Which power adapter will I need when using a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic power outlet

Will my blow dryer work in The Dominican Republic?

Check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in The Dominican Republic:

  • If your hair dryer can run on 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of power outlet used in The Dominican Republic, so check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for The Dominican Republic otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your existing hair dryer might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 110 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair dryer in The Dominican Republic check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic

Will my hair dryer work in The Dominican Republic?

This depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 110 volt power outlets in The Dominican Republic. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to operate using 110 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the hair dryer in The Dominican Republic. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Read our guide on can you use a power converter with a domestic hair dryer in The Dominican Republic for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for The Dominican Republic

Choosing the best hair dryer for The Dominican Republic

Bundled diffuser and concentrator attachments

Choosing the best hair dryer for The Dominican Republic

When choosing the best travel hair dryer for The Dominican Republic look for a sturdy but lightweight dual voltage dryer which will operate with a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet power outlet, includes a safety plug, a folding handle and long cable. For drying thick hair buy one which includes a diffuser that uses a higher 1600+ watt dryer.

What to look for when buying a travel blow dryer?

  1. Buying the cheapest travel dryer might be risky - as well as safety issues there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to cheaper components.
  2. The safest travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will reduce the danger of overloading the motor leading to fires, models are identified with the 2 reset and test switches.
  3. Curlier or thicker hair may require a travel hair dryer with a stronger motor. A higher wattage ceramic dryer that includes a diffuser will dry hair faster to prevent damage.
  4. In order to operate with a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet your hair dryer has to support dual voltage.
  5. A modern hair dryer might feature a cool shot option for quickly cooling hair down after drying to hold a style but this feature lacks in smaller or cheaper models.
  6. Hotel rooms in The Dominican Republic could have a mirror positioned away from a convenient power outlet which makes it cumbersome to operate the blow dryer, therefore when buying a blow dryer search for the longest power cord available.
  7. It might be cheaper and more convenient to purchase a hair dryer that includes both a concentrator and diffuser rather than scouring stores to look for more expensive 3rd party attachments.
  8. Look for a lighter travel dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers with a folding handle will mean more space to pack other items.
  9. Ideal travel hair dryers for styling give control of the speed and temperature with low and high options, a faster hotter speed can dry thicker hair faster whereas lower temperatures with slower speeds prevent damage to your hair.
Which is a good folding travel hair dryer with a diffuser for The Dominican Republic?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer with a diffuser for The Dominican Republic?

  • A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65m power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however is missing a cool shot feature.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a long 1.82m power cable for greater flexibility when drying with an ALCI power plug and removable filter to clean. With a strong 1875 watt motor it also has cool shot making it perfect for drying thick hair.

Each ionic hair dryer includes a concentrator and diffuser attachment with strong enough motors to make them the most suitable travel hair dryers for thick hair. Each hair dryer is light and folds up to fit in carry-on luggage, only requiring a cheap plug adapter for The Dominican Republic to work with a Dominican Republic power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [AD]

What is the smallest folding dual voltage hair dryer for The Dominican Republic?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator

What is the smallest folding dual voltage hair dryer for The Dominican Republic?

  • For drying fine or thin hair on the go the ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective small ionic blow dryer available to buy.
  • For a folding hairdryer which is compact enough to transport in a purse then a 10.5 ounce BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. Featuring a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat for a glossy finish this dryer manages to include options which are typically found on bulkier hairdryers.

Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used in combination with a suitable plug adapter for a Dominican Republic power outlet they should work in The Dominican Republic folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried for drying on the go. Both have a two speed motor, have a 1.5 metre electric power cord and include a concentrator.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

What is a good folding dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

What is a good folding dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot?

  • With a strong 2 speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler features a cool shot setting that can be used to rapidly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features cool shot, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet for negative ions meaning safer styling, two heat settings, a longer 1.8m electric power cord and also comes with a concentrator.

Both models fold, include an ALCI plug which prevents overloading and has dual voltage making both ideal for visiting The Dominican Republic in carry on luggage when used with a power adapter for a Dominican Republic power outlet.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

What is a good blow dryer for thick curly hair?

Thicker hair will take longer to dry and will be hard to dry without your hair going frizzy, so the best option is an ionic hair dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are recommended as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [8] [9] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best travel hair dryer for The Dominican Republic?

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.co.uk/BaByliss-Travel-2000-Hair-Dryer/dp/B0056FXFRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1520000711&sr=8-1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=b63332fd20a821dec0b5e56af0330da8
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BaByliss-Travel-2000-Hair-Dryer/dp/B0056FXFRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1532458776&sr=8-1&keywords=Conair+dual+voltage+hair+dryer&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=f9cccd664854ebe2be03a43f6a0c7cce&language=en_GB
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conair-Group-Ltd-5549U-TRESemme/dp/B00I4R4A84?crid=3P4NIYAG2C5JL&keywords=Ceramic+tourmaline+hair+dryer+concentrator+dual+voltage&qid=1695044687&sprefix=ceramic+tourmaline+hair+dryer+concentrator+dual+voltage%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=c6cca6f1cdf99277aafe116a9bf0d0ba&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Hot-37070-Professional-Settings/dp/B01G3E9R46?dchild=1&keywords=X5%2BSuperlite%2B1600W%2BDual%2BVoltage%2BCeramic%2BIonic%2BTravel%2BDryer&qid=1623853478&sr=8-9&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=dac34b2236e4574360f73c2fbe82110d&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Foldable-Lightweight-Portable-Technology/dp/B07HTWRMW5?crid=GOV3SFXX8LUZ&keywords=1875+watt+travel+dryer+with+folding+handle+and+dual+voltage&qid=1668535844&sprefix=1875+watt+travel+dryer+with+folding+handle+and+dual+votage%2Caps%2C49&sr=8-42&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-21&linkId=c1c76abbfb0ab79c7b377ec225918f66&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in The Dominican Republic 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.

