How to use a hair dryer in Micronesia

Will my hair dryer work in Micronesia?

Check your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Micronesia:

If your hair dryer can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter for Micronesia listed below if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Micronesia but these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. Before purchasing read our guide to the best travel blow driers which work work in a Micronesian power outlet, along with the top nine things to consider when buying a new travel blow dryer and a comparison of six of the best travel blow dryers to buy in 2023.

Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the wall outlet used in Micronesia, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Micronesia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 120 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Prior to using your hair dryer in Micronesia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Micronesia

Will my hair dryer work in Micronesia?

It depends on if your hair dryer can operate using the 120 volt power outlets used in Micronesia:

If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can handle 120 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Micronesia.
If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your hair dryer in Micronesia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for Micronesia

What to look for in a travel blow dryer

When looking for the best hair dryer for Micronesia choose a sturdy but lightweight dual voltage dryer which will work with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet power outlet, includes ALCI safety plug, a long cord and a folding handle. When drying thicker hair buy a faster 1600+ watt motor and bundled diffuser.

Nine tips for buying a new travel blow dryer

Some hotel rooms could have a wall mirror installed away from the nearest outlet which makes it hard to style hair, therefore when buying a hair dryer search for a model with the lengthiest power cord available or pack either an extension cord or a hand mirror.
It could be more convenient and cheaper purchasing a new hair dryer that is supplied with both a concentrator and diffuser rather than scouring stores looking for more expensive third party attachments to fit the unique dryer barrel securely.
Thicker or curlier hair may need a travel blow dryer which has a more powerful motor - a high wattage ceramic dryer which has a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
The safest travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will reduce the risk of the motor overloading that could start a fire, you can idenfity models with the two 'reset' and 'test' buttons found on the plug.
The most suitable hair dryers for styling will let you to control both temperature and speed settings with high and low options; a lower temperature with a slower speed will reduce damage to your hair and a faster hotter speed can quickly dry thicker hair.
Buying the cheapest hair dryer available is risky - as well as safety issues there is a greater chance that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper parts.
Try looking for lighter travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models which have a folding handle mean more room.
A travel hair dryer has to be dual voltage in order to function in Micronesia.
A cool shot button on a modern travel dryer can quickly cool down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this option might be lacking in smaller dryers.

Which is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer for Micronesia?

Using a strong twin speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler features a cool shot setting which can will quickly cool down hair which gives it a long lasting hold.
The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions meaning faster and safer drying, 2 heat options, a longer 1.8 metre power cable and also includes a concentrator attachment.

Both models fold, include an ALCI plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making them perfect for travel to Micronesia in carry on luggage if used along with a power adapter for a Micronesian power outlet. [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is the best blow dryer for thick hair?

Thick hair takes much longer to dry and can be hard to do so without your hair going frizzy, the best option is an ionic hair dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly. Either the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [10] [11] [AD]

What is a good mini folding dual voltage travel hair dryer for Micronesia?

To dry thin and fine hair on the go then a 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest mini ionic hair dryer available on the market.
The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight and small enough to carry in a handbag due to it's 10.5oz body and folding handle that also has features found on larger dryers including a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage during styling which results in a shinier finish.

Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used along with a suitable plug adapter for a Micronesian power outlet they should work in Micronesia folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried for styling on the go. Both include a concentrator, have 1.5m electric power cords and have a two speed motor. [12] [12] [13] [AD]

What is the best dual voltage hair dryer with a diffuser attachment for Micronesia?

A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre electric power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser however lacks a cool shot option.
The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a long 1.82m power cable for more flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter for cleaning. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it includes cool shot making it ideal for drying thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers include both diffuser and concentrator attachments with strong enough motors to make them the best travel blow dryers for thick hair. Both will require a cheap power adapter for Micronesia to work with a Micronesian power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in a carry-on travel bag. [10] [11] [11] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best blow dryer to buy for Micronesia?

	Conair MiniPRO	BaByliss PRO	Conair Compact	Berta Folding	X5 Superlite	Hot Tools 1044
Class	Mini		Compact		Compact with diffuser
Works in Micronesia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Works in US	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dual voltage	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Watts	1200	1000	1875	1875	1600	1875
Folds	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ceramic	Yes	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	•
Ionic	Yes	•	•	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tourmaline	•	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	•
Infrared	•	Yes	•	•	•	•
Speed settings	2	2	2	2	2	2
Heat settings	1	1	1	2	1	1
Cool shot	•	•	Yes	Yes	•	Yes
Removable filter	•	Yes	•	•	•	Yes
Concentrator	Yes	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	Yes
Diffuser	•	•	•	•	Yes	Yes
ALCI safety plug	•	Yes	Yes	Yes	•	Yes
Cord length	1.52m	1.52m	1.52m	1.8m	1.65m	1.82m
Color	•	•	• •	• •	•	•
	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Micronesia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Micronesia?

The standard residential voltage in Micronesia is 120 volts.

What is the frequency used in Micronesia?

The frequency found in a Micronesian power outlet is 60Hz. [14]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Micronesia?

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

Plug Type A - The wall socket (also known as the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the two slots adjacent to each other.
Plug Type B - The wall socket (also known as a type B power outlet) can be recognised by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the grounded pin.

A Type B plug adapter is suitable for powering a 120 volt hair dryer in Micronesia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in Micronesia using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to use a power converter. [4] [15] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Micronesia

Dual voltage hair dryers

How should I switch the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?

Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a switch or dial which changes between two voltages although some models can automatically detect the voltage from a Micronesian power outlet.
The dial or switch normally requires a small coin or screwdriver to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
Also, it is worth making a note of both switch positions because the painted numbers can occasionally fade on certain models of hair dryer.

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair dryer will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the hair dryer. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair dryer and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically, however other hair dryers will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Micronesia then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Micronesian power outlet.
A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 120 volts used in a Micronesian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Micronesia.
A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Micronesia or any other country.

How do I use my dual voltage hair dryer in Micronesia?

Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or that it will work with a 120 volt power outlet.
If your dryer is dual voltage please make sure it is switched to operate within the 100-127 volt range. This is usually found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
Plug your hair dryer into the power adapter for Micronesia and then plug in the power adapter into the Micronesian power outlet.
The dryer is now ready to be used in Micronesia.
You can expect travel hair dryers that originated from a country that operates with 220-240 volts to blow slower than expected in a power outlet that supplies 100-127 volts.

Travelling to Micronesia with a hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Micronesia?

Depending on the hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the room, either packed away in the bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose type.

In budget hostels, motels and hotels a shared hair dryer might be offered at the reception, however that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer availability then either look on the hotel web site or call ahead to the hotel in Micronesia to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are adequate but typically basic models lacking a diffuser, notorious for low heat and slower air speeds. Those concerned with hygiene might want to remove the grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Remember, if in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in Micronesia or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2]. [2] [AD]

Is a blow dryer allowed onboard a plane in Micronesia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Micronesia will allow hair dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer 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 such as blow dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey. [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is it safe to bring a domestic blow dryer to Micronesia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer rather than bringing your existing domestic blow dryer to Micronesia (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it ensures that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Micronesian power outlet (provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Micronesia). Certain models of travel hair dryer will normally feature a collapsing handle and are much lighter which will help reduce the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer. It is also worth bearing in mind that packing an expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airline baggage handler in Micronesia. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic blow dryer in Micronesia might outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before travelling to bring with you . [17] [AD]

Power converters for Micronesia

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Micronesia, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my hair dryer in Micronesia?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in Micronesia. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own hair dryer, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]