Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Latvia?

Latvian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Latvia:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Latvia 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 Latvian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Latvia, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Latvia otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Latvia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Latvia

Will my curling iron work in Latvia?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Latvia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Latvia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on can you use a voltage converter to use a domestic curling iron in Latvia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my American curling iron work in Latvia?

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

Latvia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Latvia?

Power outlets in Latvia are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Latvia?

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

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Latvia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Latvia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round plug outlet can be recognised by two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the two plug socket pins slide into and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Latvia is a Type F plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Latvia using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Latvia

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 will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Latvia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Latvian 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 230 volts used in a Latvian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Latvia.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Latvia or any other country.

Travelling to Latvia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Latvia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Latvia as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Latvian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Latvia.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Latvia might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to 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 will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Latvia will allow a curling iron 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, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Latvia

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Latvia. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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 will transform a 230 volt Latvian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Latvia. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Latvia using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Latvia - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Latvia won't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Latvia 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 by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Latvian power outlet. The wall outlet, also known as the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], can be recognised by 2 circular holes next to each other where the two plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Latvian power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron in Latvia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Latvia using a type C power adapter

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

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

  1. Please ensure 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 might 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 Latvia - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Latvia. The Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Latvia 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 F plug adapter into the Latvian power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Latvian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Latvia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Latvia using a type F power adapter

See also

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