Which power adapter do I need to bring for using a curling iron in Hungary?

Hungarian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Hungary:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Hungary but 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 230 volt Hungarian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier 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 wall outlet used in Hungary, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Hungary otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Hungary you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Hungary please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Hungary

Will my curling iron work in Hungary?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Hungary. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Hungary. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with a domestic curling iron in Hungary for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Hungary power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Hungary?

Power outlets in Hungary are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Hungary?

The frequency used in a Hungarian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Hungary?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Hungary?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed round wall socket, technically called a Schuko plug or type F power outlet, can be recognised by two 4.8mm holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go and two thin grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Hungary, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Hungary. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [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 outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Hungary then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Hungarian 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 230 volts used in a Hungarian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Hungary.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Hungary or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Hungary with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Hungary?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Hungarian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Hungary.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Hungary might be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron?

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 US. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Hungary will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Hungary

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Hungary, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Hungarian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Hungary to use your curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Hungary. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Hungary by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Hungary - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Hungary. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Hungary simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the Hungarian power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet can be recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Hungarian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Hungary. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Hungary using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Hungary using a type F power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Hungary using a 2 pin Type F power charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions 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 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Hungary doesn't take the plug shape of your curling iron. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Hungary simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug the Type F plug adapter into the Hungarian power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go along with a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Hungarian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Hungary using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Hungary 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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.