How do I use a curling iron in The Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in The Dominican Republic:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for The Dominican Republic but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in The Dominican Republic, therefore please check that your power converter comes with the correct power adapter for The Dominican Republic otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in The Dominican Republic read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Dominican Republic

Will my curling iron work in The Dominican Republic?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 110 volts as used in The Dominican Republic. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 110 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in The Dominican Republic. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

The Dominican Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in The Dominican Republic?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Dominican Republic power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in The Dominican Republic?

Power outlets in The Dominican Republic are 110 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Dominican Republic?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Dominican Republic?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the power outlet by two thin slots adjacent to each other where the twin blades slide into.
  • Plug Type B - The plug socket, also called a type B power outlet, is recognised by the two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the long earthed pin.

A Type B plug adapter will allow you to use a 110 volt curling iron in The Dominican Republic, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in The Dominican Republic. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in The Dominican Republic then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Dominican Republic 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 110 volts used in a Dominican Republic power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Dominican Republic.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in The Dominican Republic or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Dominican Republic with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on luggage to The Dominican Republic?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline which is flying you to The Dominican Republic will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Dominican Republic?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to The Dominican Republic as it ensures that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Dominican Republic power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for The Dominican Republic.

Be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in The Dominican Republic. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in The Dominican Republic could overshadow the costs of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Dominican Republic

Do you need a converter in The Dominican Republic to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 110 volt power outlet used in The Dominican Republic. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring their existing curling iron, but it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Dominican Republic?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Dominican Republic?

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in The Dominican Republic. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Dominican Republic using a type B power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Dominican Republic by using a three prong Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting for use in The Dominican Republic - please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in The Dominican Republic isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in The Dominican Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the Dominican Republic power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades slide into with a semicircular shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dominican Republic power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in The Dominican Republic. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Dominican Republic using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Dominican Republic using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in The Dominican Republic with a Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting for use in The Dominican Republic, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Dominican Republic you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Dominican Republic by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter in the Dominican Republic power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type A power outlet [5], is identified by 2 slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dominican Republic power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in The Dominican Republic. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Dominican Republic using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about The Dominican Republic
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.