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

Tuvaluan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Tuvalu?

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

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page 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 will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Tuvaluan power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Tuvalu, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Tuvalu otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in Tuvalu check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Tuvalu

Will my hair straighteners work in Tuvalu?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Tuvalu. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Tuvalu. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Tuvalu power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Tuvalu?

The typical residential voltage in Tuvalu is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Tuvalu?

The frequency of the current from a Tuvaluan power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

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

The type of power outlet used in Tuvalu is type I. This plug outlet, technically called a type G power outlet, looks like 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern. A Type I plug adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Tuvalu - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Tuvalu using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Single voltage hair straighteners

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

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

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

Travelling to Tuvalu with hair straighteners

Should you bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Tuvalu?

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

Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Tuvalu. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Tuvalu might overshadow the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, or 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 transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can I bring hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I bring hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Tuvalu will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tuvalu

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Tuvalu. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be considerably less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing. [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 lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Tuvalu, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 220 volt Tuvaluan power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [5] [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.    [8] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Tuvalu using a type I power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Tuvalu using a Type I travel charger.

  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 proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, please refer to the user guide for more information on where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type I plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Tuvalu. The Type I plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Tuvalu by changing the shape of the plug, however 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 I plug adapter and plugging it in the Tuvaluan power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three slots forming an upside-down triangular shape with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tuvaluan power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Tuvalu. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Tuvalu using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about Tuvalu
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..