Which plug adapter will I need when using a curling iron in Suriname?

Surinamese power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Suriname:

  • If your curling iron can run on 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Suriname however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 127 volt Surinamese power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Suriname, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Suriname otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Suriname please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Suriname

Will my curling iron work in Suriname?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets used in Suriname:

Suriname power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Suriname?

Power outlets in Suriname are 127 volts.

What frequency is used in a Surinamese power outlet?

The frequency from a Surinamese power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Suriname?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Suriname?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Suriname, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet, technically known as a Europlug, can be identified by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall socket by two large round adjacent holes, plus two thin grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 127 volt curling iron in Suriname is a Type F plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Suriname with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [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 will support a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Suriname then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Surinamese power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 127 volts used in a Surinamese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Suriname.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Suriname or any other country.

Travelling to Suriname with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Suriname?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Surinamese power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Suriname.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Suriname could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a boot or sneaker 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in hand 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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Suriname will allow curling irons 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Suriname

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Suriname?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 127 volt power outlet used in Suriname. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, but it could be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 127 volts from a Surinamese power outlet to work with a non-127 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Suriname. [7] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing how to use a curling iron in Suriname with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting, consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Suriname you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter helps convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Suriname simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Surinamese power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Surinamese power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron for use in Suriname. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Suriname using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Suriname using a type F power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Suriname using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Suriname isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Suriname simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral along with a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Surinamese power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Suriname using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Surinamese 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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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.