Using your curling iron in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Papua New Guinea:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Papua New Guinea but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Papua New Guinea power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Papua New Guinea, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Papua New Guinea otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Papua New Guinea check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Papua New Guinea

Will my curling iron work in Papua New Guinea?

This depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volt power outlets in Papua New Guinea. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Papua New Guinea. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the guide on will a power converter work with a domestic curling iron in Papua New Guinea for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my US curling iron in Papua New Guinea?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Papua New Guinea and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Papua New Guinea power outlet.

Papua New Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Papua New Guinea power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Papua New Guinea power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Papua New Guinea?

The common residential voltage in Papua New Guinea is 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Papua New Guinea?

Type I power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Papua New Guinea?

The type of power outlet used in Papua New Guinea is type I. The wall socket (technically called a type I power outlet) can be recognised by 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. A Type I plug adapter allows you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Papua New Guinea - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Papua New Guinea. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Papua New Guinea with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

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 also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Papua New Guinea will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the 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 and will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Papua New Guinea?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Papua New Guinea power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Papua New Guinea. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Papua New Guinea could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide 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 packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Papua New Guinea

Can I use my curling iron with a voltage converter for Papua New Guinea?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Papua New Guinea. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Papua New Guinea?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Papua New Guinea?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Papua New Guinea, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Papua New Guinea power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Papua New Guinea using a type I power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Papua New Guinea using a Type I travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Papua New Guinea you'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [4]. This Type I plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Papua New Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type I plug adapter and plugging it in the Papua New Guinea power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by three slots forming a triangle pattern with the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Papua New Guinea power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron is ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Papua New Guinea using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Papua New Guinea country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.