How do I use my curling iron in The Philippines?

Filipino power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in The Philippines:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for The Philippines 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 Filipino 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 wall outlet used in The Philippines, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for The Philippines otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in The Philippines you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in The Philippines check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Philippines

Will my curling iron work in The Philippines?

It depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in The Philippines. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in The Philippines. 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 can you use a power converter with a domestic curling iron in The Philippines for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

The Philippines power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in The Philippines?

The standard voltage used in The Philippines is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in The Philippines?

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

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

Type A, B and C power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by the 2 adjacent slots.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the wall socket by the two thin slots next to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the long grounded pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the two round adjacent holes.

A Type C plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in The Philippines - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for The Philippines. 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

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

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature a button or 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 220 volts used in The Philippines then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Filipino 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 220 volts used in a Filipino power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Philippines.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in The Philippines or any other country.

Travelling to The Philippines with a curling iron

Should I bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to The Philippines?

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 Filipino power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for The Philippines.

Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in The Philippines. The cost of repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in The Philippines might be higher than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot 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 waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can curling irons go in hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to The Philippines will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the 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 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for The Philippines

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 lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in The Philippines, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 220 volt Filipino power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a curling iron in The Philippines?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in The Philippines. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also considerably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in The Philippines using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in The Philippines doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in The Philippines by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type B plug adapter into the Filipino power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two slots next to each other with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the longer grounded pin. Be aware power cords with type B outlets which are rated at only 125 volts should not be used in The Philippines so we recommend checking prior to proceeding.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Philippines using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in The Philippines using 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 don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in The Philippines you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in The Philippines simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Filipino power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Philippines using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in The Philippines using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. This guide assumes 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 still check that your curling iron will work with a 220 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet used in The Philippines won't accomodate the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in The Philippines by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the Filipino power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two slots next to each other. Note power cords used with type A outlets which are rated at less that 240 volts should not be used in The Philippines so we recommend checking prior to continuing.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Filipino power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in The Philippines. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Philippines using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about The Philippines
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.