The Dominican Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The Dominican Republic?

Power outlets in The Dominican Republic are 110 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Dominican Republic power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Dominican Republic power outlet is 60Hz. [14]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic?

There are two types of power outlets used in The Dominican Republic, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed plug outlet, also known as a type A power outlet, can be recognised by the 2 thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - This plug socket, also known as a type B power outlet, can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle hole below for the slightly long earth pin.

A Type B plug adapter will allow you to use a 110 volt hair dryer in The Dominican Republic - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for The Dominican Republic. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [15] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair dryer, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers might change automatically but other hair dryer models will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle 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 110 volts used in The Dominican Republic then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Dominican Republic 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 110 volts used in a Dominican Republic power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in The Dominican Republic.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in The Dominican Republic or any other country.

How can you use a dual voltage hair dryer in The Dominican Republic?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer or that it will work with a 110 volt power outlet.
  2. If the dryer supports dual voltage then make sure that it is set to work in the 100-127v range. This is usually found on the handle or base of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
  3. Plug your dryer into the power adapter for The Dominican Republic, also plug in the power adapter into the Dominican Republic power outlet.
  4. Your hair dryer can now be operated in The Dominican Republic.
  5. You can expect travel hair dryers that were purchased in a country that operates with 220-240 volts to work slower than usual when used with a power outlet that supplies 100-127V.

How do I switch the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Most brands of dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which toggles between 2 types of voltages however some brands are capable of automatically detecting the voltage from a Dominican Republic power outlet.
  2. The switch or dial requires a small screwdriver or coin to change the hair dryer to the right voltage between a 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
  3. Also, it is worth making a note of both switch positions because the painted numbers are prone to rubbing off on some models.

Travelling to The Dominican Republic with a hair dryer

Is a hairdryer allowed onboard a flight to The Dominican Republic?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hairdryer allowed onboard a flight to The Dominican Republic?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to The Dominican Republic will allow blow dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by 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 electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in The Dominican Republic?

Hotel hair dryer

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in The Dominican Republic?

Depending on the individual hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed in the bedroom wardrobe, cupboard or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be of a slower air hose type.

If staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a communal hair dryer could be available at reception but that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain as to hotel hairdryer availability you can either call ahead to the hotel in The Dominican Republic or check on the hotel web site to find out if a suitable hairdryer available for guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but typically rudimentary models lacking a diffuser, notorious for low heat and providing slow air speeds. For those worried about hygiene might want to check for burnt hair cuticles from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

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

Is it safer to bring a domestic blow dryer or a travel hair dryer to The Dominican Republic?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer instead of bringing your existing domestic blow dryer to The Dominican Republic as it ensures that it will work with the 110 volt power outlets used with a Dominican Republic power outlet (provided that you use the correct power adapter for The Dominican Republic). Some types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are much lighter which will help reduce the size and weight in luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer. Note that packing your expensive domestic blow dryer might put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your luggage by an airport baggage handler in The Dominican Republic. The cost of repairing an expensive specialised hair dryer in The Dominican Republic could outweigh the costs of buying a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case .  [17] [AD]

Power converters for The Dominican Republic

Do I need a converter for The Dominican Republic to use my hair dryer?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in The Dominican Republic. Travellers who wish to bring along their own hair dryer can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel hair dryer. [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 transform a 110 volt Dominican Republic power outlet to work with a non-110 volt hair dryer, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in The Dominican Republic. [7] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic using a type B power adapter

A guide showing how to use your hair dryer in The Dominican Republic with a three pinned Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [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, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting to use in The Dominican Republic, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in The Dominican Republic doesn't take the plug shape on your hair dryer you will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Dominican Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type B plug adapter into the Dominican Republic power outlet. This power outlet (known as a Type B power outlet [3]) is identified by two slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. After that plug in your hair dryer into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dominican Republic power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic using a type B power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic using a type A power adapter

A guide on how to use your hair dryer in The Dominican Republic with a three bladed Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting to use in The Dominican Republic, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. Check that you are not already using a hair dryer 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 hair dryer will work with a 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Dominican Republic you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in The Dominican Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. First insert the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply, sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [5], is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet blades sit.
  4. After that plug in your hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dominican Republic power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Dominican Republic using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about The Dominican Republic
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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. 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..
  9. 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..
  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. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  17. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.