How do I use my curling iron in Israel?

Israeli power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Israel:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Israel however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 220 volt Israeli power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Israel, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Israel otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Israel please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Israel

Will my curling iron work in Israel?

It depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Israel:

Israel power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Israel?

The normal voltage used in Israel is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in Israel?

The frequency used in an Israeli power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Israel?

Type C, H and M power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Israel?

There are three types of power supply used in Israel, these are type H, C and M with the primary power outlets being type H:

  • Plug Type H - The grounded wall socket (technically called a type H power outlet) can be recognised by three slots pointing inward in a triangular shape. The more modern type H plug supplies also have rounded holes in the middle of each slot to allow for the round pinned type C socket plugs that are compatible with over 100 other countries. The most commonly found outlets in Israel are Type H power outlets. A Type C plug will also fit in a Type H power outlet.
  • Plug Type C - The wall socket, also called the Europlug or type C socket, can be recognised by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral. Ungrounded Type C plugs can also fit into type H power outlets.
  • Plug Type M - You can identify the wall outlet by the 3 large holes forming a triangular configuration. These outlets are less common in Israel and only typically used high wattage equipment.  [6] [11] [AD]

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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Israel then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Israeli 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 220 volts used in an Israeli power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Israel.
  • 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 Israel or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Israel with a curling iron

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Israel?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Israeli power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Israel. 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 transit by airline baggage handlers in Israel. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Israel could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.  [12] [AD]

Can curling irons go in carry on hand 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 check that the airline who is taking you to Israel will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your 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 avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices 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 most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Israel

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from an Israeli power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Israel. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in Israel?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Israel. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

A page showing how to power your curling iron in Israel by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Israel; please refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Israel. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two round holes next to each other. Type C plug sockets in Israel aren't as common, however the ungrounded Type C plug can also fit in Type H power outlets which are more popular in Israel.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Israel. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Israel using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Israel using a type H power adapter

A guide showing how to use your curling iron in Israel with a three prong Type H power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Israel; please refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type H plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Israel. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type H plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. This plug supply, sometimes known as a Type H power outlet [5], can be recognised by 3 slots pointing inward in a triangular configuration. The more modern type H power supplies also have rounded holes in the middle of each slot to allow for the round pinned Type C plugs that are compatible with 139 other countries. The most commonly found outlets in Israel are Type H power outlets.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type H plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Israel using a type H power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Israel using a type M power adapter

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Israel by using a three prong Type M power charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Israel. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type M plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three large holes forming a triangle configuration. Type M power sockets in Israel are less commonplace. These outlets are being phased out in Israel in favour of Type H power outlets and are only typically used with high wattage equipment.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Israel using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Israel - Go Israel
  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. iec.ch - Type H power outlet
  6. Type H plug adapter - A Type H electrical adapter, compliant with Israel SI32 standards, featuring either flat or round pins depending on the version. This adapter is specifically designed for use in Israel and its surrounding territories..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.