Using your curling iron in Lithuania

Lithuanian power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Lithuania but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Lithuanian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change 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 Lithuania, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Lithuania otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Lithuania 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 Lithuania please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Lithuania

Will my curling iron work in Lithuania?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Lithuania:

Lithuania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Lithuania?

The common residential voltage in Lithuania is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Lithuania?

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

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Lithuania?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Lithuania?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power socket (technically called the Europlug) is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Lithuania - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Lithuania using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also 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 supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This 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 might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Lithuania with a curling iron

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

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Lithuanian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Lithuania.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Lithuania. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Lithuania might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Lithuania?

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 which is flying you to Lithuania 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). 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 Lithuania

Do you need a voltage converter for Lithuania to use a curling iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Lithuania. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Lithuanian power outlet to work with a non-230 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 Lithuania. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Lithuania with a 2 pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might 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 230 volts, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Lithuania you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Lithuania simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Lithuanian power outlet. The wall outlet is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lithuanian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Lithuania using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Lithuania using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Lithuania - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Lithuania isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type F plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Lithuania simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Lithuanian power outlet. This sunken round power supply, sometimes called the Schuko outlet, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lithuanian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Lithuania using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Lithuania Wikipedia 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.