Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Aruba?

Aruban power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Aruba:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Aruba 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 an 127 volt Aruban power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change 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 Aruba, so please check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Aruba otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Aruba please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Aruba

Will my curling iron work in Aruba?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 127 volt power outlets in Aruba. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 127 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use the curling iron in Aruba. If not then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on will a power converter work with a curling iron in Aruba for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in Aruba?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Aruba and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with an Aruban power outlet.

Aruba power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Aruba?

The frequency of the alternating current found in an Aruban power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Aruba?

Power outlets in Aruba are 127 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Aruba?

Type A, B and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Aruba?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug socket blades slide into with a hole below for the long earthed pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 127 volt curling iron in Aruba is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Aruba using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Aruba

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 can 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 127 volts used in Aruba then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Aruban 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 127 volts used in an Aruban power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Aruba.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Aruba or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Aruba 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 that is flying you to Aruba 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 advices wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). 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 drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

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

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 127 volt power outlets used with an Aruban power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Aruba. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Aruba might outweigh the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, 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.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Aruba

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Aruba, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 127 volts from an Aruban power outlet to work with a non-127 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 127 volt power outlet used in Aruba. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Aruba by using a 3 pinned Type B travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 127 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Aruba. This Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Aruba by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the Aruban power outlet. The plug outlet (called a Type B power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the ground pin.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Aruban power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Aruba using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Aruba using a type F power adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to use your curling iron in Aruba with a two prong Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 127 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Aruba doesn't take the plug on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Aruba by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the Aruban power outlet. The sunken round wall supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Aruban power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Aruba using a type F power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Aruba with a 2 bladed Type A travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. Please check that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron can work with a 127 volt power outlet). So, if the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Aruba you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8]. The plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Aruba simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots parallel to each other.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Aruban power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Aruba using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Aruban 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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.