How to use a curling iron in Kiribati

Kiribati power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Kiribati:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Kiribati however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Kiribati power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Kiribati, so check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Kiribati otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts used in Kiribati you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Kiribati read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Kiribati

Will my curling iron work in Kiribati?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volt power outlets in Kiribati. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Kiribati. 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 will a power converter work with a domestic curling iron in Kiribati for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Kiribati power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Kiribati?

The standard voltage in Kiribati is 240 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Kiribati?

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

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Kiribati?

Type I power outlets are used in Kiribati. You can recognise this power socket by three thin slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Kiribati is a Type I plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Kiribati. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Kiribati?

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 accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Kiribati then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Kiribati 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 240 volts used in a Kiribati power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Kiribati.
  • 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 Kiribati or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Kiribati with a curling iron

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Kiribati as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Kiribati power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Kiribati. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Kiribati 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 boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Kiribati in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Kiribati will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as 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.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Kiribati

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Kiribati?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Kiribati. Travellers wishing to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it might 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 also significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Kiribati, however a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Kiribati power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Kiribati using a type I power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Kiribati using a Type I power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 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 travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Kiribati isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type I plug adapter [4]. This Type I plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Kiribati simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type I plug adapter and inserting it into the Kiribati power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by three thin slots in a triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the base and the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kiribati power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron in Kiribati. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kiribati using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kiribati Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.