Using your curling iron in Croatia

Croatian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Croatia:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Croatia 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 230 volt Croatian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Croatia, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Croatia otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic 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 230 volts used in Croatia 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 Croatia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

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Using a curling iron in Croatia

Will my curling iron work in Croatia?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in Croatia:

Croatia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Croatia?

The normal residential voltage in Croatia is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Croatian power outlet?

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

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Croatia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Croatia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the wall outlet by the two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Croatia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Croatia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Croatia

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 the handle. 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 curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Croatia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Croatian 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 a Croatian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Croatia.
  • 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 Croatia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Croatia with a curling iron

Is it better to bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Croatia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Croatia as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Croatian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Croatia.

Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers in Croatia. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Croatia 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 curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Croatia in my 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 also recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Croatia 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Croatia

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Croatian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Croatia. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Croatia?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Croatia. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Croatia with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 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 ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C power adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Croatia. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Croatia simply 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. Plug the Type C power adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet can be recognised by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Croatian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Croatia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Croatia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Croatia with 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 230 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. Some dual voltage curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F power adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Croatia isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Croatia 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. Start by plugging the Type F power adapter into the Croatian power outlet. This recessed round power outlet, also known as a Type F power outlet [5], can be identified by two circular holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into and two metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F power adapter.
  5. Turn on the Croatian power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in Croatia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Croatia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Croatia country entry on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C power 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 power 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.