How to use your clothes iron abroad

clothes ironWarning: Using your clothes iron in a country with a different voltage runs the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron abroad read the instructions which came with the device to ensure safe operation in that location.

Select from one of the list of locations on this page for full instructions on the most suitable power adapter and how to use your clothes iron in power outlets found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America and North America.

Before going abroad check your clothes iron can work in the voltage used in the destination:

  • If you already know the voltage used in the country you are visiting then check that your clothes iron can run using that voltage, or it you have a dual voltage clothes iron (how you can check if you own dual voltage clothes iron). You will only need to use the right power adapter (if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet).

If not then:

  • Purchase a dual voltage travel iron [1] - you may still need a suitable power adapter but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. There are several different types of power adapter, select your destination from the list of travel destinations below to find out exactly which power adapter you need to bring.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a clothes iron, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in that location, so check that the power converter has an appropriate power adapter for that country otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [2] [AD]

Bringing your clothes iron abroad

Will my clothes iron work abroad?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the same voltage as the one used in power outlets in the country you are visiting. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle the same voltage as the country you are visiting and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in that country. If not then then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [1] or a heavier and more expensive power converter.  [2] [AD]

How can I tell if I have a dual voltage clothes iron?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash or dash - such as 100/240V.

Using your clothes iron abroad

Choose from one of the list of regions below to find out how you can use a clothes iron in that country:
Using the clothes iron abroad

Using a clothes iron in Africa

Using a clothes iron in Asia

Using a clothes iron in Europe

Using a clothes iron in North America

Using a clothes iron in Oceania

Using a clothes iron in South America

  1. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron.
  2. 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..