Do I need a power converter for Guam?

What is a power converter?

A power converter will enable you to use a 220-240 volt electric device with a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet.

Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt appliance, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet found in Guam. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Guam?

When visiting Guam from another country please ensure your device will accept a 110 volt power supply.

• You need a step up power converter if you are travelling from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your device won't support 110 volts. Read our world power outlets guide to find out the voltage is used in your country.
• You shouldn't need a power converter if you are already using either a single voltage device that works with 110 volts or one that is dual voltage.
• Normally devices which originated from a country which use a higher voltage (such as 230 volts) and used in a 110 volt outlet may take longer to charge or simply won't power up. If your device does not power up or charges slowly when you are travelling to Guam from a different country check that it can be used with a 110 volt power supply otherwise you will need to use a step up power converter.
• You shouldn't need a converter if you need to power a smaller electrical device such as a cell phone as these are typically designed for international use and dual voltage, but you should always check the device for dual voltage support first.
• When powering high wattage appliances or generate heat (such as hair straighteners or curling irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
• Investing a robust lightweight dual voltage travel appliance will be more cost effective and practical than carrying a much heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance in Guam.
• Read our travel guides on how to use clothes irons, curling irons, hair dryers and flat irons in Guam , along with advice on affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [4] [5] [AD]

What kind of converter do I need for Guam?

You need to buy a step up power converter in order to use any 220-240 volt appliance in Guam. [4] [AD]

What is the difference between a transformer and a converter?

Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:

• Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
• Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
• Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
• Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
• Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
• Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
• Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.

What voltage is my appliance?

The best method to tell if your device is dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the supplied charger or on the unit itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord goes. This location might depend on the make or model of your unit but could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual.

• Single voltage devices might have a specific number - such as 240V.
• Single voltage devices could also have a small voltage range (around 20 volts) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
• Dual voltage devices will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.