Using your hair dryer in Brunei
Will my blow dryer work in Brunei?
Check that your hair dryer can work in Brunei:
- If your hair dryer can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use the right power adapter for Brunei listed below if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit in the outlet.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you could need to use a power adapter for Brunei but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. Read nine things to look for when buying a travel blow dryer, six of the best travel blow dryers in 2023 compared and recommendations for the best dual voltage blow driers which will work in Brunei.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 240 volt Bruneian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Brunei, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Brunei otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Brunei
Will my hair dryer work in Brunei?
This depends on if your hair dryer can operate using the 240 volts as used in Brunei:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Brunei.
- If not then then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Read the section on do you need a power converter to use a domestic hair dryer for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]
Can I use my US hair dryer in Brunei?
The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Brunei and will provide advice on using your US hair dryer with a Bruneian power outlet.
Best travel hair dryers for Brunei
A dual voltage switch on a hair dryer
Choosing the best travel hair dryer for Brunei
When looking for the best hair dryer for Brunei choose a robust but lightweight dual-voltage model that will operate with a 240 volt Bruneian power outlet power outlet with ALCI safety plug, a folding handle and long power cable. When drying thicker hair look for a faster 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.
The top nine things to consider when purchasing a travel blow dryer
- Don't risk buying the cheapest hair dryer available, as well as issues with safety there is a greater chance that the dryer could fail during your trip abroad due to a flimsy build.
- The safest travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will minimise the danger of overloading that could start a fire - you can recognise models by the two test and reset buttons.
- If you have thicker hair then you might require a blow dryer with a stronger motor - a high wattage ceramic dryer which has a diffuser will dry hair much faster, thereby avoiding damage.
- Your travel hair dryer needs to support dual voltage to operate with a 240 volt Bruneian power outlet.
- A modern hair dryer could feature a cool shot button for rapidly cooling hair down after drying to hold the style but this option lacks in smaller models.
- Depending on your accommodation there might be a fixed mirror positioned too far away from the nearest outlet which makes it hard to dry hair, so when buying a travel blow dryer find the lengthiest power cord available or bring either a power extension cord or portable mirror.
- Instead of looking for more expensive 3rd party attachments which fit the barrel size securely it could be more convenient and cheaper to buy a dryer which includes both a diffuser and a concentrator as these will fit perfectly.
- Look for a lighter travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, models with folding handles mean more room.
- Ideal travel hair dryers for styling give control of the temperature and speed settings with different options; a faster hotter speed will dry thicker hair faster whereas lower temperatures with slower speeds prevent damage to hair.
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer
Which is a good dual voltage hair dryer with a diffuser?
- A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65 metre electric power cable, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser but it lacks cool shot.
- A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a generous 1.82m power cord for more flexibility when drying with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter to clean. With a strong 1875 watt motor it also has a cool shot feature making it perfect for styling thicker hair.
Both ionic hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator with powerful motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They only require a cheap power adapter for Brunei to fit into a Bruneian power outlet, each dryer is lightweight and folds up to fit into a carry-on travel bag. [6] [6] [7] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator
What is the smallest folding dual voltage hair dryer?
- For quickly drying thin and fine hair on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable small ionic blow dryer available to buy.
- The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight and small enough to transport in a purse due to the 10.5 ounce body and folding handle and also has features found on larger dryers such as a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect against heat damage resulting in a shiny finish.
Both of these mini hair dryers have dual voltage when used along with the right power adapter for a Bruneian power outlet they should work in Brunei and fold conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. They include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5 metre electric power cords and a two speed motor. [8] [8] [9] [AD]
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with bundled concentrator
What is a good folding dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot for Brunei?
- A Conair Compact Styler has a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and includes cool shot which can will quickly cool down hair.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet for negative ions meaning safer styling, 2 heat settings, a longer 1.8m power cord and also includes a concentrator attachment.
Each model is folding, has an ALCI safety plug to prevent power overloads and has dual voltage making them perfect for travel to Brunei in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for a Bruneian power outlet. [10] [10] [11] [AD]
What is a good blow dryer for thick curly hair?
