Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use a curling iron in French Guiana?

French Guianese power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in French Guiana:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for French Guiana but 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 French Guianese power outlet, however this is noticeably 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 types of power outlet used in French Guiana, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for French Guiana otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in French Guiana you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in French Guiana check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in French Guiana

Will my curling iron work in French Guiana?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in French Guiana:

French Guiana power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a French Guianese power outlet?

The frequency used in a French Guianese power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in French Guiana?

The standard voltage in French Guiana is 220 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in French Guiana?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in French Guiana?

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

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - This power socket (known as a type D power outlet) looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed round plug outlet can be recognised by two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral plus a metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle pattern.

A Type D power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in French Guiana; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in French Guiana with a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in French Guiana then you should be able to use your curling iron with a French Guianese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a French Guianese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in French Guiana.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in French Guiana or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to French Guiana with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron to French Guiana?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to French Guiana 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 and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables 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 provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to French Guiana?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to French Guiana as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a French Guianese power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for French Guiana.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in French Guiana. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in French Guiana could outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for French Guiana

Do I need a voltage converter for French Guiana to use a curling iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in French Guiana. Travellers who wish to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in French Guiana, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 220 volt French Guianese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in French Guiana using a type C power adapter

How to power your curling iron in French Guiana with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in French Guiana, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in French Guiana. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in French Guiana by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the French Guianese power outlet. The power supply is identified by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the French Guianese power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in French Guiana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Guiana using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use your curling iron in French Guiana with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in French Guiana - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in French Guiana isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type D plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in French Guiana by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. The power supply (sometimes called the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the French Guianese power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Guiana using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in French Guiana using a type E power adapter

How to power your curling iron in French Guiana with a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in French Guiana you will need to use a Type E plug adapter [8]. This Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in French Guiana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. The circular power supply, sometimes called the Type E power outlet [7] or CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the French Guianese power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in French Guiana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in French Guiana using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - French Guianese country page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  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.