How to use your curling iron in Tanzania

Tanzanian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Tanzania:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Tanzania however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Tanzanian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Tanzania, so please check that your power converter comes with the right power adapter for Tanzania otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note - your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Tanzania you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Tanzania check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Tanzania

Will my curling iron work in Tanzania?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Tanzania. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Tanzania. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in Tanzania for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American curling iron in Tanzania?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Tanzania and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Tanzanian power outlet.

Tanzania power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Tanzania?

Power outlets in Tanzania are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Tanzania?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Tanzania?

Type D and G power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Tanzania?

There are two types of power outlets used in Tanzania, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type G - The plug socket (also called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle configuration.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Tanzania, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Tanzania. Note 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?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Tanzania then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Tanzanian 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 230 volts used in a Tanzanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Tanzania.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Tanzania or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Tanzania with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Tanzania?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Tanzanian power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Tanzania. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Tanzania. The cost of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Tanzania could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in carry on to Tanzania?

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 US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Tanzania will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Tanzania

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in Tanzania?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tanzania. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Tanzania?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Tanzania?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 230 volt Tanzanian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Tanzania. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Tanzania using a type D power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Tanzania with a three pin Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Tanzania; refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Tanzania you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. The Type D plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Tanzania by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter in the Tanzanian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tanzanian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Tanzania. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Tanzania using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Tanzania by using a Type G power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Tanzania. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Tanzania simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tanzanian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Tanzania. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Tanzania using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tanzania Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.