Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau?

Bissau-Guinean power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Guinea-Bissau:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Guinea-Bissau but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Bissau-Guinean power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Guinea-Bissau, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Guinea-Bissau otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Guinea-Bissau you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Guinea-Bissau check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau

Will my curling iron work in Guinea-Bissau?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Guinea-Bissau:

Guinea-Bissau power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Guinea-Bissau?

The standard voltage in Guinea-Bissau is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Bissau-Guinean power outlet?

The frequency used in a Bissau-Guinean power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau?

Type C power outlets are used in Guinea-Bissau. This ungrounded plug outlet, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral. A Type C power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Guinea-Bissau - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Guinea-Bissau then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Bissau-Guinean power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Bissau-Guinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Guinea-Bissau.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Guinea-Bissau or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Guinea-Bissau with a curling iron

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Guinea-Bissau?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Guinea-Bissau as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Bissau-Guinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Guinea-Bissau.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Guinea-Bissau. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Guinea-Bissau could outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Guinea-Bissau?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Guinea-Bissau will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Guinea-Bissau

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Guinea-Bissau?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Guinea-Bissau?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Guinea-Bissau, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 220 volt Bissau-Guinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Guinea-Bissau to use a curling iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers who wish to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau using a two pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Guinea-Bissau you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Guinea-Bissau simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bissau-Guinean power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Guinea-Bissau. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guinea-Bissau using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Guinea-Bissau
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.