How to use a curling iron in Qatar

Qatari power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Qatar:

  • If your curling iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Qatar but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Qatari power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Qatar, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Qatar otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Qatar please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Qatar

Will my curling iron work in Qatar?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Qatar:

Will my US curling iron work in Qatar?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Qatar and provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Qatari power outlet.

Qatar power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Qatar?

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

What voltage is used in Qatar?

Power outlets in Qatar are 240 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Qatar?

Type D and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Qatar?

There are two types of power outlets used in Qatar, these are type G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this power socket by three circular holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify this power socket by three vertical holes forming a triangular configuration.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Qatar is a Type G plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Qatar. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Qatar with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Qatar will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Qatar?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Qatar as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Qatari power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Qatar.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Qatar. The cost of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Qatar could outweigh the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Qatar

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Qatar?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Qatar. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Qatari power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Qatar. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Qatar using a type D power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Qatar using a 3 pin Type D power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Qatar - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Qatar you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [4]. This Type D plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Qatar by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter into the Qatari power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 3 round holes forming a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Qatari power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Qatar using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Qatar using a type G power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Qatar using a 3 pin Type G power adapter.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting to use in Qatar; please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Qatar doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Qatar simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The plug supply (known as the Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three holes with shutters forming a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Qatari power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Qatar using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Qatar
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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. 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.