Using a curling iron in Haiti

Haitian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Haiti:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Haiti 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 Haitian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Haiti, so check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Haiti otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Haiti check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Haiti

Will my curling iron work in Haiti?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 110 volts used in Haiti:

Haiti power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Haiti?

The common voltage used in Haiti is 110 volts.

What frequency is used in Haiti?

The frequency used in a Haitian power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Haiti?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Haiti?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Haiti, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The plug outlet (technically called the type A power outlet) is recognised by two slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 thin slots next to each other with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long ground pin.

A suitable plug adapter to bring for using a 110 volt curling iron in Haiti is a Type B plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Haiti. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Haiti with a curling iron

Should I bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Haiti?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Haiti as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Haitian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Haiti.

Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Haiti might overshadow the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own 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 heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my carry on luggage to Haiti?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Haiti 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Haiti

Do you need a voltage converter for Haiti to use your curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 110 volt power outlet used in Haiti. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own curling iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Haiti, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 110 volts from a Haitian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Haiti using a type B power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Haiti with a 3 prong Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Haiti you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Haiti simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet blades go with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earth pin.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Haitian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Haiti. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Haiti using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Haiti using a type A power adapter

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Haiti using a 2 blade Type A power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. Please check that you're not already using 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 outlet). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Haiti. This Type A plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Haiti by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter in the Haitian power outlet. This wall outlet (technically known as a Type A power outlet [5]) is recognised by two slots.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Haitian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron in Haiti. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Haiti using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Haiti
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.