Which travel adapter will I need for using a clothes iron in Gambia?

Gambian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Gambia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Gambia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Gambia, so please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Gambia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Gambia you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Gambia please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Gambia

Will my clothes iron work in Gambia?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Gambia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Gambia. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on will a power converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Gambia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my US clothes iron in Gambia?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from America travelling to Gambia and provide guidance for using your US clothes iron with a Gambian power outlet.

Gambia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Gambian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Gambian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Gambia?

The voltage used in Gambia is 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Gambia?

The type of power outlet used in Gambia is type G. You can identify the plug socket by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins. A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Gambia is a Type G power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a plug adapter for Gambia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Gambia?

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your clothes iron can support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Gambia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Gambian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage clothes iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Gambian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Gambia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Gambia or any other country.

Travelling to Gambia with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Gambia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Gambia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items. If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Gambia

Can you use a clothes iron with a power converter in Gambia?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Gambia. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Gambian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Gambia. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Gambia using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Gambia using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Gambia - please refer to the instructions to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Gambia. This Type G plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Gambia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter in the Gambian power outlet. This wall supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [3], looks like three slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Gambian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron should now be ready to be used in Gambia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Gambia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Gambia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel 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 clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.