How do I use my curling iron in Cyprus?

Cypriot power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Cyprus:

  • If your curling iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Cyprus 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 Cypriot power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Cyprus, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Cyprus otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts used in Cyprus you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Cyprus please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cyprus

Will my curling iron work in Cyprus?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Cyprus. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use the curling iron in Cyprus. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in Cyprus?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Cyprus and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Cypriot power outlet.

Cyprus power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Cyprus?

The frequency of the current used in a Cypriot power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Cyprus?

Power outlets in Cyprus are 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Cyprus?

Type G power outlets are used in Cyprus. You can recognise this power socket by three holes with plastic shutters forming a triangle shape. A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt curling iron in Cyprus; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Cyprus using a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Cyprus?

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Cyprus with a curling iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Cyprus 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Cyprus?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Cyprus as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Cypriot power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Cyprus. Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Cyprus could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Cyprus

Do you need a power converter in Cyprus to use your curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Cyprus. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring along their own domestic curling iron, but it could be a lot cheaper to buy 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 suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 240 volt Cypriot power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Cyprus. [5] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Cyprus by using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Cyprus, please 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 Cyprus you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Cyprus simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter into the Cypriot power outlet. This wall outlet, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by three rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cypriot power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron in Cyprus. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cyprus using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cypriot Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.