Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Paraguay?

Paraguayan power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Paraguay:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Paraguay however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Paraguayan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Paraguay, so check that the voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Paraguay otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Paraguay you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your curling iron in Paraguay please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Paraguay

Will my curling iron work in Paraguay?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts used in Paraguay:

Paraguay power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Paraguay?

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

What voltage is used in Paraguay?

The common residential voltage used in Paraguay is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Paraguay?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Paraguay?

Type C power outlets are used in Paraguay. The plug socket, also called a Europlug, is identified by 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go. A Type C plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Paraguay, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Paraguay. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Paraguay with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on luggage to Paraguay?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline which is flying you to Paraguay will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons 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 transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Paraguay?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Paraguayan power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Paraguay. It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Paraguay might be more than buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Paraguay

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt Paraguayan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Paraguay. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter for Paraguay to use your curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Paraguay. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic curling iron, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Paraguay using a Type C power charger.

  1. 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 don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Paraguay; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Paraguay you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Paraguay by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Paraguayan power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Paraguay. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Paraguay using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Paraguay Wikipedia web page
  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. 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.