Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using hair straighteners in Bangladesh?

Bangladeshi power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Bangladesh?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Bangladesh:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Bangladeshi power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Bangladesh, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Bangladesh otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Bangladesh you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Bangladesh please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Bangladesh

Will my hair straighteners work in Bangladesh?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts which are used in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Bangladesh?

Power outlets in Bangladesh are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Bangladeshi power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Bangladeshi power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Bangladesh?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Bangladesh, types G, C, D and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type D - This plug socket (technically known as a type D power outlet) looks like three circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type G - The wall outlet, technically known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type K - The plug outlet (technically called a type K power outlet) looks like three holes in a triangular configuration and the bottom hole being in a semicircular shape.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Bangladesh is a Type G power adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Bangladesh with a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Bangladesh?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

One method to tell if your hair straighteners will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the hair straighteners. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Bangladesh then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Bangladeshi 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 Bangladeshi power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Bangladesh.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Bangladesh or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Bangladesh with hair straighteners

Should I bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Bangladesh?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Bangladesh as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Bangladeshi power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Bangladesh. It is also worth bearing in mind that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Bangladesh. The cost of replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Bangladesh could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a sneaker or boot 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [14] [15] [AD]

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Bangladesh will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [14] [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Bangladesh

Can I use hair straighteners with a power converter for Bangladesh?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Bangladesh. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it might be considerably less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Bangladesh?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Bangladesh?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Bangladesh, however a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Bangladeshi power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [11] [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.    [14] [15] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 Bangladesh using a type C power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Bangladesh with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Bangladesh. The plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet in Bangladesh by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The plug supply is recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type D power adapter

A guide on how to power your hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a 3 pin Type D power charger.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Bangladesh doesn't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Bangladesh by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type D plug adapter into the Bangladeshi power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type D power outlet [5]) looks like three holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type G power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Bangladesh with a 3 prong Type G travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Bangladesh, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Bangladesh isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Bangladesh simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type K power adapter

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Bangladesh by using a Type K power adapter.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Bangladesh; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Bangladesh. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Bangladesh by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type K plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 3 large holes forming an upside-down triangle shape for the live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners in Bangladesh. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Bangladesh using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bangladeshi Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..