How do I use my curling iron in Belarus?

Belarus power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Belarus however 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 220 volt Belarus power outlet, however this is significantly 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 power outlet used in Belarus, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Belarus otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Belarus you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Belarus please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Belarus

Will my curling iron work in Belarus?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Belarus:

Belarus power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Belarus?

The residential voltage in Belarus is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Belarus power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Belarus?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Belarus?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power outlet, technically called the Europlug, can be recognised by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken round power socket, also known as a type F power outlet or Schuko plug, can be identified by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into along with two metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Belarus - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Belarus. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Belarus then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Belarus 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 220 volts used in a Belarus power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Belarus.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Belarus or any other country.

Travelling to Belarus with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Belarus?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Belarus as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Belarus power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Belarus. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Belarus. The cost involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Belarus could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage 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 also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my carry on?

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 recommends that you should check that the airline that is flying you to Belarus will allow curling irons 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Belarus

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Belarus?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Belarus?

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Belarus power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Belarus. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Belarus. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Belarus using a two pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Belarus - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Belarus you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Belarus by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this power supply by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belarus power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Belarus. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Belarus using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Belarus using a two pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Belarus you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Belarus by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belarus power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Belarus. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Belarus using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belarus Wiki page
  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.