How to use a hair dryer in Andorra

Can I use my hairdryer in Andorra?

First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Andorra:

If your hair dryer can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair dryer will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2] - you may still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Andorra however these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel. Read nine tips for buying a travel hair dryer, six of the best blow dryers in 2023 compared and comprehensive guide to the best travel blow driers which work work with an Andorran power outlet.

Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with an 230 volt Andorran power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of power outlet used in Andorra, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Andorra otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in Andorra please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Andorra

Will my hair dryer work in Andorra?

This will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Andorra:

If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use it in Andorra.
If not then then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2], read our section on do you need a power converter to use a hair dryer for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for Andorra

How to choose the best travel hair dryer for Andorra

When choosing the best hair dryer look for a sturdy but light dual voltage model which operates with an 230 volt Andorran power outlet power outlet, includes a long power cable, a folding handle and a safety plug. If drying thicker hair look for one which includes a diffuser that has a higher 1600+ watt motor.

What to look for when purchasing a travel hair dryer?

To operate with an 230 volt Andorran power outlet your travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
A modern travel dryer might include a 'cool shot' button for quickly cooling hair down after drying to hold in a style but this option lacks in smaller models.
Buying the cheapest hair dryer on the market might be risky, as well as safety concerns there is also a greater chance that the dryer could fail during your trip abroad due to a poor build.
Look for a lightweight travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, dryers which have folding handles mean more space for packing other items.
Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the danger of the motor overloading leading to an electrical fire; models are identified with the 2 reset and test buttons found on the plug.
If you have thicker or curlier hair then you might require a travel hair dryer which has a stronger motor - a higher wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair much faster to avoid damage.
The best hair dryers should allow you to change both temperature and speed settings with low and high options, hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker wet hair whereas a slower speed with a lower temperature should prevent damage to hair.
Some hotel rooms in Andorra could have a fixed mirror positioned too far away from a convenient outlet which could make it hard to use the travel dryer, therefore search for the model with the lengthiest power cord possible.
It could be cheaper and more convenient to purchase a dryer which is supplied with a concentrator and diffuser rather than scouring shops to look for expensive 3rd party attachments.

What is a good dual voltage travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser for Andorra?

A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but it lacks a cool shot option.
A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer has a generous 1.82 metre electric power cable for greater flexibility when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter to clean. It also has a powerful 1875 watt motor including a cool shot button making it ideal for styling thick hair.

Each ionic travel hair dryer features both diffuser and concentrator with strong enough motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They require a cheap power adapter for Andorra to plug into an Andorran power outlet, they are lightweight and fold up to pack in carry-on baggage. [8] [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good mini dual voltage travel hair dryer?

The Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic blow dryer available to buy, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer is most suited for quickly drying fine and thin hair whilst on the go.
A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is small and lightweight enough to carry in a handbag because of a 10.5 ounce body with folding handle and has features found on larger blow dryers including a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect against heat damage during styling for a shinier finish.

Both mini hair dryers have dual voltage and when used in combination with a suitable power adapter for an Andorran power outlet they will work in Andorra and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried for styling on the go. They have a 2 speed motor, have a 1.5 metre electric power cable and include a concentrator attachment. [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best hair dryer for thick curly hair?

Thicker hair can take much longer to dry and might be hard to do so without your hair turning frizzy, the best option will be an ionic hair dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are able to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers, avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair. [8] [9] [AD]

Which is a good dual voltage hair dryer with cool shot?

The Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot button which can will quickly cool down hair.
The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has a cool shot setting, uses a tourmaline ceramic outlet resulting in safer drying, 2 heat options, a longer 1.8m power cord and comes with a concentrator attachment.

Each model folds, has an ALCI power plug to prevent overloading and support dual voltage making both perfect for travel to Andorra in carry on luggage if used with a power adapter for an Andorran power outlet. [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel blow dryer for Andorra?

	Conair MiniPRO	BaByliss PRO	Conair Compact	Berta Folding	X5 Superlite	Hot Tools 1044
Class	Mini		Compact		Compact with diffuser
Works in Andorra	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Works in US	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dual voltage	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Watts	1200	1000	1875	1875	1600	1875
Folds	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ceramic	Yes	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	•
Ionic	Yes	•	•	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tourmaline	•	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	•
Infrared	•	Yes	•	•	•	•
Speed settings	2	2	2	2	2	2
Heat settings	1	1	1	2	1	1
Cool shot	•	•	Yes	Yes	•	Yes
Removable filter	•	Yes	•	•	•	Yes
Concentrator	Yes	Yes	•	Yes	Yes	Yes
Diffuser	•	•	•	•	Yes	Yes
ALCI safety plug	•	Yes	Yes	Yes	•	Yes
Cord length	1.52m	1.52m	1.52m	1.8m	1.65m	1.82m
Color	•	•	• •	• •	•	•
	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Andorra power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an Andorran power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from an Andorran power outlet is 50Hz. [14]

What mains voltage is used in Andorra?

The voltage used in Andorra is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a hair dryer in Andorra?

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

Plug Type C - This unearthed wall socket, technically known as a Europlug, can be identified by two round adjacent holes.
Plug Type F - The recessed circular wall outlet can be identified by the two large round adjacent holes, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt hair dryer in Andorra is a Type F plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in Andorra. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to use a power converter. [6] [15] [AD]

Plug adapters for Andorra

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

The way to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of the hair dryer. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

How should I change the voltage on a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

Most models of dual voltage hair dryers have a dial which selects between 2 types of voltages although some dryers can automatically detect the voltage from an Andorran power outlet.
The switch or dial needs either a small coin or screwdriver to change the dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
Also, it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models.

How can I use a dual voltage blow dryer in Andorra?

Check that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and that it works with a 230 volt power outlet.
If the dryer supports dual voltage please ensure it is set to work in the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to switch.
Plug the dryer into the correct power adapter for Andorra, then plug in the power adapter into the Andorran power outlet.
It is normal for most travel hair dryers operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low speed setting; however this temperature should still be sufficient enough for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers guidelines to find out if this rule is relevant for your model of dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
The dryer can now be operated with an Andorran power outlet.

Travelling to Andorra with a hair dryer

Can you carry on a blow dryer to Andorra?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to Andorra will allow a hair dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit. [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Andorra?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer instead of packing your existing domestic blow dryer to Andorra (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Andorran power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for Andorra). A travel hair dryer will normally feature a folding handle and will be lighter which helps reduce the size and weight when packed in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer.

Please be aware that bringing an expensive domestic hair dryer might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised hair dryer in Andorra might outweigh the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before travelling . [17] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Andorra?

It depends on the hotel or bed and breakfast and the class of the accommodation. Hair dryers in hotels are typically found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or could be found in the bedroom cupboard, wardrobe or drawer.

If staying in budget hostels, hotels and motels a shared hair dryer could be offered at reception but could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability then either call ahead to your hotel in Andorra or look on the booking web site to find out what is available for guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but are typically basic models lacking a diffuser and notorious for low heat and providing slow air speeds. Those concerned with hygiene might want to remove burnt hair from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Travellers who are uncertain that a suitable and germ-free hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer. [2] [AD]

Power converters for Andorra

Do you need a power converter for Andorra to use your hair dryer?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Andorra. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own hair dryer, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer ^[2]. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Andorra, but a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Andorran power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer. [7] [AD]