Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstani power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Kyrgyzstan but 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 a 220 volt Kyrgyzstani power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Kyrgyzstan, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Kyrgyzstan otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Kyrgyzstan you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Kyrgyzstan read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan

Will my curling iron work in Kyrgyzstan?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Kyrgyzstan. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Kyrgyzstan. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Kyrgyzstan for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Kyrgyzstan power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Kyrgyzstan?

The frequency of the current in a Kyrgyzstani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Kyrgyzstan?

Power outlets in Kyrgyzstan are 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Kyrgyzstan, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet is recognised by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round power socket can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 220 volt curling iron in Kyrgyzstan is a Type F power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Kyrgyzstan. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage 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 will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Kyrgyzstan then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Kyrgyzstani 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 220 volts used in a Kyrgyzstani power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Kyrgyzstan.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Kyrgyzstan or any other country.

Travelling to Kyrgyzstan with a curling iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Kyrgyzstan will allow curling irons 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Kyrgyzstan?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Kyrgyzstani power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Kyrgyzstan.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Kyrgyzstan. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Kyrgyzstan might overshadow the cost of purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Kyrgyzstan

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Kyrgyzstan, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Kyrgyzstani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a power converter for Kyrgyzstan?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Kyrgyzstan. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan with a 2 prong Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Kyrgyzstan you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Kyrgyzstan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply, sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be identified 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 Kyrgyzstani power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron in Kyrgyzstan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan using a type F power adapter

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Kyrgyzstan with a two pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Kyrgyzstan - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Kyrgyzstan isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Kyrgyzstan by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type F plug adapter in the Kyrgyzstani power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kyrgyzstani power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron should now be ready to be used in Kyrgyzstan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kyrgyzstan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kyrgyzstani country Wiki page
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.