How to use your curling iron in Honduras

Honduran power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Honduras:

  • If your curling iron can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the right 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 might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Honduras but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Honduran power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Honduras, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Honduras otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Honduras you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Honduras check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Honduras

Will my curling iron work in Honduras?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 110 volt power outlets in Honduras. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Honduras. 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 the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Honduras?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Honduras and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Honduran power outlet.

Honduras power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Honduran power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Honduran power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Honduras?

The standard residential voltage used in Honduras is 110 volts.

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

Type A and B power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type A - The plug socket (called the type A power outlet) can be identified by two thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug socket blades go with a hole below for the earthed pin.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 110 volt curling iron in Honduras is a Type B power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Honduras using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Honduras then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Honduran 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 110 volts used in a Honduran power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Honduras.
  • 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 Honduras or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Honduras with a curling iron

Can you take a curling iron in your carry on luggage?

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 the airline who is flying you to Honduras will allow a curling iron 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables 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 bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Honduras as it ensures that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Honduran power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Honduras.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Honduras. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Honduras might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to 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 waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Honduras

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 110 volt Honduran power outlet to work with a non-110 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 Honduras. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter for Honduras to use your curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 110 volt power outlet used in Honduras. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing you how to use your curling iron in Honduras with a three prong Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting - please consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Honduras isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Honduras by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the Honduran power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots parallel to each other with a hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Honduran power outlet. Your curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Honduras using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Honduras by using a Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting, please consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. Please check 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 please check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Honduras you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Honduras simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, technically known as the Type A power outlet [5], can be identified by two thin slots adjacent to each other where the short live and neutral plug outlet blades slide into.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Honduran power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Honduras using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Honduras country entry 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.