How do I use my curling iron in Angola?

Angolan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Angola:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Angola 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 an 220 volt Angolan power outlet, however this is substantially 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 power outlet used in Angola, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Angola otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Angola you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Angola check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Angola

Will my curling iron work in Angola?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Angola:

Can I use my US curling iron in Angola?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Angola and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with an Angolan power outlet.

Angola power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Angola?

The standard voltage used in Angola is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in an Angolan power outlet?

The frequency from an Angolan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Angola?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Angola?

Type C power outlets are used in Angola. This ungrounded plug outlet (technically called the Europlug) can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins. A Type C power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Angola - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Angola. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Plug adapters for Angola

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location might vary depending 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 which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Angola then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Angolan 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 220 volts used in an Angolan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Angola.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Angola or any other country.

Travelling to Angola with a curling iron

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Angola?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Angola as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Angolan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Angola.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Angola. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Angola could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Angola?

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 verify that your airline who is taking you to Angola will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). 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 knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Angola

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from an Angolan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, however 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 Angola. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Angola to use your curling iron?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Angola. Travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also considerably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

A page showing how to power your curling iron in Angola with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure 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, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Angola you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Angola 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Angolan power outlet. The plug supply (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Angolan power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Angola. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Angola using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Angola
  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. 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.