Which plug adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in Suriname?

Surinamese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Suriname?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Suriname:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 127 volt Surinamese power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Suriname, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Suriname otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 127 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Suriname read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Suriname

Will my hair straighteners work in Suriname?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 127 volts used in Suriname. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 127 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use your hair straighteners in Suriname. If not then you will need to consider using either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on can you use a power converter with domestic hair straighteners in Suriname for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Suriname power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Suriname?

Power outlets in Suriname are 127 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Suriname?

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

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Suriname?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Suriname?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Suriname, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed round plug outlet, also known as a Schuko plug, can be identified by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins slide into, plus thin grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use 127 volt hair straighteners in Suriname; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Suriname. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other straighteners will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Suriname then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Surinamese 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 127 volts used in a Surinamese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Suriname.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Suriname or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Suriname with hair straighteners

Should you bring your travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Suriname?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Surinamese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Suriname.

Note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Suriname. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Suriname could outweigh the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, or use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Suriname?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Suriname?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Suriname will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners 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 transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Suriname

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Suriname, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 127 volts from a Surinamese power outlet to work with non-127 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Suriname to use your hair straighteners?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Suriname. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their existing hair straighteners, however it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [16] [18] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Suriname using a type C power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Suriname with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Suriname doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Suriname simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Surinamese power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Surinamese power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Suriname using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Suriname using a type F power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Suriname with a Type F travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 127 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Suriname; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Suriname isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Suriname by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Surinamese power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Surinamese power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Suriname using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Suriname entry on wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. 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. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..