French Guiana power converters - Do I need a power converter for French Guiana?

What is a power converter?

A power converter for French Guiana allows travellers to use a 100-120 volt electric device with a 220 volt French Guianese power outlet.

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

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a French Guianese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt device, however a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your appliance to slot into a power outlet in French Guiana. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for French Guiana?

If visiting French Guiana from another country please ensure that the device can be charged using a 220 volt power supply.

  • You will need a step down power converter if you are visiting French Guiana from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your device isn't compatible with 220 volts. See the world power outlets guide to discover which voltage your country uses.
  • You won't need a power converter if you already use either a 220 volt appliance or one that supports dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices which are designed for a lower voltage such as 110 volts and then used in a 220 volt power outlet run the risk of damage to your device, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse.
  • You won't need a converter if you need to charge a smaller electrical device such as a cell phone as these are typically support dual voltage and designed for international use, however you should always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • For supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (for example curling irons or hair straighteners) then you will need to use a more expensive higher wattage heavy duty power converter which allows it to be used with a 220 volt French Guianese power outlet.
  • Purchasing a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance should be more practical and cost effective than trying to bring a heavier power converter just to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • Read our guides on using clothes irons, curling wands, hair dryers and hair straighteners with French Guianese power outlets which includes guides on affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

What converter do I need for French Guiana?

In order to use any 100-120 volt appliance in French Guiana you will need to buy a step down power converter[3] [AD]

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

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.

How to convert 220 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 220 volt French Guianese power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for French Guiana before plugging that into a French Guianese power outlet.
  3. Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 220 volt French Guianese power outlet. [3] [AD]

What voltage is used in French Guiana?

French Guiana uses 220 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
How can you tell if you have a dual voltage appliance?

Single voltage hair dryer

How can you tell if you have a dual voltage appliance?

The best method to see if a appliance is single or dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the existing charger, or on the appliance itself, normally on the rear of the device or near to where the power cord goes. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your unit but could also state in the instruction manual.

  • Single voltage devices could have a specific number - such as 220V.
  • Single voltage devices could also say 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 110/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about French Guiana.
  2. iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. 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..
  4. Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..