Using a curling iron in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistani power outlet

Summary

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Uzbekistan 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 an 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet, however this is considerably 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 Uzbekistan, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Uzbekistan otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Uzbekistan please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Uzbekistan

Will my curling iron work in Uzbekistan?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Uzbekistan. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Uzbekistan. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with a domestic curling iron in Uzbekistan for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Uzbekistan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Uzbekistan?

Power outlets in Uzbekistan are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in an Uzbekistani power outlet?

The frequency used in an Uzbekistani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Uzbekistan?

Type C and I power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Uzbekistan?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Uzbekistan, types I and C with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify the wall socket by the three slots for the live, neutral and earth.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 220 volt curling iron in Uzbekistan is a Type I power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Uzbekistan. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Uzbekistan then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Uzbekistani 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 an Uzbekistani power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Uzbekistan.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Uzbekistan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Uzbekistan with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Uzbekistan?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Uzbekistani power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Uzbekistan. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers in Uzbekistan. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Uzbekistan could be higher than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

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

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 also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Uzbekistan 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Uzbekistan

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Uzbekistan, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in Uzbekistan?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Uzbekistan. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

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

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - 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 make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Uzbekistan - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Uzbekistan. The Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Uzbekistan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Uzbekistani power outlet. The wall outlet is identified by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uzbekistani power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Uzbekistan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Uzbekistan using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Uzbekistan with a 3 pronged Type I travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Uzbekistan isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type I plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Uzbekistan 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type I plug adapter in the Uzbekistani power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three slots for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uzbekistani power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Uzbekistan
  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 I power outlet
  6. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.