Using your curling iron in Somalia

Somali power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Somalia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Somalia however 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 220 volt Somali power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Somalia, therefore please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Somalia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Somalia you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Somalia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Somalia

Will my curling iron work in Somalia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Somalia:

Somalia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Somalia?

The frequency of the current from a Somali power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Somalia?

Power outlets in Somalia are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Somalia?

Type C power outlet

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Somalia?

The type of power outlet used in Somalia is type C. You can recognise this plug outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Somalia is a Type C plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Somalia. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Somalia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Somali power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Somali power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Somalia.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Somalia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Somalia with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Somalia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Somalia will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

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

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Somalia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Somali power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Somalia. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Somalia could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Somalia

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for Somalia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Somalia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Somali power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Somalia. [5] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Somalia using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Somalia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Somalia you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Somalia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Somali power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Somalia using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Somalia page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.