How do I use my curling iron in Venezuela?

Venezuelan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Venezuela:

  • If your curling iron can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Venezuela however 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 120 volt Venezuelan power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Venezuela, so check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Venezuela otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 120 volts used in Venezuela you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Venezuela check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Venezuela

Will my curling iron work in Venezuela?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 120 volt power outlets used in Venezuela. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 120 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the curling iron in Venezuela. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the section on will a power converter work with a curling iron in Venezuela for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in Venezuela?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Venezuela and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Venezuelan power outlet.

Venezuela power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Venezuela?

Power outlets in Venezuela are 120 volts.

What frequency is used in a Venezuelan power outlet?

The frequency in a Venezuelan power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

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

Type A and B power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this power socket by two slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the wall socket by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the grounded pin.

A Type B power adapter is suitable for powering a 120 volt curling iron in Venezuela - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Venezuela. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button 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 120 volts used in Venezuela then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Venezuelan 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 120 volts used in a Venezuelan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Venezuela.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Venezuela or any other country.

Travelling to Venezuela with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Venezuela?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Venezuela as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Venezuelan power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Venezuela. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Venezuela. The cost and inconvenience of repairing or replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Venezuela could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Venezuela in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Venezuela 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Venezuela

Do I need a voltage converter in Venezuela to use my curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in Venezuela. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to bring along their own curling iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also considerably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 120 volt Venezuelan power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Venezuela. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Venezuela using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 120 volt setting, consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Venezuela you will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Venezuela by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type B plug adapter into the Venezuelan power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Venezuelan power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Venezuela. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Venezuela using a type B power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Venezuela by using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 120 volt setting; consult the instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you're 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 120 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Venezuela you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Venezuela by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it into the Venezuelan power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type A power outlet [5], can be identified by the two slots next to each other where the blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Venezuelan power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron should now be ready to be used in Venezuela. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Venezuela using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Venezuelan Wiki 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.