How do I use my curling iron in Guam?

Guamanian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Guam:

  • If your curling iron can run on 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Guam however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier 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 wall outlet used in Guam, therefore please check that the power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Guam otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts used in Guam you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Guam check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Guam

Will my curling iron work in Guam?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 110 volts as used in Guam. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 110 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the curling iron in Guam. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use a domestic curling iron in Guam for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Guam power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Guam?

The typical residential voltage in Guam is 110 volts.

What frequency is used in a Guamanian power outlet?

The frequency in a Guamanian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Guam?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Guam?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Guam, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power socket (known as the type A power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - This power outlet (also known as a type B power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short twin plug socket blades slide into with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.

A suitable power adapter to bring for using a 110 volt curling iron in Guam is a Type B plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Guam. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

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

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Guam then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Guamanian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 110 volts used in a Guamanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Guam.
  • 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 Guam or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Guam with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Guam?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Guamanian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Guam. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Guam might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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.  [10] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline that is flying you to Guam will allow curling irons 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 avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons 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.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Guam

Do I need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Guam?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 110 volt power outlet used in Guam. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be noticeably smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 110 volts from a Guamanian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Guam. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Guam using a type B power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Guam with a Type B travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 110 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Guam won't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. The Type B plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Guam by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The power outlet (technically called the Type B power outlet [3]) is identified by the two slots next to each other with a semicircle hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guamanian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Guam. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guam using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Guam using a type A power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Guam using a three bladed Type A power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 110 volts, please consult the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your curling iron can work with a 110 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Guam. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Guam simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guamanian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Guam using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Guam
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.