Which travel adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Guyana?

Guyanese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Guyana?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Guyana:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Guyanese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Guyana, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Guyana otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Guyana you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in Guyana check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Guyana

Will my hair straighteners work in Guyana?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Guyana. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the hair straighteners in Guyana. If not then you will need to consider buying either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on can you use a voltage converter to use domestic hair straighteners in Guyana for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Guyana power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Guyana?

Power outlets in Guyana are 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Guyana?

The frequency in a Guyanese power outlet is 60Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Guyana?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Guyana, types G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  • Plug Type B - This power outlet, technically called a type B power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short two plug socket blades slide into with a hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  • Plug Type D - This plug outlet (also known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - The wall socket, also called a type G power outlet, looks like 3 vertical holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Guyana is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Guyana using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in Guyana?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

The method to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Guyana then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Guyanese 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 220 volts used in a Guyanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Guyana.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Guyana or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Guyana with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Guyana?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Guyana as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Guyanese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Guyana.

Please be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Guyana. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Guyana might overshadow the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker 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 packed whilst hot without risk of burning.   [14] [15] [AD]

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Guyana?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on luggage to Guyana?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Guyana will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your 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 should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [14] [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Guyana

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 220 volt Guyanese power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Guyana. [11] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use hair straighteners in Guyana?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Guyana. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [11] [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.    [14] [15] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 Guyana using a type B power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Guyana with a Type B travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guyana you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Guyana by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guyanese power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use in Guyana. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guyana using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Guyana using a type D power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Guyana with a 3 pronged Type D power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Guyana - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Guyana doesn't take the plug shape of your hair straighteners. The Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Guyana simply 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it into the Guyanese power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes known as the Type D power outlet [5]) can be recognised by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guyanese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners to use in Guyana. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guyana using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Guyana using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Guyana with a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guyana you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Guyana by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as a Type G power outlet [7], looks like 3 vertical holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guyanese power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guyana using a type G power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Guyana using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. This guide assumes 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 you will still need to check that your hair straighteners can work with a 220 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guyana you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Guyana by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. The power supply, technically called the Type A power outlet [9], can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short twin plug outlet blades slide into.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guyanese power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners for use in Guyana. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Guyana using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Guyana
  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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  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 A power outlet
  10. 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..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. 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.
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..