Thicker hair takes much longer to dry and will be hard to do so without the hair going frizzy. The best option for this type of hair will be an ionic dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are able to dry and manage hair smoothly. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer are suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [6] [7] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
Which is the best travel blow dryer for Brunei?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Brunei | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual voltage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 1200 | 1000 | 1875 | 1875 | 1600 | 1875 |
| Folds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Ionic | Yes | • | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tourmaline | • | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Infrared | • | Yes | • | • | • | • |
| Speed settings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heat settings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Cool shot | • | • | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Removable filter | • | Yes | • | • | • | Yes |
| Concentrator | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diffuser | • | • | • | • | Yes | Yes |
| ALCI safety plug | • | Yes | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Cord length | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.8m | 1.65m | 1.82m |
| Color | • | • | • • | • • | • | • |
| Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | |
Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.
Brunei power outlets and plug sockets
What mains voltage is used in Brunei?
The common residential voltage in Brunei is 240 volts.
What frequency is used in a Bruneian power outlet?
The frequency of the alternating current in a Bruneian power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]
Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Brunei?
The type of power outlet used in Brunei is type G. You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins. A Type G power adapter allows you to use a 240 volt hair dryer in Brunei; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in Brunei. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter. [4] [13] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
Dual voltage hair dryer
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug of your hair dryer. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically but other hair dryer models will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.
- Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Brunei then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Bruneian 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 Bruneian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Brunei.
- Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Brunei or any other country if these numbers are shown.
How do I switch the voltage on a travel hair dryer?
- Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch or dial which selects between two voltages although some dryers can automatically detect the voltage used in Brunei.
- This switch or dial will normally require a coin or screwdriver to change the hair dryer to the right voltage between a 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
- Also it is worth jotting down the two switch positions because the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of hair dryer.
How do I use my dual voltage blow dryer in Brunei?
- Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer and that it operates with a 240 volt power socket.
- If your dryer is dual voltage please make sure that it is switched to the 220-240v range. This is usually found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to turn.
- Plug your dryer into the correct power adapter for Brunei, also plug in the power adapter into the Bruneian power outlet.
- It's normal for most travel hair dryer models operating within the 220-240V range to only work safely on a low speed setting - but the temperature should still be adequate for drying hair. Always check the manufacturers instructions to find out if this is applicable for your model of dryer to prevent overheating.
- The hair dryer is now ready to be used in Brunei.
Travelling to Brunei with a hair dryer
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Is a hairdryer allowed on a flight to Brunei?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Brunei will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around blow dryers). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit. [14] [15] [16] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in Brunei?
Depending on the hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the hotel room, either packed in a bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found on a bathroom wall unit or could be of a slower air hose type.
If staying in cheaper hostels, hotels and motels a communal hair dryer could be offered at reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer policy then either check on the booking web site or call ahead to the hotel in Brunei to find out what type of hairdryer is available for guests. Hair dryers in hotels are usable but typically basic models lacking a diffuser, notorious for slower air speeds and low heat. Those worried about hygiene might want to remove the grime from previous guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.
Remember, if you are in doubt either call ahead to your hotel in Brunei or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. [2] [AD]
Is it safe to bring my domestic hair dryer to Brunei?
Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing an existing hair dryer to Brunei (marked with 'For domestic use only') as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Bruneian power outlet (as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Brunei). A travel hair dryer will typically feature a folding handle and are much lighter which will help reduce the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer.
Please be aware that packing an expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of replacing an expensive quality hair dryer in Brunei could overshadow the costs of buying a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off . [15] [AD]
Power converters for Brunei
Do I need a converter for Brunei to use a hair dryer?
A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Brunei. Travellers who wish to bring along their own hair dryer can use a power converter, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Brunei?
A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Bruneian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt hair dryer, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Brunei. [5] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Brunei using a type G power adapter
A page showing how to power your hair dryer in Brunei with a three pinned Type G power adapter.
- Please check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Travel blow dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
- You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Brunei. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Brunei simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 240 volt outlet.
- Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the Bruneian power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes known as a Type G power outlet [3], can be recognised by 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
- After that plug in your hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
- Switch on the Bruneian power outlet. You can now turn on your hair dryer in Brunei. [AD]
See also
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Brunei
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- 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..
- 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..
- Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
- X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
- BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
- Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
- Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
- Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
| 2 other devices in this category | |
| Connecting a Bruneian power outlet to: |
|