Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Martinique?

Martinican power outlet

Can I use my blowdryer in Martinique?

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

  • If your hair dryer can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Martinican power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Martinique, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Martinique otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 220 volts used in Martinique you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair dryer in Martinique check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Martinique

Will my hair dryer work in Martinique?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Martinique:

Best travel hair dryers for Martinique

How to choose the best travel hair dryer

Multiple speed options 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 a 220 volt Martinican power outlet power outlet with ALCI safety plug, folding handle and long cord. If drying thicker hair look for a dryer with a faster 1600+ watt dryer and included diffuser.

What should you look for when buying a blow dryer?

  1. In order to function with a 220 volt Martinican power outlet your travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
  2. 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.
  3. A modern blow dryer might include a cool shot button for quickly cooling down the hair after drying to hold a style but this option lacks in smaller or cheaper models.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. If you have thicker hair then you might require a travel blow dryer with a more powerful motor; a high wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby preventing damage.
  7. Hotel rooms could have a fixed mirror positioned away from a outlet making it cumbersome to dry hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer look for the lengthiest power cord possible or bring either a pocket mirror or extension cord.
  8. The best travel hair dryers give control of both temperature and speed settings with high and low options - a slower speed with a lower temperature will prevent damage to hair whereas a faster hotter speed will dry hair quicker.
  9. Rather than scouring shops to look for more expensive third party attachments it might be more convenient to purchase a new hair dryer which is supplied with both a concentrator and a diffuser.
Which is the best folding travel ionic hair dryer with a diffuser for Martinique?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

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

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

Each ionic travel hair dryer includes both concentrator and diffuser with strong enough motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. Both require a plug adapter for Martinique to fit into a Martinican power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in a carry-on bag.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best mini ionic dual voltage travel hair dryer for Martinique?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator and folding handle

Which is the best mini ionic dual voltage travel hair dryer for Martinique?

  • If you want to dry fine and thin hair on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic hair dryer available to buy.
  • For a folding blow dryer which is small enough to transport in a handbag then a 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage this dryer manages to include features which are normally reserved for bulkier models.

Both mini hair dryers are dual voltage and when used in combination with the right plug adapter for a Martinican power outlet they should work in Martinique and fold conveniently enough to be carried for styling on the go. Both are twin speed, have a 1.5m electric power cable and include a concentrator attachment.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Which is a good hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and might be hard to do so without your hair turning frizzy. The best option for thicker hair will be an ionic blow dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are able to manage and dry hair smoothly. Either 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.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for Martinique?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for Martinique?

  • 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 long lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline air outlet meaning safer drying, 2 heat options, a longer 1.8m electric power cable and also comes with a concentrator attachment.

Both models fold, have an ALCI plug to prevent power overloads and support dual voltage making both perfect for visiting Martinique in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Martinican power outlet.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best blow dryer for Martinique?

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 Martinique 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.

Martinique power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Martinique?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Martinican power outlet is 50Hz. [16]

What voltage is used in Martinique?

The voltage in Martinique is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Martinique?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Martinique?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Martinique, types D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type D - The plug socket (technically known as a type D power outlet) looks like three round holes forming a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.

A Type D power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt hair dryer in Martinique, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Martinique. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

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 base, handle or plug of your hair dryer. This location might depend on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Martinique then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Martinican 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 a Martinican power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in Martinique.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Martinique or any other country.

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 types of voltages although some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Martinique.
  2. The dial or switch needs a screwdriver or coin to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
  3. Also, it's worth making a note of the two switch positions because the painted numbers can occasionally rub off on certain models.

How can I use my dual voltage hair dryer in Martinique?

  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 base or handle of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Martinique, also plug in the power adapter into the Martinican power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryer models operating in the 220-240V range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting; however the speed and temperature should be adequate for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers guidelines to see if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. The dryer is now ready to operate in Martinique.

Travelling to Martinique with a hair dryer

Can you bring a blow dryer in your carry on luggage?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can you bring a blow dryer in your carry on luggage?

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 recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Martinique will allow hair dryers 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Martinique?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair dryer to Martinique as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Martinican power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for Martinique). 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 luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Martinique. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality blow dryer in Martinique could be more than buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip .  [19] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in Martinique have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Martinique have hair dryers?

Depending on the hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the room, either packed away in the bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could potentially be a slower air hose type. If staying in budget hostels, motels and hotels a shared hair dryer could be available at the reception but that could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either look on the booking web site or call ahead to your hotel in Martinique to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models with no diffuser, notorious for providing slower air speeds and low heat. Those worried about hygiene should remove grime from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

For travellers who are uncertain that a suitable and sanitary hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer.  [2] [AD]

Power converters for Martinique

Do I need a power converter for Martinique to use my hair dryer?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Martinique. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair dryer, but it can 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 power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel hair dryer. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Martinique, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Martinican power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [9] [AD]

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

How to use your hair dryer in Martinique by using a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  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 blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. 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 on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Martinique you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Martinique simply 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. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your hair dryer to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Martinique using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Martinique using a type D power adapter

A guide showing you how to power your hair dryer in Martinique with a three prong Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Martinique won't take the plug of your hair dryer. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Martinique 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 D plug adapter and inserting it into the Martinican power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. The hair dryer can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Martinique using a type D power adapter

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

How to use your hair dryer in Martinique with a 2 pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Some blow dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Martinique; consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Martinique. This Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Martinique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. This round wall supply can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and one metal earth pin protruding the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet. You can now switch on your hair dryer to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Martinique using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Martinican Wikipedia page
  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 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 E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. 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..
  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. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. 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..
  15. 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..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  19. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.