How do I use my curling iron in Albania?

Albanian power outlet

Summary

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Albania 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 230 volt Albanian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Albania, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Albania otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Albania 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 Albania please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Albania

Will my curling iron work in Albania?

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

Albania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Albania?

The normal voltage used in Albania is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Albania?

The frequency used in an Albanian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed plug outlet (known as a Europlug) is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large holes 19 mm next to each other along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Albania, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Albania. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage 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 will support 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. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Albania with a curling iron

Should I bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Albania?

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 230 volt power outlets used with an Albanian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Albania.

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 your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler in Albania. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Albania might be higher than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when 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 your airline who is taking you to Albania will allow curling irons 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 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 your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Albania

Do you need a converter to use a curling iron in Albania?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Albania. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron, but it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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?

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from an Albanian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Albania. [7] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing how to use a curling iron in Albania with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel curling irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Albania you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Albania simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the Albanian power outlet. The power supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Albanian power outlet. The hair curling iron is ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Albania using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Albania by using a two prong Type F power charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Albania isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Albania by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. This recessed round power outlet (sometimes known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit and a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Albanian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Albania using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Albania
  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.