How do I use a hair dryer in Monaco?

Monacan power outlet

Will my blowdryer work in Monaco?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Monaco:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Monacan power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Monaco, therefore please check that your power converter has the right power adapter for Monaco otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 230 volts used in Monaco you run the potential risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair dryer in Monaco please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Monaco

Will my hair dryer work in Monaco?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Monaco:

Best travel hair dryers for Monaco

What to look for when choosing a travel hair dryer

A hair dryer cool shot button

What to look for when choosing a travel hair dryer

When looking for the best hair dryer choose a robust but lightweight dual voltage model which will operate with a 230 volt Monacan power outlet power outlet, includes a folding handle, long cord and ALCI safety plug. When drying thick hair buy a dryer with a higher 1600+ watt dryer and included diffuser.

Things to consider when purchasing a blow dryer

  1. A modern hair dryer could feature a 'cool shot' button for quickly cooling down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this feature could be missing in cheaper models.
  2. A hair dryer has to support dual voltage in order to function with a 230 volt Monacan power outlet.
  3. Try to look for a lighter travel dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers which have folding handles will mean more space.
  4. Buying the cheapest hair dryer on the market might be risky, as well as safety concerns there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a flimsy construction.
  5. The most suitable hair dryers let you to control the speed and temperature settings with different options, hotter faster speeds can quickly dry hair and a slower speed with a lower temperature can prevent damage to your hair.
  6. Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which reduces the danger of the motor overloading and starting electrical fires; these can be recognised by the two 'test' and 'reset' buttons.
  7. Thicker hair could require a travel hair dryer which has a stronger motor. A higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster to prevent damage.
  8. It might be more convenient and cheaper purchasing a hair dryer which is supplied with both a diffuser and concentrator instead of scouring stores looking for expensive third party attachments.
  9. Depending on the accommodation in Monaco you might find a mirror installed away from the nearest power outlet which could make it hard to use the travel dryer, so when buying a hair dryer look for the lengthiest power cord possible.
Which is the best folding travel hair dryer with diffuser for Monaco?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best folding travel hair dryer with diffuser for Monaco?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65m electric power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser but doesn't have a cool shot option.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a longer 1.82 metre power cord for greater flexibility when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean easily. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it also has a cool shot button making it suitable for styling thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers feature both concentrator and diffuser with strong motors to make them the best travel blow dryers for thick hair. They are lightweight and fold up to fit into a carry-on bag and only require a cheap plug adapter for Monaco to fit into a Monacan power outlet.  [11] [11] [12] [AD]

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for Monaco?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for Monaco?

  • For quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go then a 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic hair dryer available on the market.
  • For a folding blow dryer which is lightweight enough to transport in a handbag then a 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. Featuring a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that can emit infrared heat for a glossy finish this dryer has options normally found with larger models.

Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used in combination with the right plug adapter for a Monacan power outlet they should work in Monaco folding conveniently enough to be carried for drying on the go. They are two speed, have a 1.5 metre power cord and include a concentrator.  [13] [13] [14] [AD]

Which is the best hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thick hair will take much longer to dry and will be difficult to do so without the hair going frizzy, so the best option will be an ionic hair dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic will be suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [11] [12] [AD]

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer?

  • A Conair Compact Styler has a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot button which can be used to rapidly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet meaning safer and faster styling, two heat options, a longer 1.8m power cord and includes a concentrator.

Each model is folding, includes an ALCI plug to prevent overloading and has dual voltage making both perfect for visiting Monaco in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for a Monacan power outlet.  [15] [15] [16] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best blow dryer for Monaco?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Monaco Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Monaco power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Monaco?

The frequency from a Monacan power outlet is 50Hz. [17]

What voltage is used in Monaco?

The typical residential voltage used in Monaco is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Monaco?

There are four types of power outlets used in Monaco, types D, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - The power outlet, also called a type D power outlet, looks like three round holes forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the plug socket by two holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go, plus a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt hair dryer in Monaco is a Type D power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Monaco. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [18] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Monaco?

Dual voltage hair dryers

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

The way to tell if your hair dryer can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair dryer, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will have a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Monaco then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Monacan 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 Monacan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Monaco.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Monaco or any other country if these numbers are shown.

How can you switch the voltage on a dual voltage hair dryer?

  1. Most dual voltage hair dryers have a dial which toggles between two voltages however some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage used in Monaco.
  2. The switch or dial needs a screwdriver or coin to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. In addition to changing this over it is worth noting down the two switch positions as the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models of travel hair dryer.

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in Monaco?

  1. Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 230 volt power socket.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then ensure that it is switched to operate within the 220-240V range. This is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Monaco and also plug in the power adapter into the Monacan power outlet.
  4. It is normal for a majority of travel hair dryers operating within the 220-240V range to only work safely on a low setting - but this speed and temperature should still be sufficient enough for drying hair. Please check the manufacturers guidelines to see if this is relevant for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. Your dryer is now ready to operate with a Monacan power outlet.

Travelling to Monaco with a hair dryer

Should you bring a travel hair dryer or domestic blow dryer to Monaco?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to Monaco (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Monacan power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for Monaco). Certain models of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are lighter which will help reduce the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer. Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your suitcase by a baggage handlers in Monaco. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised blow dryer in Monaco could outweigh the costs of buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before your trip .  [19] [AD]

Can you carry on a blow dryer?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can you carry on a blow dryer?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Monaco will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [19] [20] [21] [AD]

Do hotel rooms in Monaco have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Monaco have hair dryers?

Depending on the individual hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the room, either packed in a bedroom drawer, cupboard or wardrobe, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could be a slower air hose type. When staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer could be offered at reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer policy then either look on the booking web site or telephone the hotel in Monaco to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but are typically basic models with no diffuser, notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. For those concerned with hygiene might want to check for the grime from other guests on a communal hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

Remember, if you are in doubt either telephone ahead to the hotel in Monaco or use a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Power converters for Monaco

Do you need a converter in Monaco to use a hair dryer?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Monaco. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel hair dryer can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when packing. [10] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in Monaco, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Monacan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [10] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in Monaco with a two pin Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Monaco won't take the plug of your hair dryer. The Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your hair dryer in Monaco with a three pinned Type D travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Some travel blow dryers might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Monaco; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Monaco you'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the Monacan power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type D power outlet [5], looks like three round holes forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type D power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type E power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in Monaco using a Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Monaco, please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Monaco isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair dryer. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Monaco by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Monacan power outlet. This round wall supply (called the Type E power outlet [7]) can be identified by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other plus a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Monacan power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type E power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your hair dryer in Monaco with a two pinned Type F travel charger.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Monaco. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go, plus a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Monaco using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Monaco country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  12. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  13. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  14. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  15. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  16. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  17. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  18. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  19. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  20. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  21. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.