Which travel adapter do I need for using a curling iron in Guyana?

Guyanese power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Guyana:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Guyana however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Guyanese power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Guyana, therefore please check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Guyana otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Guyana please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Guyana

Will my curling iron work in Guyana?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts as used in Guyana:

Guyana power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Guyana?

Power outlets in Guyana are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Guyanese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Guyanese power outlet is 60Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Guyana?

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

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet (technically known as the type A power outlet) can be identified by the two thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the power outlet by two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a semicircular shaped hole below for the grounded pin.
  • Plug Type D - The power outlet (technically known as a type D power outlet) can be identified by three circular holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type G - This wall outlet (also called a type G power outlet) can be recognised by the 3 holes in a triangle pattern.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Guyana is a Type G power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Guyana. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Guyana?
Plug adapters for Guyana

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Guyana with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Guyana?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Guyana as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Guyanese power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Guyana. It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Guyana. The costs of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Guyana might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [14] [AD]

Can you pack a curling iron in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Guyana will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Guyana

Can you use a curling iron with a power converter in Guyana?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Guyana. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also substantially heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel curling iron. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Guyana, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Guyanese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

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

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your curling iron in Guyana using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Guyana; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guyana you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Guyana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly insert the Type B plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two thin slots where the twin plug outlet blades go with a semicircle shaped hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guyanese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Guyana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Guyana with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Guyana. The Type D plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Guyana by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter in the Guyanese power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guyanese power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in Guyana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type G power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your curling iron in Guyana by using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Guyana; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Guyana you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Guyana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly insert the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes known as the Type G power outlet [7]) can be identified by three vertical slots with plastic shutters in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guyanese power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Guyana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type G power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Guyana with a Type A power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Guyana; please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. Please 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 still check that your curling iron can work with a 220 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guyana you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [10]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Guyana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (technically known as a Type A power outlet [9]) can be recognised by the two slots.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guyanese power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Guyana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guyana using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guyana Wikipedia page
  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 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.