How to use a clothes iron in Tunisia

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Tunisia:

If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

Use a dual voltage travel iron ^[2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Tunisia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Tunisian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Tunisia, so please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Tunisia otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Tunisia check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Tunisia

Will my clothes iron work in Tunisia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Tunisia:

If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use it in Tunisia.
If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron ^[2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use your clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Tunisia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Tunisia?

The standard residential voltage in Tunisia is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Tunisia?

The frequency from a Tunisian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Tunisia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Tunisia, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

Plug Type C - This plug outlet can be recognised by 2 adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
Plug Type E - The recessed round power socket can be identified by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle shape.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Tunisia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Tunisia using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter. [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Tunisia

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Tunisia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Tunisian power outlet.
A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage clothes iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Tunisian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Tunisia.
A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Tunisia or any other country.

Travelling to Tunisia with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Tunisia in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Tunisia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during transit. [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tunisia

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Tunisia?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tunisia. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own clothes iron, however it could be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron ^[2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Tunisia, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Tunisian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]