Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a hair dryer in Malta?

Maltese power outlet

Will my hair dryer work in Malta?

First check your hair dryer can work in Malta:

  • If your hair dryer can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Malta, so please check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Malta otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Prior to using your hair dryer in Malta please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Malta

Will my hair dryer work in Malta?

It depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Malta:

Best travel hair dryers for Malta

What to look for in a travel blow dryer for Malta

Multiple speed options on a travel hair dryer

What to look for in a travel blow dryer for Malta

When choosing the best travel hair dryer for Malta look for a robust but light dual-voltage model which operates with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet power outlet, has a long cable, a folding handle and a safety plug. If drying thick hair look for a higher 1600+ watt motor and bundled diffuser.

What to look for when buying a travel hair dryer?

  1. The safest travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which minimises the risk of overloading leading to an electrical fire - models can be recognised by the two test and reset buttons found on the plug.
  2. Buying the cheapest hair dryer available is risky, as well as issues with safety there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a flimsy build.
  3. Thicker or curlier hair could need a blow dryer with a stronger motor, a higher wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster to prevent damage.
  4. To work with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet a hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
  5. Depending on your accommodation you might find a wall mirror positioned too far away from a convenient power outlet which could make it cumbersome to style hair, so when buying a hair dryer search for a model with the lengthiest power cord possible.
  6. The 'cool shot' feature can rapidly cool down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this option might be lacking in smaller dryers.
  7. It could be more convenient purchasing a new hair dryer that includes both a diffuser and concentrator instead of scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments which fit the unique barrel perfectly.
  8. Try looking for lighter travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, models with folding handles will mean more space for packing other items.
  9. The most suitable hair dryers will give control of the temperature and speed with different options - hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker hair whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures prevent damage to hair.
What is a good folding travel hair dryer with diffuser attachment for Malta?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

What is a good folding travel hair dryer with diffuser attachment for Malta?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but is missing cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a long 1.82 metre power cable for more flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for cleaning. It also uses a powerful 1875 watt motor including a cool shot option making it more suited for styling thicker hair.

Both ionic travel hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator attachments with strong enough motors to make them the best blow dryers for thick hair. They will require a cheap power adapter for Malta to work with a Maltese power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in carry-on luggage.  [6] [6] [7] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for Malta?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for Malta?

  • The Conair Compact Styler has a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and includes cool shot that can be used to rapidly cool hair down which gives it a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions resulting in faster and safer styling, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8m electric power cord and also comes with a concentrator.

Both models can fold, have an ALCI power plug which prevents overloading and has dual voltage making both perfect for travel to Malta in carry on luggage if used along with a power adapter for a Maltese power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is the best hair dryer for thick hair?

Thicker hair takes longer to dry and will be difficult to dry without the hair turning frizzy, the best option for this type of hair will be an ionic blow dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer are suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [6] [7] [AD]

What is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Malta?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium

What is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage for Malta?

  • If you want to dry fine or thin hair on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest mini ionic hair dryer available on the market.
  • The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to carry in a purse because of the 10.5 ounce body with folding handle and includes features reserved for larger blow dryers such as a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling which results in a shinier finish.

Both mini hair dryers have dual voltage and when used along with a suitable plug adapter for a Maltese power outlet they should work in Malta folding conveniently enough to be carried around all day for styling on the go. Both include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5m power cords and have a two speed motor.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best blow dryer to buy for Malta?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Malta Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Malta power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Malta?

Power outlets in Malta are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Maltese power outlet?

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

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Malta?

Type G power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Malta?

Type G power outlets are used in Malta. You can identify this plug socket by three vertical slots in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins. A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt hair dryer in Malta, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Malta. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [13] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the hair dryer. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair dryer and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryers will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Malta then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Maltese power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Maltese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Malta.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Malta or any other country.

How should I change the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of dial or switch which changes between 2 types of voltages however some hair dryers are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Malta.
  2. This dial or switch needs a small coin or screwdriver to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or a 220v-240v range.
  3. Also it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to rubbing off on some models.

How can you use a dual voltage hair dryer in Malta?

  1. Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer and it works with a 230 volt power outlet.
  2. If the dryer supports dual voltage please make sure it is switched to work in the 220-240 volt range. This is usually found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and may require a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug the hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Malta and also plug in the power adapter into the Maltese power outlet.
  4. It's common on most dual voltage hair dryers operating within the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low speed setting; but this temperature and speed should still be adequate for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer guidelines to see if this rule is relevant for your model of hair dryer to prevent overheating.
  5. Your hair dryer is now ready to operate with a Maltese power outlet.

Travelling to Malta with a hair dryer

Is a blow dryer allowed onboard a plane to Malta?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a blow dryer allowed onboard a plane to Malta?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Malta will allow a hair dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Malta?

Hotel hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Malta?

Depending on the individual hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the hotel room, either packed away in a bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose variety. In cheaper motels, hotels and hostels a communal hair dryer could be available at reception but might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer policy you could either check on the hotel web site or telephone the hotel in Malta to find out what is available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but normally basic models with no diffuser and notorious for slower air speeds and low heat. For those worried about hygiene should check for any grime from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Remember, if you are in doubt either call ahead to your hotel in Malta or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Is it safe to bring a domestic hair dryer to Malta?

Bringing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to Malta as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Maltese power outlet (provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Malta). A travel hair dryer will normally feature a collapsible handle and are much lighter, this will help in reducing the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in Malta. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic blow dryer in Malta could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Malta

Can I use a hair dryer with a power converter for Malta?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Malta. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet in Malta, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Maltese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [5] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Malta using a type G power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Malta with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Malta - please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Malta you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Malta simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type G plug adapter into the Maltese power outlet. The wall outlet (sometimes known as a Type G power outlet [3]) looks like three holes containing shutters forming a triangular configuration.
  4. After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maltese power outlet. Your hair dryer can now be used in Malta. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Malta using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Maltese page on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  7. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  8. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  9. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  10. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  11. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  15. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.