Buying a hair dryer and straightener with European plug that ships to US

A couple of thoughts:

Do you know where your first lodging will be? If so, (especially if it's a B&B), they might be willing to have the package shipped to them before you arrive, and hold it for you.

Secondly, make sure you get gadgets with the correct plug! If you're specifically going to Ireland, you'll need a UK-style plug (3 rectangular prongs in a triangle arrangement), which is NOT the same as a European style plug (2 round prongs).

Good luck and let us know what happens!

Just to be sure, do you want a Shuco plug or an Imperial plug? It's quite possible that it's a legal or liability issue to send appliances to the US that will not work there. Are you sure your hotel or BnB will not have a hair dryer? I have never been to a hotel that did not supply a hair dryer, at the front desk if not in every room.

In my experience, motor devices that are dual voltage usually work better on 240. But I don't use a hair dryer. The other safety issue is GFCI, of course. Some cheap-o plug-adapters have plastic ground pins!

I may have missed the point but why don’t you buy one when you arrive?

What is your first country?

Why is it necessary to have a device that is not dual voltage? I've used dual voltages with an appropriate plug adapter all over the world. I must be missing something.

I know you said you wanted something beforehand, but it will be easier and cheaper for you just to buy something in Ireland. My mom's curling iron fizzed out in England and we got a cheap one in Tesco, which we left in the hotel when we went back to America.

For Ireland and the UK, you need this type of plug
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/uk-power-adapter

For most of the rest of Europe, this is what is needed
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter

Its almost unheard of that a lodging will not have a hair dryer.

I too am puzzled at the "not dual voltage' desire.

I kinda get not wanting a dual-voltage hair appliance. Maybe things work better than they used to, but since I travel to Europe once or twice a year, I decided to buy a 220v heated brush in Europe to just use there.
Works for me.

Thank you for all your replies! I really appreciate it. I will be staying in different hotels for the first week, so no B&B's. I will be staying by my aunts, uncles, and cousins the last two weeks. So, I can always buy one at that time. But, the last time I was in Ireland, we were going so much and I just do not want to be a burden on anyone or have to stress about finding a place when I arrive. I will end up doing that if I can not buy one before I leave, but thought it would one less thing to worry about if I could get it beforehand. I did see that Ireland's plugs were different than European plugs.

Also, the last time I was there I used an adapter for my U.S. hair dryer and it started smoking, so I do not want to do that either.

The reason I didn't want a dual voltage is because I have heard so many people having issues with them?

It sounds like I will have to wait until I get there to purchase one.

Thank. you for the information.

I have a travel hair dryer that I bought years ago at Target - small, dual voltage, works fine with an adapter. Similar to this one. However, I never travel with it anymore as every hotel has a hair dryer, if not in the room then available at the front desk.

Recently bought a small travel flat iron/straightener, also dual voltage, also works fine with an adapter, no issues.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a dual voltage device. I've certainly never had trouble with any of the ones I've owned and used over more than 40 decades of traveling. I've used various hair dryers and curling irons in most countries of Western Europe (including Ireland), Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian countries.

I'm curious - what "issues" are you hearing people are having? I can't think of any other than having the wrong plug which has been covered above. Sometimes the outlets in bathrooms are low voltage for shavers and won't heat a hair device up - in my experience this has been marked and I've had no problem moving to a different outlet.

I'm evidently one of the few unlucky ones, but I did have a dual voltage hair dryer spark, smoke, and fry itself in my hand. And I had very carefully put it on the 240 setting. I bought a replacement dryer there, which I don't take anymore since hotels all have them now. At the same time I also bought a curling iron that still travels with me. I'm glad everyone else has had good experiences with dual voltage, but my bad experience left an impression that I don't care to repeat. And I love having at least one item that I can just plug into the wall with no fuss.

Yikes, Linda! Thanks for relating your personal experience. I don’t carry a dryer when traveling any longer either.

I have had my dryer over heat at home. I wonder if over heating is more common with a dryer vs a curling iron? In any case good to be aware of.

Why I asked where you were first headed was because you might be able to order these devices online from somewhere in Europe like Amazon. If you have an Amazon account in the US, you can use it to order in other countries. As an example, if you were going to Germany you could look on the Amazon Germany website so if they have what you want and order it to be delivered in that country.

Thank you - I got on Amazon-Ireland website and was able to order a hair dryer with plugs that work in Ireland! Thank you!