Using a curling iron in Guinea

Guinean power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Guinea:

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Guinea 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 Guinean power outlet, however this is substantially 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, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Guinea otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Guinea please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Guinea

Will my curling iron work in Guinea?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Guinea. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Guinea. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Guinean power outlet?

The frequency in a Guinean power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Guinea?

Power outlets in Guinea are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Guinea?

Type C, F and K power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Guinea?

There are three types of power outlets used in Guinea, these are type F, C and K with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet is recognised by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - This circular wall socket (also called the type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral along with two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 large holes in a triangle configuration for the live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Guinea - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Guinea with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Guinea then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Guinean 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 220 volts used in a Guinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Guinea.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Guinea or any other country.

Travelling to Guinea with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Guinea in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Guinea will allow a curling iron 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). 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 offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Guinea?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Guinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Guinea.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Guinea might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Guinea

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Guinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more 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. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Guinea to use a curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Guinea. 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]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [9] [AD]

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

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

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Guinea, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Guinea. The Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guinea using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Guinea with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Guinea, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Guinea doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The circular power supply can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go, plus two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Guinea. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guinea using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guinea using a type K power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Guinea using a two pronged Type K power charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Guinea, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Guinea doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type K plug adapter [8]. The Type K plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Guinea by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type K plug adapter into the wall outlet. The wall outlet (known as a Type K power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 large holes in an upside-down triangular configuration for the live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guinean power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guinea using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guinea country entry on Wikipedia
  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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  8. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.