Which plug adapter do I need for using a curling iron in Palau?

Palauan power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Palau:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Palau however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 120 volt Palauan power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Palau, so please check that your power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Palau otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note - your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 120 volts used in Palau you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Palau read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Palau

Will my curling iron work in Palau?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 120 volt power outlets in Palau:

Palau power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Palau?

The standard residential voltage used in Palau is 120 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Palauan power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Palau?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Palau?

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

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall outlet (called the type A power outlet) can be identified by two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the ground pin.

A Type B power adapter will allow you to use a 120 volt curling iron in Palau, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Palau. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Palau then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Palauan 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 120 volts used in a Palauan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Palau.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Palau or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Palau with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Palau?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Palauan power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Palau. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Palau. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Palau could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot 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 right after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in hand luggage to Palau?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Palau will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Palau

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Palau?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in Palau. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Palau, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 120 volt Palauan power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Palau with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Palau you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Palau by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades slide into with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Palauan power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Palau. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Palau using a type B power adapter

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

A step by step guide showing you how to power a curling iron in Palau with a Type A power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting - please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. Check that you don't already own 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 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Palau you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Palau by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Palauan power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Palau. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Palau using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Palau
  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.