Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Cambodia?

Cambodian power outlet

Will my hair dryer work in Cambodia?

First check your hair dryer can work in Cambodia:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Cambodian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of power outlet used in Cambodia, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Cambodia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in Cambodia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Cambodia

Will my hair dryer work in Cambodia?

This will depend on if your hair dryer can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Cambodia:

Can I use my American hair dryer in Cambodia?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Cambodia and provide advice on using your US hair dryer with a Cambodian power outlet.

Best travel hair dryers for Cambodia

Choosing the best blow dryer

A dual voltage switch on a travel hair dryer

Choosing the best blow dryer

When looking for the best travel hair dryer for Cambodia choose a sturdy but light dual-voltage dryer which will work with a 230 volt Cambodian power outlet power outlet with an ALCI safety plug, a folding handle and a long power cord. If drying thicker hair buy one which includes a bundled diffuser that uses a higher 1600+ watt dryer.

Things to consider when purchasing a blow dryer

  1. Rather than scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the barrel size perfectly it could be cheaper and more convenient to purchase a dryer that includes a diffuser and a concentrator from the manufacturer.
  2. Some hotel rooms in Cambodia might have a fixed mirror positioned some distance away from a outlet making it cumbersome to dry hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer find the lengthiest power cord possible.
  3. The best travel hair dryers for styling should give control of both speed and temperature settings with low and high options - lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to hair and a hotter faster speed can quickly dry thicker hair.
  4. Curlier or thicker hair might need a hair dryer which has a stronger motor; a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby preventing damage.
  5. Safe travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which reduces the danger of the motor overloading and starting electrical fires; these can be recognised by the two 'test' and 'reset' switches.
  6. Look for lighter travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers which have folding handles will mean more space.
  7. You shouldn't risk getting the cheapest dryer; as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to a poor build.
  8. A cool shot option on modern hair dryers can quickly cool down hair after drying to hold in the style but this feature might be lacking in smaller dryers.
  9. Your travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage to operate in Cambodia.
Which is a good compact travel hair dryer for Cambodia?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

Which is a good compact travel hair dryer for Cambodia?

  • With a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler features cool shot that can will rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, a tourmaline ceramic air outlet for negative ions resulting in faster drying, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cable and also comes with a concentrator attachment.

Both models fold, have an ALCI power plug which prevents power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for travel to Cambodia in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for a Cambodian power outlet.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick and curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and could be difficult to do so without your hair turning frizzy. The best option is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [12] [13] [AD]

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for Cambodia?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium travel hair dryer

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for Cambodia?

  • A Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest small ionic hair dryer available to buy, this ceramic 1200 watt dryer is suitable for quickly drying thin and fine hair whilst on the go.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to transport in a purse due to it's 10.5 ounce body with folding handle and has options reserved for larger blow dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during use for a shinier finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage when used with a suitable power adapter for a Cambodian power outlet they will work in Cambodia and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried around all day for drying on the go. Both include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5m electric power cables and have a 2 speed motor.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

What is a good dual voltage hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

What is a good dual voltage hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser however is missing a cool shot button.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a generous 1.82 metre power cord for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it also has cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers include both concentrator and diffuser with strong motors to make them the best travel blow dryers suitable for thick hair. They will only require a power adapter for Cambodia to plug into a Cambodian power outlet, they are lightweight and fold up to fit into a carry-on bag.  [12] [13] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel hair dryer to buy for Cambodia?

Conair
MiniPRO
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.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Cambodia 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.

Cambodia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Cambodia?

Power outlets in Cambodia are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Cambodia?

The frequency from a Cambodian power outlet is 50 Hz. [16]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Cambodia?

Type A, C and G power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Cambodia?

There are three types of power outlets used in Cambodia, types G, A and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall outlet (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket (technically known as a type G power outlet) looks like 3 slots with shutters forming a triangular shape.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt hair dryer in Cambodia; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in Cambodia?

  1. Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 230 volt power outlet.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure it is switched to operate within the 220-240v range. The switch is usually found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Cambodia, then plug in the power adapter into the Cambodian power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryer models operating within the 220-240v range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting, but this temperature should be adequate enough for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer instructions to find out if this rule is appropriate for your model of dryer to stop overheating.
  5. The hair dryer can now be used in Cambodia.

How do I switch a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch which changes between 2 voltages however some brands are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Cambodia.
  2. The switch or dial needs a coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. In addition to changing this over it is worth noting down the two switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of travel hair dryer.
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your hair dryer. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Cambodia then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Cambodian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Cambodian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Cambodia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Cambodia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cambodia with a hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Cambodia?

Hair dryer attached to hotel desk

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Cambodia?

It will all depend on the individual hotel and the quality of the room. Hotel hair dryers are typically found attached to a bathroom wall unit, these could be a slower air hose variety, or might be located in a bedroom wardrobe, cupboard or drawer.

When staying in budget motels, hotels and hostels a communal hair dryer might be offered at the reception but that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either call ahead to your hotel in Cambodia or look on the booking web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but are typically rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for slow air speeds and low heat. For those concerned with hygiene might want to remove grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

Remember, if you are in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in Cambodia or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Should you bring a travel hair dryer or domestic blow dryer to Cambodia?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to Cambodia (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Cambodian power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for Cambodia). A travel hair dryer will typically feature a folding handle and will be lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer.

Be aware that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in Cambodia might be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case .  [18] [AD]

Is a blowdryer allowed on a flight in Cambodia?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a blowdryer allowed on a flight in Cambodia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Cambodia will allow a hair dryer 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Power converters for Cambodia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Cambodian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer, but 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 in Cambodia. [9] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use a hair dryer in Cambodia?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Cambodia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair dryer, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in Cambodia with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Cambodia, please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Cambodia you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Cambodia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. You can now turn on the blow dryer in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair dryer in Cambodia with a three pin Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Cambodia isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair dryer. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Cambodia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the Cambodian power outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called a Type G power outlet [5], can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type G power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your hair dryer in Cambodia with a three blade Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you're not already using a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair dryer will work with a 230 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet used in Cambodia won't take the plug on your hair dryer you will need to use a Type A plug adapter [8]. The Type A plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Cambodia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 2 slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades. Please note that power cords used with type A sockets which are rated at 125 volts shouldn't be used so we suggest checking first.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. You can now switch on the blow dryer in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Cambodia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cambodia Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. 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..
  15. 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..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  19. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.