Which plug adapter do I need to use a hair dryer in Somalia?

Somali power outlet

Will my blowdryer work in Somalia?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Somalia:

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 Somali power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Somalia, therefore check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Somalia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own existing hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair dryer in Somalia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Somalia

Will my hair dryer work in Somalia?

That will depend on if your hair dryer can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Somalia. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your hair dryer in Somalia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Read our section on will a power converter work with your domestic hair dryer in Somalia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for Somalia

Choosing the best blow dryer for Somalia

An ALCI safety plug

Choosing the best blow dryer for Somalia

When looking for the best hair dryer choose a robust but lightweight dual voltage model which will work with a 220 volt Somali power outlet power outlet with a long power cable, a folding handle and ALCI safety plug. For drying thick hair look for a stronger 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

9 tips for buying a new travel hair dryer

  1. Thicker hair might require a travel blow dryer with a more powerful motor - a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster, thereby avoiding damage.
  2. Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which minimises the danger of overloading the motor leading to starting electrical fires - you can idenfity these with reset and test buttons.
  3. Hotel rooms in Somalia might have a fixed mirror positioned away from a outlet which makes it difficult to use the travel dryer, so search for the lengthiest power cord available or use either a hand mirror or a power extension cable.
  4. Instead of looking for expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the dryer barrel size perfectly it could be cheaper and more convenient to buy a new hair dryer which is supplied with both a diffuser and a concentrator.
  5. Buying the cheapest dryer is risky, as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could fail during travelling abroad due to a flimsy construction.
  6. The best travel hair dryers for styling will allow you to change the speed and temperature with 2 options, a hotter faster speed can dry thicker wet hair faster whilst slower speeds with lower temperatures prevent damage to hair.
  7. To operate in Somalia the hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
  8. A cool shot button on a modern hair dryer will rapidly cool hair down after drying which will hold in the style but this feature might be lacking in smaller or cheaper dryers.
  9. Try to look for a lightweight travel hair dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models with a handle which folds mean more space.
Which is a good compact dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle

Which is a good compact dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot?

  • A Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful 2 speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features cool shot that can will quickly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline air outlet for negative ions resulting in quicker and safer styling, two heat options, a longer 1.8m electric power cord and includes a concentrator.

Both models fold, have an ALCI plug to prevent overloading and has dual voltage making them ideal for visiting Somalia in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Somali power outlet.  [6] [6] [7] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick hair?

Thicker hair can take much longer to dry and can be difficult to do so without the hair going frizzy, so the best option is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are able to manage and dry hair smoothly. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic will be 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.  [8] [9] [AD]

Which is the best mini folding dual voltage travel hair dryer?

The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle

Which is the best mini folding dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  • The Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest mini ionic blowdryer available on the market, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer is suitable for quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go.
  • The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight enough to transport in a handbag because of the 10.5oz body and folding handle and has options reserved for larger blow dryers including a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling resulting in a glossy finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used in combination with the right plug adapter for a Somali power outlet they should work in Somalia and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried around all day for drying on the go. They have a 2 speed motor, have a 1.5 metre power cord and include a concentrator.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is a good dual voltage hair dryer with diffuser for Somalia?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer

Which is a good dual voltage hair dryer with diffuser for Somalia?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cord, it includes a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have a cool shot button.
  • A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a long 1.82m electric power cable for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean. It utilises a powerful 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Both ionic hair dryers include a diffuser and concentrator attachment with powerful enough motors to make them the best travel hair dryers for thick hair. They will only require a suitable cheap plug adapter for Somalia to fit into a Somali power outlet, each hair dryer is lightweight and folds up to pack in a carry-on bag.  [8] [9] [9] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel hair dryer to buy for Somalia?

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 Somalia 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.

Somalia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Somalia?

The normal residential voltage used in Somalia is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Somali power outlet?

The frequency from a Somali power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Somalia?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in Somalia?

Type C power outlets are used in Somalia. This wall outlet (called a Europlug) can be recognised by the two circular adjacent holes. A Type C power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt hair dryer in Somalia; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in Somalia with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [13] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How do you switch the voltage on a travel hair dryer?

  1. Most dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which selects between 2 voltages however some dryers are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Somalia.
  2. The switch or dial will normally require either a small coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. Also, it's worth jotting down both switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of travel hair dryer.
How can you tell if your hair dryer is dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can you tell if your hair dryer is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug of your hair dryer. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair dryer, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

How can you use your dual voltage blow dryer in Somalia?

  1. Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and it will work with a 220 volt power socket.
  2. If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure it is set to the 220-240V range. This is usually found on the handle or base of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Somalia, then plug in the power adapter into the Somali power outlet.
  4. It's common on a majority of travel hair dryer models operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting - but this temperature should be adequate for drying hair. Check the manufacturers guidelines to find out if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. The hair dryer can now be used with a Somali power outlet.

Travelling to Somalia with a hair dryer

Is a hair dryer allowed onboard a flight in Somalia?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hair dryer allowed onboard a flight in Somalia?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered hair dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Somalia will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your blow 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 avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Somalia?

Hotel hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Somalia?

It will all depend on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and the class of the accommodation. Hotel room hair dryers are typically found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or might be located in a bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer.

In cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer could be available at the reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either look on the booking web site or telephone the hotel in Somalia to find out what is available for guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but are typically basic models with no diffuser, notorious for low heat and slow air speeds. Those worried about hygiene should remove grime from other guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

For guests who aren't sure 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 or call ahead to their hotel in Somalia to check beforehand.  [2] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Somalia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer rather than bringing an existing domestic blow dryer to Somalia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Somali power outlet (provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Somalia). Some models of travel hair dryer will typically feature a folding handle and will be much lighter, this helps in reducing the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in Somalia. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in Somalia might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Somalia

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap 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 Somalia, however an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 220 volt Somali power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a hair dryer in Somalia?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Somalia. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. In addition, a travel hair dryer can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Somalia using a type C power adapter

A guide showing you how to power a hair dryer in Somalia by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Somalia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Somalia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Somali power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in Somalia. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Somalia using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Somali 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. 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. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  15. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.