Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Reunion?

Reunionese power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Reunion:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Reunion but 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 220 volt Reunionese power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Reunion, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Reunion otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Reunion please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Reunion

Will my curling iron work in Reunion?

It depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets in Reunion:

Reunion power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Reunion?

The frequency of the current used in a Reunionese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Reunion?

The standard voltage in Reunion is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Reunion?

Type E power outlet

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Reunion?

The type of power outlet used in Reunion is type E. This circular power outlet (technically called a CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by the two large adjacent holes where the twin pins go along with one long metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangular configuration. A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 220 volt curling iron in Reunion is a Type E power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Reunion. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Plug adapters for Reunion

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button 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 220 volts used in Reunion then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Reunionese 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 220 volts used in a Reunionese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Reunion.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Reunion or any other country.

Travelling to Reunion with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron to Reunion in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Reunion will allow a curling iron 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 by 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 use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should you bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Reunion?

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 220 volt power outlets used with a Reunionese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Reunion. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers in Reunion. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Reunion might be higher than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Reunion

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will transform a 220 volt Reunionese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Reunion. [5] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a voltage converter for Reunion?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Reunion. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron, but it could be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Reunion using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Reunion with a 2 pinned Type E power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Reunion, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Reunion. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Reunion by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Reunionese power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Reunion. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Reunion using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Reunion Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.