How do I use a curling iron in Belize?

Belizean power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Belize:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Belize however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Belizean power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Belize, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Belize otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Belize you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Belize please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Belize

Will my curling iron work in Belize?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 110 volt power outlets in Belize:

Belize power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Belize?

The typical residential voltage used in Belize is 110 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Belizean power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Belizean power outlet is 60Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Belize?

Type A, B and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Belize?

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

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, also called a type A power outlet, is recognised by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the longer earthed pin.
  • Plug Type G - The wall outlet, also called a type G power outlet, looks like three vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangular pattern.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 110 volt curling iron in Belize; read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Belize. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Belize with a curling iron

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Belize as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Belizean power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Belize. Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Belize. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Belize could overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal 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 shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Belize 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, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Belize

Do you need a converter in Belize to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 110 volt power outlet used in Belize. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Belize, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 110 volts from a Belizean power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Belize with a 3 pinned Type B power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Belize won't take the plug of your curling iron. The Type B plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Belize simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter in the Belizean power outlet. The plug outlet, technically called a Type B power outlet [3], is recognised by the two thin slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades slide into with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Belize. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Belize using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Belize with a three pin Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Belize won't take the plug of your curling iron. The Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Belize simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the Belizean power outlet. The plug outlet, technically called a Type G power outlet [5], can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Belize. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Belize using a type G power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Belize with a three blade Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume 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 you will still need to check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power outlet). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Belize. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Belize by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Belize. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Belize using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belize Wikipedia web 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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.