Using a curling iron in Oman

Omani power outlet

Summary

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Oman however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 240 volt Omani power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Oman, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Oman otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic 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 240 volts you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Oman check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Oman

Will my curling iron work in Oman?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Oman:

Oman power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in an Omani power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Oman?

Power outlets in Oman are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Oman?

Type C and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Oman?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify this plug outlet by the three vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Oman is a Type G plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Oman. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Oman with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Oman in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Oman 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 and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Oman?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with an Omani power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Oman. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Oman. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Oman could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a boot or sneaker 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Oman

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Oman, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 240 volt Omani power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use your curling iron in Oman?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Oman. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to use a curling iron in Oman with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Oman - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Oman. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Oman by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Omani power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (known as a Type C power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Omani power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Oman. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Oman using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Oman using a three pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts for use in Oman - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Oman isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type G plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Oman by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the Omani power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type G power outlet [5]) looks like 3 rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Omani power outlet. Your curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Oman using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Oman
  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 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. 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.