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

Cuban power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Cuba:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Cuba 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 110 volt Cuban power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier 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 Cuba, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Cuba otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 110 volts used in Cuba you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Cuba check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cuba

Will my curling iron work in Cuba?

It depends on if your curling iron can handle the 110 volts as used in Cuba. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the curling iron in Cuba. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Cuba power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Cuba?

The standard voltage in Cuba is 110 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Cuba?

The frequency of the current used in a Cuban power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Cuba?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Cuba?

There are three types of power outlets used in Cuba, types C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this wall socket by the two thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this wall socket by two slots next to each other where the twin blades go with a single semicircle hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet, technically called a Europlug, can be identified by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.

A Type C plug adapter is suitable for powering a 110 volt curling iron in Cuba - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Cuba. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

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. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Cuba then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Cuban 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 Cuban power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Cuba.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Cuba or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cuba with a curling iron

Is it better to bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Cuba?

Bringing 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 110 volt power outlets used with a Cuban power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Cuba.

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 involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Cuba could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. 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 damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Cuba will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons 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 your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Cuba

Can I use my curling iron with a power converter for Cuba?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Cuba. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring along their own curling iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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?

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 110 volt Cuban power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Cuba. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Cuba with a three prong Type B power charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts for use in Cuba - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Cuba you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Cuba simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earth pin.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cuban power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Cuba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cuba using a type B power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Cuba by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting to use in Cuba; please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Cuba. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Cuba by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the Cuban power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (sometimes known as a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cuban power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Cuba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cuba using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Cuba with a three prong Type A power charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 110 volts to use in Cuba - please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron will work with a 110 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet used in Cuba won't accomodate the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Cuba by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the Cuban power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cuban power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is ready for use in Cuba. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cuba using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cuban Wikipedia page
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.