How do I use a curling iron in Serbia?

Serbian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Serbia:

If not then:

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

Using a curling iron in Serbia

Will my curling iron work in Serbia?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Serbia:

Serbia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Serbia?

Power outlets in Serbia are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Serbia?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Serbia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Serbia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed round wall outlet (called a Schuko socket) can be identified by two 4.8mm holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of two grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Serbia is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Serbia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Serbia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Serbia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Serbian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Serbia.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Serbia might be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot 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 transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Serbia 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons 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.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Serbia

Do you need a voltage converter to use your curling iron in Serbia?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Serbia. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Serbia, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Serbian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Serbia with a two pinned Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Serbia; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Serbia isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your curling iron. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet in Serbia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is identified by two holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Serbian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in Serbia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Serbia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Serbia by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Serbia; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Serbia. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Serbia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter in the Serbian power outlet. The recessed circular power supply, also called a Schuko plug, can be recognised by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Serbian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Serbia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Serbia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Serbia Wikipedia 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. 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.