How to use your hair straighteners in Taiwan

Taiwanese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Taiwan?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Taiwan:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter for Taiwan listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

Buy travel hair straighteners for Taiwan
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 110 volt Taiwanese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Taiwan, so check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Taiwan otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 110 volts used in Taiwan you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Taiwan read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Taiwan

Will my hair straighteners work in Taiwan?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 110 volt power outlets in Taiwan. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in Taiwan. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on can you use a power converter to use hair straighteners in Taiwan for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Taiwan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Taiwan?

The frequency from a Taiwanese power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Taiwan?

The voltage used in Taiwan is 110 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Taiwan?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Taiwan?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the plug socket by two thin adjacent slots.
  • Plug Type B - The plug socket, also called a type B power outlet, can be identified by two thin slots where the twin plug socket blades go with a semicircle shaped hole below for the long earthed pin.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 110 volt hair straighteners in Taiwan is a Type B power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Taiwan. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Taiwan

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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other straighteners will have a switch which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Taiwan then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Taiwanese power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 110 volts used in a Taiwanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Taiwan.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Taiwan or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Taiwan with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Taiwan in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Taiwan in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Taiwan 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Taiwan?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Taiwan as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Taiwanese power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Taiwan.

Be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Taiwan could be higher than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Taiwan

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Taiwan, but a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 110 volts from a Taiwanese power outlet to work with non-110 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter in Taiwan to use hair straighteners?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Taiwan. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is substantially bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage compared to travel hair straighteners. [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.    [11] [13] [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 Taiwan using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Taiwan with a three pin Type B power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 110 volts for use in Taiwan, please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Taiwan. This Type B plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Taiwan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two slots with a single hole below for the long earth pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Taiwanese power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Taiwan. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Taiwan using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Taiwan using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair straighteners in Taiwan with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 110 volts to use in Taiwan; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you are not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair straighteners can work with a 110 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Taiwan. This Type A plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Taiwan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. This plug outlet (sometimes known as the Type A power outlet [5]) can be identified by the two slots next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Taiwanese power outlet. Your straighteners can now be used in Taiwan. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Taiwan using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Taiwan
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 hair straighteners -
  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.
  13. 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.
  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..