How to use a curling iron in Mauritius

Mauritian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Mauritius:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Mauritius however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Mauritian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Mauritius, so please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Mauritius otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Mauritius check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Mauritius

Will my curling iron work in Mauritius?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Mauritius:

Mauritius power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Mauritius?

The standard residential voltage in Mauritius is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Mauritius?

The frequency from a Mauritian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

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

Type C and G power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet is recognised by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise this power socket by three vertical holes forming a triangular configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Mauritius is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Mauritius. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [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 can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Mauritius then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Mauritian 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 230 volts used in a Mauritian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Mauritius.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Mauritius or any other country.

Travelling to Mauritius with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Mauritius?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Mauritius as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Mauritian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Mauritius.

Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Mauritius might be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage 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 transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Mauritius 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 wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Mauritius

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Mauritius, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Mauritian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Mauritius. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own curling iron, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Mauritius with a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Mauritius, please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Mauritius isn't the same shape as the plug of your curling iron. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Mauritius 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 supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes called a Europlug) can be recognised by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mauritian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron for use in Mauritius. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mauritius using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Mauritius by using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 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. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Mauritius - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Mauritius. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Mauritius simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the Mauritian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mauritian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron should now be ready for use in Mauritius. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mauritius using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Mauritius
  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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.