How do I use my curling iron in Fiji?

Fijian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Fiji:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Fiji but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Fijian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Fiji, therefore check that your power converter has the correct power adapter for Fiji otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Fiji read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Fiji

Will my curling iron work in Fiji?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Fiji:

Will my US curling iron work in Fiji?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Fiji and provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Fijian power outlet.

Fiji power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Fiji?

Power outlets in Fiji are 240 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Fijian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Fijian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Fiji?

The type of power outlet used in Fiji is type I. You can identify this power socket by the 3 slots for the live, neutral and earth blades. A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Fiji is a Type I power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a plug adapter for Fiji. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Fiji?

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron will support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Fiji then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Fijian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 240 volts used in a Fijian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Fiji.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Fiji or any other country.

Travelling to Fiji with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Fiji?

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 240 volt power outlets used with a Fijian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Fiji.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Fiji. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Fiji might outweigh the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot 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 right after use without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Fiji will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Fiji

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Fijian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Fiji. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Fiji?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Fiji. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic curling iron, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Fiji using a type I power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Fiji with a Type I power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Fiji you'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Fiji by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type I plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type I power outlet [3]) can be identified by the 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Fijian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Fiji. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Fiji using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Fiji Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.