How do I use a curling iron in Turkey?

Turkish power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Turkey:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Turkey however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Turkish power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Turkey, so please check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Turkey otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Turkey you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Turkey please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Turkey

Will my curling iron work in Turkey?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Turkey:

Turkey power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Turkey?

Power outlets in Turkey are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Turkey?

The frequency of the current from a Turkish power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Turkey?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Turkey?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the plug socket by two round adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Turkey is a Type F power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Turkey with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Turkey then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Turkish 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 Turkish power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Turkey.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Turkey or any other country.

Travelling to Turkey with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Turkey?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Turkey as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Turkish power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Turkey. Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Turkey. The cost of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Turkey might be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage to Turkey?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Turkey will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Turkey

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Turkey?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Turkey?

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Turkish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but 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 in Turkey. [7] [AD]

Can you use your curling iron with a voltage converter in Turkey?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Turkey. Travellers who want to bring their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Turkey using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Turkey isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Turkey simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Turkish power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Turkey. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Turkey using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Turkey with a Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure 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 do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Turkey isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Turkey simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the two adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Turkish power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Turkey. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Turkey using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Turkey
  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.