Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a curling iron in Botswana?

Botswana power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Botswana:

  • 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:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Botswana however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Botswana power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Botswana, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Botswana otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Botswana read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Botswana

Will my curling iron work in Botswana?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts which are used in Botswana:

Botswana power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Botswana?

Power outlets in Botswana are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Botswana power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Botswana power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Botswana?

Type D, G and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Botswana?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Botswana, these are type G, D and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can identify this power socket by three round holes in a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - The plug outlet (also called a type G power outlet) looks like three rectangular holes containing shutters forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type M - You can identify this plug socket by three large holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Botswana, read the simple guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Botswana. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [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 outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Botswana with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Botswana?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Botswana power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Botswana. It is also worth concidering that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers in Botswana. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Botswana could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my carry on luggage to Botswana?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Botswana will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Botswana

Can I use a curling iron with a power converter for Botswana?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Botswana. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Botswana, however a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Botswana power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Botswana using a type D power adapter

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Botswana using a 3 pin Type D power charger.

  1. Make sure 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. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Botswana, please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Botswana isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your curling iron. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Botswana 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. Begin by plugging the Type D plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 round holes forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Botswana power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Botswana using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Botswana using a type G power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Botswana with a 3 prong Type G power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Botswana. This Type G plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Botswana 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 supply.
  3. First insert the Type G plug adapter in the Botswana power outlet. This wall outlet (technically known as a Type G power outlet [5]) looks like three holes containing shutters forming a triangle configuration.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Botswana power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Botswana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Botswana using a type G power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Botswana with a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could 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 Botswana - please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Botswana you will need to bring a Type M plug adapter [8]. The Type M plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Botswana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type M plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by three large holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Botswana power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in Botswana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Botswana using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Botswana Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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.