Using your curling iron in Afghanistan

Afghan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Afghanistan:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Afghanistan however 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 an 220 volt Afghan power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Afghanistan, therefore please check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Afghanistan otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Afghanistan you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Afghanistan please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Afghanistan

Will my curling iron work in Afghanistan?

This depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts as used in Afghanistan. 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 appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in Afghanistan. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on do you need a power converter to use a domestic curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my US curling iron in Afghanistan?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Afghanistan and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with an Afghan power outlet.

Afghanistan power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Afghanistan?

The common residential voltage in Afghanistan is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in an Afghan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in an Afghan power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Afghanistan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Afghanistan?

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

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket (known as a Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  • Plug Type F - The circular plug outlet, technically known as a Schuko plug, can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins slide into, plus thin grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 220 volt curling iron in Afghanistan is a Type F power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Afghanistan. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Afghanistan

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Afghanistan then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Afghan 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 220 volts used in an Afghan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Afghanistan.
  • 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 Afghanistan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Afghanistan with a curling iron

Should you bring your travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Afghanistan?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Afghan power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Afghanistan. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Afghanistan might outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron in your 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 suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Afghanistan 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Afghanistan

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Afghanistan, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from an Afghan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a power converter for Afghanistan?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Afghanistan. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a curling iron in Afghanistan using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Afghanistan - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Afghanistan you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Afghanistan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Afghan power outlet. The plug supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Afghan power outlet. Your hair curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Afghanistan using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Afghanistan using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Afghanistan with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Afghanistan - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Afghanistan you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Afghanistan 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Afghan power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Afghan power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in Afghanistan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Afghanistan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Afghan entry on wikipedia
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.