Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Monaco?

Monacan power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Monaco:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Monaco 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 Monacan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Monaco, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Monaco otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Monaco check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Monaco

Will my curling iron work in Monaco?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volts used in Monaco:

Monaco power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Monacan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Monacan power outlet is 50 Hz. [11]

What is the mains voltage in Monaco?

Power outlets in Monaco are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Monaco?

There are four types of power outlets used in Monaco, these are type D, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type D - This wall socket, also known as a type D power outlet, can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the wall socket by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type F - The circular power outlet (known as a Schuko socket) can be identified by the two circular holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type D plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Monaco - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Monaco. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Monaco?
Buy a plug adapter for Monaco

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Monaco with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Monaco will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do 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 most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [13] [14] [15] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Monaco?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Monaco as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Monacan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Monaco. Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Monaco. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Monaco might be more than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [14] [AD]

Power converters for Monaco

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

Voltage converter

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

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 in Monaco, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Monacan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [10] [AD]

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Monaco. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their existing curling iron, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [10] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to use a curling iron in Monaco with a Type C travel charger.

  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 not then do not proceed because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Monaco. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a curling iron in Monaco with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might 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 make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Monaco - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Monaco you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Monaco by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type D plug adapter into the Monacan power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a Type E 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 outlet 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. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Monaco, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Monaco isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. The Type E plug adapter helps convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the Monacan power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm apart from each other with a single metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a type E power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a curling iron in Monaco with a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type F 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 Monaco. The plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The circular plug supply, sometimes called a Schuko plug, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Monaco using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Monacan Wikipedia web 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.