Which travel adapter will I need to use a curling iron in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Hong Kong:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Hong Kong however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Hong Kong power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes 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 Hong Kong, so check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Hong Kong otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Hong Kong you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Hong Kong please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Hong Kong

Will my curling iron work in Hong Kong?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts used in Hong Kong. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Hong Kong. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on will a power converter work with your domestic curling iron in Hong Kong for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Hong Kong power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Hong Kong?

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

What voltage is used in Hong Kong?

The common residential voltage used in Hong Kong is 220 volts.

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

Type G power outlets are used in Hong Kong. You can recognise the wall outlet by three vertical rectangular slots forming a triangular pattern. A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 220 volt curling iron in Hong Kong is a Type G plug adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Hong Kong. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Hong Kong then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Hong Kong.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Hong Kong or any other country.

Travelling to Hong Kong with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage to Hong Kong?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Hong Kong will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as 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 offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Hong Kong?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Hong Kong power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Hong Kong.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Hong Kong could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide 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 immediately after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Hong Kong

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Hong Kong power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Hong Kong. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter in Hong Kong to use a curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Hong Kong. Travellers who want to bring along their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Hong Kong using a type G power adapter

A page on how to power a curling iron in Hong Kong with a three pin Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Hong Kong. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Hong Kong simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power outlet (called a Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Hong Kong power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Hong Kong. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Hong Kong using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Hong Kong country Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.