Using your curling iron in Greece

Greek power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Greece:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Greece however 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 230 volt Greek power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Greece, so check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Greece otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Greece you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Greece check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Greece

Will my curling iron work in Greece?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Greece:

Greece power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Greece?

The frequency of the current from a Greek power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Greece?

Power outlets in Greece are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Greece?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Greece?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular power socket can be recognised by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Greece - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Greece using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Greece

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Greece with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron to Greece?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Greece will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the 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 and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Greece?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Greece as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Greek power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Greece. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Greece. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Greece might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Greece

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Greece, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Greek power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Greece to use a curling iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Greece. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic curling iron, however it might be considerably less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Greece using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Greece isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Greece simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply, sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greek power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron in Greece. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greece using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Greece using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Greece isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Greece simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. The circular wall outlet, also known as a Type F power outlet [5], can be identified by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the two plug outlet pins slide into and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greek power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greece using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greek country entry on wikipedia
  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.