Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Samoa?

Samoan power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Samoa:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Samoa but 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 230 volt Samoan power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Samoa, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Samoa otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Samoa you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Samoa please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Samoa

Will my curling iron work in Samoa?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Samoa:

Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Samoa?

The typical residential voltage in Samoa is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Samoa?

The frequency in a Samoan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Samoa?

The type of power outlet used in Samoa is type I. This power socket (known as a type I power outlet) can be recognised by 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and earth. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Samoa is a Type I plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Samoa. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Samoa?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Samoa then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Samoan 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 230 volts used in a Samoan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Samoa.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Samoa or any other country.

Travelling to Samoa with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Samoa?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Samoan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Samoa. Be aware that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Samoa might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Samoa will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Samoa

Do I need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Samoa?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Samoa. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Samoa, but a heavy and bulkier power converter will convert a 230 volt Samoan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Samoa using a type I power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Samoa with a 3 pronged Type I power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Samoa isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4]. The Type I plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Samoa by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type I plug adapter and inserting it in the Samoan power outlet. This power supply (sometimes called the Type I power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Samoan power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Samoa. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Samoa using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Samoa
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.