How do I use a curling iron in Bosnia?

Bosnian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Bosnia:

If not then you can either:

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

Using a curling iron in Bosnia

Will my curling iron work in Bosnia?

This depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Bosnia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Bosnia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read the guide on will a voltage converter work with a curling iron in Bosnia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my American curling iron work in Bosnia?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Bosnia and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Bosnian power outlet.

Bosnia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Bosnia?

The normal residential voltage used in Bosnia is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Bosnian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Bosnian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Bosnia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Bosnia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power socket by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - This round wall outlet, also called a Schuko socket or type F power outlet, can be recognised by the two large circular adjacent holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into along with grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Bosnia is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Bosnia. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might 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 Bosnia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Bosnian 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 Bosnian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Bosnia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Bosnia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Bosnia with a curling iron

Is it better to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Bosnia?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Bosnian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Bosnia.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers in Bosnia. The cost of repairing or replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Bosnia could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on hand luggage to Bosnia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron 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 Bosnia will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do 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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Bosnia

Do you need a converter in Bosnia to use a curling iron?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Bosnia. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring along their existing curling iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 230 volt Bosnian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Bosnia. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Bosnia by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Bosnia; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Bosnia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Bosnia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Bosnian power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bosnian power outlet. The hair curling iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Bosnia using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a curling iron in Bosnia by using a Type F power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Bosnia, consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Bosnia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Bosnia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the Bosnian power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two round holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bosnian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Bosnia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Bosnia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Bosnia
  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.