Using your curling iron in Peru

Peruvian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Peru:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Peru but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Peruvian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Peru, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Peru otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Peru check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Peru

Will my curling iron work in Peru?

This depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Peru. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Peru. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the guide on will a power converter work with a domestic curling iron in Peru for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Can I use my US curling iron in Peru?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Peru and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Peruvian power outlet.

Peru power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a Peruvian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Peruvian power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Peru?

The common residential voltage in Peru is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Peru?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Peru?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other where the twin plug socket blades go.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet (also known as a type B power outlet) is recognised by two slots adjacent to each other where the short two plug socket blades slide into with a hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is recognised by two holes adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins slide into.

A Type C power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Peru, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Peru. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Peru then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Peruvian power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Peruvian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Peru.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Peru or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Peru with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Peru will allow curling irons 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 and will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Peru?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Peruvian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Peru. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Peru could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Peru

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Peru, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Peruvian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a voltage converter for Peru?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Peru. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Peru with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Peru; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Peru won't accomodate the plug on your curling iron. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Peru by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type B plug adapter into the Peruvian power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes known as a Type B power outlet [3], is identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle hole below for the long grounded pin.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. Your hair curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Peru using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Peru using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Peru with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not continue because 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 make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Peru - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Peru. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Peru simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First insert the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular holes next to each other where the twin pins go.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Peruvian power outlet. Your hair curling iron is ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Peru using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Peru with a Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Peru, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  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 you will still need to check that your curling iron can work with a 220 volt power outlet). You will need to use a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Peru. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Peru simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First insert the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. Your hair curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Peru using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Peru
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.