Which plug adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in Aruba?

Aruban power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Aruba?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Aruba:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use the right power adapter for Aruba listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 127 volt Aruban power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Aruba, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Aruba otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 127 volts used in Aruba you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Aruba check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Aruba

Will my hair straighteners work in Aruba?

This depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets used in Aruba. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 127 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Aruba. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read our guide on will a power converter work with your hair straighteners in Aruba for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Aruba power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in an Aruban power outlet?

The frequency from an Aruban power outlet is 60Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Aruba?

Power outlets in Aruba are 127 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Aruba?

Type A, B and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Aruba?

There are three types of power outlets used in Aruba, types F, A and B with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this power socket by two slots next to each other with a hole below for the grounded pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large holes 19 mm next to each other along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using 127 volt hair straighteners in Aruba is a Type F power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Aruba. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other straighteners will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Aruba then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Aruban power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 127 volts used in an Aruban power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Aruba.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Aruba or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Aruba with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Aruba will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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 power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables 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 most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Aruba?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 127 volt power outlets used with an Aruban power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Aruba. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Aruba could outweigh the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [13] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Aruba

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in Aruba?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Aruba. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own domestic hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 127 volt Aruban power outlet to work with non-127 volt hair straighteners, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Aruba. [9] [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.    [13] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [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.
  [18] [20] [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 Aruba using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Aruba using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 127 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Aruba you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Aruba simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type B plug adapter into the Aruban power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by two slots next to each other with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Aruban power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Aruba. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Aruba using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Aruba using a type F power adapter

A guide on how to use your hair straighteners in Aruba with a two pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some hair straighteners might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Aruba you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Aruba by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. This recessed round wall outlet (sometimes known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit and a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Aruban power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Aruba. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Aruba using a type F power adapter

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

How to power hair straighteners in Aruba using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. Please check that you don't already own 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 127 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Aruba you will need to use a Type A plug adapter [8]. This Type A plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Aruba by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [7]) is identified by two slots adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Aruban power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Aruba. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Aruba using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Aruba
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..