With millions of Brits preparing for summer holidays, many will be packing styling tools worth hundreds of pounds alongside their passports and sun cream. While most travellers remember to pack a travel adaptor, far fewer check whether their favourite styling tools are actually designed to work in their destination.
New analysis from Currys has compared the electrical systems and found that nine of the UK’s most searched-for holiday destinations require more than just a travel adaptor, with some beauty appliances at risk if they’re used without the correct converter.
The holiday destinations where your beauty tech needs extra care
Travellers heading to countries with different electrical systems should check whether their styling tools are suitable before packing. Without the correct converter, some UK-only hair dryers, straighteners and curling tools could stop working or even become permanently damaged.
Among the UK’s favourite long-haul holiday destinations, Japan presents the biggest risk. Operating on just 100V, Japan has the largest voltage difference compared with the UK, meaning travellers should check that hair dryers, straighteners and other personal care appliances are dual-voltage before packing them.
The USA, attracting 1,000 monthly searches, uses a 120V, 60Hz electrical system, while Canada (1,900 searches) and Mexico (1,600 searches) also operate on significantly lower voltages of 120V and 127V, respectively, and will require a voltage converter.
Other popular long-haul destinations where travellers should check their beauty appliances before travelling include Barbados, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador, all of which operate on lower-voltage electricity systems.
Cuba, with 880 monthly searches, deserves particular attention because electricity supplies can vary between 110V and 220V depending on where you’re staying. Travellers are advised to check with their accommodation before plugging in electrical appliances.
Popular holiday hotspots where you’ll still need a travel adaptor
Many of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations use a compatible electricity supply, meaning beauty appliances are compatible with the local electricity supply. However, travellers will still need a travel adaptor because the plug sockets differ from the UK’s Type G standard.
Spain and Greece top the rankings as the UK’s most searched-for holiday destinations, each attracting an average of 4,400 Google searches every month. While both use the same 230V electricity supply as the UK, travellers will still need a travel adaptor because UK plugs won’t fit local sockets.
Turkey (3,600 searches), Italy and Albania (both 2,900 searches), and Portugal, Croatia, Egypt and Morocco (each attracting 2,400 searches) also require a travel adaptor despite having electricity supplies compatible with UK appliances.
Other popular destinations requiring only a travel adaptor include France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and China.
For these destinations, all appliances can generally be used safely with the correct travel adaptor.
The only destinations where you can plug in exactly as you do at home
Only three destinations analysed allow UK travellers to use their electrical devices and beauty appliances exactly as they would at home.
The United Arab Emirates, Oman and the Seychelles all use the UK’s Type G three-pin plug alongside a compatible 230V electricity supply, meaning no travel adaptor or voltage converter is required.
These were the only destinations in the analysis where travellers can use UK beauty appliances exactly as they would at home, without needing either a travel adaptor or voltage converter.
Victoria Bennion, Head of Category at Currys, comments:
“Many people assume packing a travel adaptor is enough, but that’s only half the story. Premium hair tools can be a significant investment, and some single-voltage appliances simply aren’t designed to operate safely on lower-voltage electrical systems.
“Before packing, it’s worth checking the label on your appliance. If it says ‘100–240V’, it’s dual voltage and can usually be used worldwide with the correct adaptor. If it only lists ‘220–240V’, you’ll need a voltage converter when travelling to countries such as Japan or the USA.”
Top tips before packing your beauty tech
To help travellers avoid damaging their devices abroad, Victoria recommends following the PLUG checklist:
P – Pick the right adaptor
Research your destination’s plug type before you travel. If you’re visiting multiple countries, a universal adaptor can save both space and hassle.
L – Look for dual voltage
Check the label on your appliance or charger. If it states 100–240V, it’s dual voltage and can usually be used worldwide with the correct adaptor. If it only states 220–240V, you’ll need a voltage converter in countries with lower-voltage electricity supplies.
U – Understand your destination’s power supply
Don’t assume every country uses the same electricity as the UK. While many European destinations use compatible voltage, others, including Japan and the USA, operate on significantly lower voltages.
G – Get organised before you go
Pack spare charging cables, a multi-port charger or power bank, and check whether your accommodation provides a hair dryer or universal sockets before you leave.
Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, city break or long-haul adventure, spending a few minutes checking your destination’s electrical system could help protect expensive beauty appliances from unnecessary damage.
For a full country-by-country guide to plug types, voltage compatibility and the travel essentials you’ll need, visit https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/kitchen-and-home/what-adapter-do-i-need.html