Using a curling iron in Yemen

Yemeni power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Yemen:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Yemen 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 230 volt Yemeni power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Yemen, so please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Yemen otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Yemen you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Yemen please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Yemen

Will my curling iron work in Yemen?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Yemen. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Yemen. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a power converter work with a curling iron in Yemen for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Yemen power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Yemeni power outlet?

The frequency from a Yemeni power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Yemen?

Power outlets in Yemen are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Yemen?

Type A, D and G power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Yemen?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the plug outlet by 3 round holes forming a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - The plug socket, also called a type G power outlet, looks like 3 holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Yemen; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Yemen. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Yemen with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on hand luggage to Yemen?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Yemen 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you 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 knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Yemen?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Yemeni power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Yemen.

Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Yemen. The cost of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Yemen might be more than buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. 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 heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Yemen

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Yemen, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 230 volt Yemeni power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in Yemen?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Yemen. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, but it can be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Yemen using a type D power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Yemen with a three pin Type D travel charger.

  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 it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Yemen; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Yemen you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Yemen by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. This power outlet, technically known as a Type D power outlet [3], looks like 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Yemeni power outlet. The hair curling iron should now be ready for use in Yemen. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Yemen using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Yemen with a three pinned Type G power charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Yemen won't take the plug shape on your curling iron. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Yemen simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter in the Yemeni power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by three vertical rectangular holes forming a triangular pattern.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Yemeni power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Yemen using a type G power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Yemen using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. Please check 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 still check that your curling iron can work with a 230 volt power outlet). If the shape of the power outlet used in Yemen isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Yemen simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter in the Yemeni power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short twin blades sit. Please note that power cords with type A outlets which are rated at less that 240 V should not be used so please check first.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Yemeni power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Yemen. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Yemen using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Yemen entry on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.