Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in East Timor?

East Timor power outlet

Can I use my blowdryer in East Timor?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in East Timor:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with an 220 volt East Timor power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the wall outlet used in East Timor, so please check that your power converter has the right power adapter for East Timor otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [8] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair dryer or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in East Timor please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in East Timor

Will my hair dryer work in East Timor?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in East Timor. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in East Timor. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair dryer for help deciding which option is more suitable. [8] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for East Timor

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

A dual voltage switch on a travel hair dryer

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

When looking for the best travel hair dryer choose a sturdy but light dual-voltage dryer that works with an 220 volt East Timor power outlet power outlet with an ALCI safety plug, a long power cable and folding handle. For drying thick hair look for one which includes a bundled diffuser that uses a higher 1600+ watt dryer.

What should you look for when buying a blow dryer?

  1. Rather than scouring shops to look for more expensive third party attachments it might be cheaper to buy a new hair dryer which is supplied with both a concentrator and diffuser.
  2. Hotel rooms could have a fixed mirror positioned away from a convenient outlet making it cumbersome to dry hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer find the lengthiest power cord possible.
  3. The best travel hair dryers give control of both temperature and speed settings with high and low options - slower speeds with lower temperatures prevent damage to hair whereas a faster hotter speed will dry hair quicker.
  4. Thicker hair could require a travel blow dryer with a more powerful motor, a high wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair faster to prevent damage.
  5. Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which minimises the danger of overloading the motor that could lead to an electrical fire; these are identified with the 2 test and reset buttons.
  6. Try to look for a lightweight travel dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models with a folding handle will mean more room to pack other items.
  7. You shouldn't risk getting the cheapest dryer - as well as issues with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could fail during travelling abroad due to cheaper parts.
  8. A modern hair dryer might include a cool shot button for quickly cooling down the hair after drying to hold a style but this option lacks in cheaper models.
  9. In order to function with an 220 volt East Timor power outlet your travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for East Timor?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for East Timor?

  • With a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes cool shot that can will quickly cool hair down which gives it a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet meaning safer drying, 2 heat options, a longer 1.8m electric power cable and also comes with a concentrator.

Both models fold, have an ALCI power plug which prevents power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for visiting East Timor in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for an East Timor power outlet.  [9] [9] [10] [AD]

Which is a good hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and could be difficult to do so without your hair turning frizzy. The best option for thicker hair is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are able to manage and dry hair smoothly. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer are recommended because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [11] [12] [AD]

Which is the best mini ionic travel hair dryer for East Timor?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator

Which is the best mini ionic travel hair dryer for East Timor?

  • If you want to dry fine and thin hair whilst on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic hair dryer available on the market.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to transport in a purse due to it's 10.5 ounce body with folding handle that also has options reserved for larger dryers including a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling resulting in a glossy finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used along with a suitable power adapter for an East Timor power outlet they will work in East Timor folding conveniently enough to be carried for drying on the go. They include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5m electric power cables and a twin speed motor.  [13] [13] [14] [AD]

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for East Timor?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for East Timor?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre electric power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however is missing cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82 metre power cord for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean easily. It utilises a powerful 1875 watt motor including a cool shot option making it perfect for drying thicker hair.

Each ionic hair dryer features a concentrator and diffuser with powerful enough motors to make them the best travel blow dryers for thick hair. Each dryer is light and folds up to fit into carry-on baggage, only requiring a power adapter for East Timor to work with an East Timor power outlet.  [11] [12] [12] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best blow dryer for East Timor?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in East Timor Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

East Timor power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in East Timor?

The voltage in East Timor is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in East Timor?

The frequency of the alternating current found in an East Timor power outlet is 50 Hz. [15]

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in East Timor?

There are four types of power outlets used in East Timor, these are type E, C, F and I with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the plug socket by two adjacent holes next to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the plug socket by the two adjacent holes next to each other and metal grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type I - The plug socket (called a type I power outlet) can be identified by three slots in an upside-down triangle configuration with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth blades.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 220 volt hair dryer in East Timor is a Type E power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for East Timor. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [16] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in East Timor?

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I use my dual voltage hair dryer in East Timor?

  1. Ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and it operates with a 220 volt power outlet.
  2. If your hair dryer supports dual voltage please ensure it is set to the 220-240 volt range. This is normally found on the handle or base of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the power adapter for East Timor and also plug in the power adapter into the East Timor power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryers operating within the 220-240v range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting; however this temperature should be adequate for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers instructions to find out if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to avoid overheating.
  5. Your dryer is now ready to operate in East Timor.

How can you change the voltage on a travel hair dryer?

  1. Most models of dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which changes between two sets of voltages although some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in East Timor.
  2. This dial or switch needs a coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. Also it is worth making a note of the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers are prone to rubbing off on some models.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

The way to tell if your hair dryer will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your hair dryer. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 220 volts used in East Timor then you should be able to use your hair dryer with an East Timor power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in an East Timor power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in East Timor.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in East Timor or any other country.

Travelling to East Timor with a hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in East Timor have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in East Timor have hair dryers?

Depending on the hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the hotel room, either packed away in the bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could be a slower air hose type. When staying in cheaper hotels, motels and hostels a shared hair dryer could be available at the reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either call ahead to your hotel in East Timor or check on the booking web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but are typically basic models with no diffuser, notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. Those worried about hygiene should remove the burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

For guests who don't want to take a chance that a suitable or germ-free hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer or telephone the hotel in East Timor to check first.  [2] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to East Timor?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to packing your existing domestic blow dryer to East Timor as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an East Timor power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for East Timor). Some models of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer.

Please note that packing an expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in East Timor. The costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised blow dryer in East Timor could overshadow the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [17] [AD]

Can blow dryers go in your carry on hand luggage to East Timor?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can blow dryers go in your carry on hand luggage to East Timor?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered blow dryer 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 taking you to East Timor will allow a hair dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [17] [18] [19] [AD]

Power converters for East Timor

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in East Timor, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert a 220 volt East Timor power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [8] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use your hair dryer in East Timor?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in East Timor. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair dryer can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing. [8] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type C power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your hair dryer in East Timor with a two pin Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in East Timor won't take the plug of your hair dryer. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in East Timor simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the East Timor power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the East Timor power outlet. The hair dryer can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in East Timor with a two prong Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in East Timor, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in East Timor you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes plus a single long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in the hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the East Timor power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type E power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in East Timor with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in East Timor you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in East Timor simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the East Timor power outlet. The recessed circular power supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the East Timor power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in East Timor using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - East Timor entry on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  10. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  11. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  12. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  13. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  14. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  15. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  16. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  17. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  18. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  19. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.