How do I use my curling iron in Argentina?

Argentinean power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Argentina:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Argentina 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 an 220 volt Argentinean power outlet, however this is substantially 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 wall outlet used in Argentina, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Argentina otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Argentina you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Argentina please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Argentina

Will my curling iron work in Argentina?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts used in Argentina. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the curling iron in Argentina. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with a domestic curling iron in Argentina for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my US curling iron in Argentina?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Argentina and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with an Argentinean power outlet.

Argentina power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with an Argentinean power outlet?

The frequency of the current from an Argentinean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Argentina?

The standard voltage used in Argentina is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Argentina?

Type C and I power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a curling iron in Argentina?

There are two types of power outlets used in Argentina, these are type I and C with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type I - The wall socket, also known as a type I power outlet, can be identified by the 3 slots forming an upside-down triangular configuration with the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground blades.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Argentina is a Type I plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Argentina. Be aware 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?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Argentina with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Argentina?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Argentinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Argentina. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Argentina might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. 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 will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Argentina?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Argentina 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 avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Argentina

Can you use a curling iron with a converter for Argentina?

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 Argentina. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own curling iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from an Argentinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Argentina. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Argentina with a 2 pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. 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; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Argentina you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Argentina simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Argentinean power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the two round holes next to each other where the two plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Argentinean power outlet. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Argentina using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Argentina using a type I power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Argentina with a Type I travel charger.

  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 but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Argentina - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Argentina you will need to buy a Type I plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Argentina 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 supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the three slots for the live, neutral and earth. Be aware that the neutral and live pins are reversed compared to Chinese and Australian plug outlets so please check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible in Argentina.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Argentinean power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Argentina. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Argentina using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Argentina
  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 I power outlet
  6. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.