How do I use my curling iron in Cambodia?

Cambodian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Cambodia:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Cambodia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Cambodian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Cambodia, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Cambodia otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Cambodia you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Cambodia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cambodia

Will my curling iron work in Cambodia?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volts used in Cambodia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the curling iron in Cambodia. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with a domestic curling iron in Cambodia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Cambodia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Cambodia?

The standard voltage used in Cambodia is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Cambodian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Cambodian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

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

Type A, C and G power outlets

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

There are three types of power outlets used in Cambodia, these are type G, A and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the wall socket by the two slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type G - The wall socket, also known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 vertical rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular shape.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Cambodia is a Type G plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Cambodia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Cambodia

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Cambodia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Cambodian 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 230 volts used in a Cambodian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Cambodia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Cambodia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cambodia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Cambodia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Cambodian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Cambodia. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Cambodia might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Cambodia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Cambodia 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 avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do 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 provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Cambodia

Can you use a curling iron with a converter for Cambodia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Cambodia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own curling iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Cambodian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Cambodia. [9] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Cambodia using a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Cambodia - consult 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 Cambodia won't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Cambodia by changing the shape of the plug, however 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 power outlet, also known as a Type C power outlet [3], can be recognised by the two holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cambodian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cambodia using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Cambodia using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Cambodia with a 3 pronged Type G travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Cambodia you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6]. This Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Cambodia 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 outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the Cambodian power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type G power outlet [5]) looks like 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cambodia using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Cambodia using a type A power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Cambodia using a three bladed Type A power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Cambodia, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron will work with a 230 volt power outlet). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Cambodia. The Type A plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Cambodia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [7], can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral blades slide into. Please be aware that power cables used with type A sockets which are rated at less that 240 volts should not be used in Cambodia so please check first.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cambodian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cambodia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Cambodia
  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 G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.