How to use your hair straighteners in Botswana

Will my hair straighteners work in Botswana?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Botswana:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring an appropriate power adapter for Botswana listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Botswana but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Botswana

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Botswana power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Botswana, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Botswana otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your own existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in Botswana you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Botswana read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Botswana power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Botswana?

Power outlets in Botswana are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Botswana power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Botswana?

There are three types of power outlets used in Botswana, types G, D and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

• Plug Type D - This wall outlet (called a type D power outlet) looks like three round holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
• Plug Type G - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 slots containing shutters in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
• Plug Type M - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in Botswana; read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Botswana with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Botswana

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Botswana with hair straighteners

Should you bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Botswana?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Botswana power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Botswana.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Botswana might outweigh the costs of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without risk of burning.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can you take hair straighteners in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Botswana will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Botswana

Do I need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Botswana?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Botswana. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Botswana, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Botswana power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [9] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

• Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
• Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
• Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
• Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
• Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [AD]

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.

  [18] [20] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Botswana using a type D power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Botswana with a 3 pinned Type D travel adapter.

1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Botswana you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter ^[4]. The Type D plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Botswana by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
3. Begin by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the Botswana power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 circular holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Botswana power outlet.
6. You can now turn on the straighteners in Botswana. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Botswana using a type G power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in Botswana with a Type G power charger.

1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Botswana; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter ^[6] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Botswana. This power adapter will fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Botswana simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called the Type G power outlet ^[5], can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular holes containing shutters in a triangle configuration.
4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Botswana power outlet.
6. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in Botswana. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Botswana using a type M power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Botswana with a Type M power charger.

1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Botswana, consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Botswana you'll need to use a Type M plug adapter ^[8]. The Type M plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Botswana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
3. Begin by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the Botswana power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type M plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Botswana power outlet.
6. The straighteners can now be used in Botswana. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Botswana power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.

1. Wikipedia - Botswana Wiki page
2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
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 M power outlet
8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
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 - October 2017
11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
13. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners - October 2017
15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
16. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
20. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..