Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Tunisia?

Tunisian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Tunisia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Tunisia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Tunisian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Tunisia, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Tunisia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Tunisia you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Tunisia check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Tunisia

Will my curling iron work in Tunisia?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Tunisia:

Will my American curling iron work in Tunisia?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Tunisia and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Tunisian power outlet.

Tunisia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Tunisia?

The frequency in a Tunisian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Tunisia?

Power outlets in Tunisia are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Tunisia?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Tunisia?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed plug outlet (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed round plug outlet (technically called the type E power outlet) can be identified by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into plus one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular configuration.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Tunisia; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Tunisia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Tunisia

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Tunisia 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 bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Tunisia 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Tunisia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Tunisia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Tunisian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Tunisia.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Tunisia could be higher than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage 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 also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tunisia

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Tunisian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Tunisia. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Tunisia?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tunisia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Tunisia using a two prong Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Tunisia. The Type C plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Tunisia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Tunisian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round adjacent holes where the plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tunisian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Tunisia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Tunisia using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Tunisia using a two pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Tunisia - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Tunisia you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Tunisia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large adjacent holes next to each other where the twin pins slide into and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tunisian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Tunisia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Tunisia
  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.