How to use your curling iron in Chile

Chilean power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Chile however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Chilean power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Chile, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Chile otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Chile please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Chile

Will my curling iron work in Chile?

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

Chile power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Chile?

Power outlets in Chile are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Chile?

The frequency found in a Chilean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Chile?

Type C and L power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Chile?

There are two types of power outlets used in Chile, types L and C with the primary power outlets being type L:

  • Plug Type C - This power socket can be identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type L - You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped plug socket by the 3 holes in a line for live, neutral and earth pins. Note that there are two different types of Type L wall outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one for 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm pins spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type L power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Chile, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Chile. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you 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 can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Chile with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Chile?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Chilean power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Chile. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Chile might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker 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.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your carry on to Chile?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Chile 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 advices wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Chile

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Chile, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert a 220 volt Chilean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Chile to use my curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Chile. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is considerably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Chile by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Chile isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Chile simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Chilean power outlet. The power supply (sometimes known as the Europlug) can be identified by two circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chilean power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Chile. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chile using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Chile using a type L power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Chile using a 3 pinned Type L power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type L plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Chile. This Type L plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Chile by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type L plug adapter in the Chilean power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped power supply, sometimes called a Type L power outlet [5], can be recognised by the three large round adjecent holes in a line. You'll find there are two types of Type L plug outlet rated for 10 amps and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm thick round pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart, and a 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chilean power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Chile. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chile using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Chile
  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 L power outlet
  6. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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.