Using a curling iron in Malta

Maltese power outlet

Summary

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Malta however 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 Maltese power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Malta, therefore check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for Malta otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Malta you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Malta read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Malta

Will my curling iron work in Malta?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Malta:

Malta power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Malta?

The frequency used in a Maltese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Malta?

The typical voltage used in Malta is 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Malta?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Malta?

The type of power outlet used in Malta is type G. You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground. A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Malta is a Type G power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Malta. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have 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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Malta with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Malta will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do 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 greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Malta?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Maltese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Malta. Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Malta. The cost of replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Malta could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot 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 right after use without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Malta

Do you need a converter to use a curling iron in Malta?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Malta. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Malta?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Malta?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Malta, but an expensive and bulkier power converter will transform a 230 volt Maltese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Malta using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Malta by using a Type G 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 supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Malta isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your curling iron. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Malta simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three vertical slots forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maltese power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Malta using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malta Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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.