Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Lesotho?

Basotho power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Lesotho:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Lesotho but 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 Basotho power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Lesotho, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Lesotho otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Lesotho you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Lesotho read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Lesotho

Will my curling iron work in Lesotho?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Lesotho. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Lesotho. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Lesotho for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Lesotho power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Lesotho?

The frequency of the current in a Basotho power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Lesotho?

Power outlets in Lesotho are 220 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Lesotho?

Type M power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Lesotho?

Type M power outlets are used in Lesotho. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 3 large circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground. A Type M power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Lesotho - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Lesotho using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Lesotho with a curling iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Lesotho will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Lesotho?

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 220 volt power outlets used with a Basotho power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Lesotho.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Lesotho. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Lesotho might overshadow the cost of purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Lesotho

Can I use my curling iron with a power converter for Lesotho?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Lesotho. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Lesotho, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Basotho power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Lesotho using a type M power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Lesotho using a Type M power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Lesotho you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [4]. The Type M plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Lesotho by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type M plug adapter in the Basotho power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called the Type M power outlet [3], can be identified by the three circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Basotho power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Lesotho. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Lesotho using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Lesotho
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.