How do I use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic?

Central African power outlet

Will my blowdryer work in The Central African Republic?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in The Central African Republic:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Central African power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in The Central African Republic, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for The Central African Republic otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair dryer or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair dryer in The Central African Republic read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in The Central African Republic

Will my hair dryer work in The Central African Republic?

That depends on if your hair dryer is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets in The Central African Republic:

Best travel hair dryers for The Central African Republic

What to look for when choosing a travel hair dryer

A dual voltage switch on a travel hair dryer

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 220 volt Central African power outlet power outlet, includes a folding handle, long cord and ALCI safety plug. When drying thick hair look for a dryer with a stronger 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

Things to consider when purchasing a blow dryer

  1. It might be more convenient and cheaper purchasing a dryer which is supplied with both a diffuser and concentrator instead of scouring stores looking for expensive third party attachments.
  2. Depending on the accommodation in The Central African Republic you might find a mirror installed away from a power outlet which could make it hard to operate the blow dryer, so when buying a blow dryer look for the model with the lengthiest power cord possible.
  3. The most suitable hair dryers let you to control the speed and temperature settings with high and low options, lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to your hair whilst hotter faster speeds can quickly dry hair.
  4. Thicker hair could require a travel hair dryer which has a stronger motor. A high wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster, thereby avoiding damage.
  5. Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which minimises the danger of the motor overloading and starting electrical fires; these can be recognised by the two 'test' and 'reset' switches.
  6. Try to look for a lighter travel dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers which have folding handles will mean more room.
  7. Buying the cheapest hair dryer on the market might be risky, as well as safety issues there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to a flimsy construction.
  8. 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 lacking in cheaper models.
  9. In order to function with a 220 volt Central African power outlet your travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for The Central African Republic?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage hair dryer for The Central African Republic?

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

Each model folds, includes an ALCI power plug to prevent overloading and has dual voltage making them ideal for visiting The Central African Republic in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Central African power outlet.  [8] [8] [9] [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 is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor which is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for The Central African Republic?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium travel hair dryer

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for The Central African Republic?

  • For quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go then a ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the most cost effective small ionic hair dryer available to buy.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight enough to carry in a purse due to it's 10.5 ounce body and folding handle and has options found on larger hair dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect from heat damage for a shinier finish.

Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers when used along with the right plug adapter for a Central African power outlet they should work in The Central African Republic and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried for styling on the go. Both have a 1.5 metre power cord, have a two speed motor and include a concentrator attachment.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Which is the best folding travel hair dryer with diffuser for The Central African Republic?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator

Which is the best folding travel hair dryer with diffuser for The Central African Republic?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel blow dryer with a 1.65m electric power cable, it includes a tourmaline diffuser but lacks a cool shot option.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a long 1.82m power cord for greater flexibility when styling 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 ideal for styling thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator with strong motors to make them the most suitable blow dryers for thick hair. They will only require a suitable power adapter for The Central African Republic to plug into a Central African power outlet, they are lightweight and fold up to fit into a carry-on bag.  [10] [11] [11] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best blow dryer for The Central African Republic?

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.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in The Central African Republic 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.

The Central African Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in The Central African Republic?

The typical residential voltage used in The Central African Republic is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used in The Central African Republic?

The frequency from a Central African power outlet is 50Hz. [14]

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic?

There are two different types of power outlets used in The Central African Republic, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet, also called a Europlug, is identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the plug socket by two holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go plus a metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular pattern.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt hair dryer in The Central African Republic, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in The Central African Republic using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

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 The Central African Republic.
  2. The switch or dial requires a screwdriver or coin to change the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. Also it is worth noting down the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers are prone to fading on some models of travel hair dryer.

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in The Central African Republic?

  1. Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 220 volt power outlet.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure that it is switched to operate within the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for The Central African Republic and also plug in the power adapter into the Central African power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most travel hair dryers operating within the 220-240v range to only work safely on their lowest setting - but this speed should still be sufficient enough for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer guidelines to see if this is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. The hair dryer is now ready to operate in The Central African Republic.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

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

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in The Central African Republic then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Central African 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 220 volts used in a Central African power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in The Central African Republic.
  • 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 The Central African Republic or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Central African Republic with a hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in The Central African Republic have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in The Central African Republic 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 wardrobe, drawer or cupboard, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could potentially be a slower air hose type. When staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer could be available at reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer policy then either check on the booking web site or telephone the hotel in The Central African Republic to find out what is available for guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but normally basic models with no diffuser, notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. Those worried about hygiene might want to check for any grime from other guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Travellers who are uncertain that a suitable and hygienic hair dryer is readily available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer.  [2] [AD]

Should you bring a travel hair dryer or domestic blow dryer to The Central African Republic?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to The Central African Republic (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Central African power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Central African Republic). Certain types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer.

Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airport baggage handler in The Central African Republic. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality blow dryer in The Central African Republic could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [16] [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 luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to The Central African Republic will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Power converters for The Central African Republic

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Central African Republic?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Central African Republic?

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 The Central African Republic, however an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 220 volt Central African power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter in The Central African Republic 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 220 volt power outlet used in The Central African Republic. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing 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 will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel hair dryer. [7] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in The Central African Republic with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 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 travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet used in The Central African Republic. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet in The Central African Republic by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Central African power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in The Central African Republic. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic using a type E power adapter

How to power a hair dryer in The Central African Republic by using a Type E power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in The Central African Republic; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Central African Republic you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in The Central African Republic 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Central African power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Central African power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your hair dryer to use in The Central African Republic. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The Central African Republic using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Central African Wikipedia 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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. 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..
  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. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  17. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.