How to use your curling iron in Montenegro

Montenegrin power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below 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 the right power adapter for Montenegro but 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 Montenegrin 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 shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Montenegro, so please check that the voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Montenegro otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [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 blowing a fuse. Before using your curling iron in Montenegro please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Montenegro

Will my curling iron work in Montenegro?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Montenegro:

Montenegro power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Montenegro?

The voltage used in Montenegro is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Montenegrin power outlet?

The frequency from a Montenegrin power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - This round plug socket can be recognised by the two large round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Montenegro, read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Montenegro. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Montenegro

Dual voltage curling irons

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

A simple method to tell if your curling iron will accept a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the curling iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other irons will have a switch 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 Montenegro then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Montenegrin 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 Montenegrin power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Montenegro.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Montenegro or any other country.

Travelling to Montenegro with a curling iron

Should I bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Montenegro?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Montenegrin power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Montenegro.

Please note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Montenegro. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Montenegro might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can you pack a curling iron in your carry on to Montenegro?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Montenegro 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Montenegro

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Montenegro?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Montenegro. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts a 230 volt Montenegrin power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Montenegro. [7] [AD]

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

A page on how to power a curling iron in Montenegro with a Type C power 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 it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons sometimes 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 user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Montenegro doesn't take the plug on your curling iron. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Montenegro by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Montenegrin power outlet. The hair curling iron should now be ready to be used in Montenegro. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Montenegro using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your curling iron in Montenegro using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Montenegro. This Type F plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Montenegro 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. First plug in the Type F plug adapter in the Montenegrin power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Montenegrin power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Montenegro. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Montenegro using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Montenegro
  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.