How to use your curling iron in Jamaica

Jamaican power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Jamaica:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Jamaica however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Jamaican power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Jamaica, so please check that your voltage transformer comes with a power adapter for Jamaica otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Jamaica please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Jamaica

Will my curling iron work in Jamaica?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 110 volt power outlets used in Jamaica. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 110 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Jamaica. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in Jamaica for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in Jamaica?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Jamaica and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Jamaican power outlet.

Jamaica power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Jamaica?

The frequency of the current used in a Jamaican power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in Jamaica?

Power outlets in Jamaica are 110 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Jamaica?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Jamaica?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this wall outlet by 2 adjacent slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 slots parallel to each other with a hole below for the longer earthed pin.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 110 volt curling iron in Jamaica is a Type B power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Jamaica 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]

Plug adapters for Jamaica

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 plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature 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 110 volts used in Jamaica then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Jamaican 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 Jamaican power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Jamaica.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Jamaica or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Jamaica with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in carry on to Jamaica?

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 your airline that is flying you to Jamaica 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack 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 knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should I bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Jamaica?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Jamaican power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Jamaica. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Jamaica could overshadow the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Jamaica

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in Jamaica?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 110 volt power outlet used in Jamaica. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be considerably cheaper to buy 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 significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 110 volt Jamaican 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 Jamaica. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Jamaica by using a Type B 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 dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting for use in Jamaica, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Jamaica isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Jamaica 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 B plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall 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 Jamaican power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Jamaica using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Jamaica by using a 2 bladed 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 might 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 for use in Jamaica, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  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 you will still need to check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Jamaica. This Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Jamaica by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it into the Jamaican power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type A power outlet [5]) can be identified by two thin slots next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Jamaican power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron in Jamaica. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Jamaica using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Jamaican 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 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.