How do I use a clothes iron in Macau?

Macanese power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Macau:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Macau however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Macanese power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Macau, so check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Macau otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Macau you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Macau check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Macau

Will my clothes iron work in Macau?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets in Macau. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in Macau. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic clothes iron in Macau for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Macau power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Macau?

The normal voltage in Macau is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Macanese power outlet?

The frequency from a Macanese power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

Which travel adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Macau?

There are four types of power outlets used in Macau, these are type G, D, F and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can identify this plug socket by three round holes in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this power socket by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket, technically called a type G power outlet, looks like three holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type M - You can identify this plug socket by 3 large circular holes in a triangle shape.

A Type G power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Macau; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Macau. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Macau?

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Macau with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Macau will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Macau

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Macau, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Macanese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [11] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron in Macau?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Macau. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type D power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Macau with a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Macau; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Macau you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Macau by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type D plug adapter in the Macanese power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Macau. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type F power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your clothes iron in Macau by using a two pin Type F power charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Macau. This Type F plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Macau simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the Macanese power outlet. The sunken round wall outlet, sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko plug, can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Macanese power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Macau. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type G power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your clothes iron in Macau by using a 3 pin Type G power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Macau - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet which is used in Macau isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. This Type G plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Macau simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by three vertical slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Macanese power outlet. Your clothes iron is now ready for use in Macau. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type M power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Macau with a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type M plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Macau. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Macau by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type M plug adapter in the Macanese power outlet. The wall supply, technically known as a Type M power outlet [9], can be identified by 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Macau. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macau using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Macau country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  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 G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  10. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.