Using a curling iron in Morocco

Moroccan power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Morocco:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Morocco 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 220 volt Moroccan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier 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 power outlet used in Morocco, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Morocco otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Morocco you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Morocco read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Morocco

Will my curling iron work in Morocco?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Morocco. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Morocco. 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 voltage converter work with a curling iron in Morocco for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Morocco?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Morocco and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Moroccan power outlet.

Morocco power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Moroccan power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Morocco?

Power outlets in Morocco are 220 volts.

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - This power socket, technically known as a Europlug, is recognised by 2 adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Morocco is a Type E power adapter, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Morocco. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [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 and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Morocco then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Moroccan 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 220 volts used in a Moroccan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Morocco.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Morocco or any other country.

Travelling to Morocco with a curling iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Morocco will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords 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 offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Morocco?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Morocco as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Moroccan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Morocco.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Morocco might overshadow the cost of 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 suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Morocco

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Morocco. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, but it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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 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 Morocco, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 220 volt Moroccan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Morocco with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 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 sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Morocco, please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Morocco isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Morocco 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the Moroccan power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moroccan power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Morocco using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Morocco using a Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts; refer to the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Morocco doesn't accomodate the plug on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Morocco by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Moroccan power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Morocco using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org page about Morocco
  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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.