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Curacao using a type C power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Curacao by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Curacao you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Curacao by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet [5] or Europlug, can be identified by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Curacao. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Curacao using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Curacao by using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting for use in Curacao - please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes 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 you will still need to check that your curling iron will work with a 127 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Curacao. This Type A plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Curacao simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the Curacaon power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 slots next to each other where the short live and neutral plug outlet blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Curacao. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Curacao using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Curacao Wikipedia page
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.