How do I use my curling iron in Moldova?

Moldovan power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Moldova:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Moldova however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Moldovan power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Moldova, so please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Moldova otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Moldova check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Moldova

Will my curling iron work in Moldova?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Moldova. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Moldova. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Moldova for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my US curling iron in Moldova?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from America travelling to Moldova and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Moldovan power outlet.

Moldova power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Moldovan power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Moldova?

The residential voltage in Moldova is 220 volts.

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round plug outlet (also called the Schuko socket) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Moldova - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Moldova. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Moldova

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One way to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Moldova then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Moldovan 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 220 volts used in a Moldovan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Moldova.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Moldova or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Moldova with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on?

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 suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Moldova 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). 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 most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Moldova?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Moldova as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Moldovan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Moldova. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Moldova could outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring 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 right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Moldova

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Moldova, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Moldovan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can you use a curling iron with a voltage converter for Moldova?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Moldova. Travellers who wish to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be 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 suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Moldova using a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Moldova, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Moldova isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Moldova by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moldovan power outlet. Your hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Moldova using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Moldova using a two pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron 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 220 volt setting to use in Moldova - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Moldova. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Moldova simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. The circular wall outlet can be recognised by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moldovan power outlet. Your hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Moldova using a type F power adapter

See also

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