How do I use my curling iron in The Maldives?

Maldivian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in The Maldives:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 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 an appropriate power adapter for The Maldives however 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 a 230 volt Maldivian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in The Maldives, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for The Maldives otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in The Maldives please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Maldives

Will my curling iron work in The Maldives?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volts used in The Maldives. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in The Maldives. 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 can you use a power converter to use a domestic curling iron in The Maldives for help deciding which option is more suitable. [13] [AD]

Can I use my US curling iron in The Maldives?

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

The Maldives power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The Maldives?

The standard voltage used in The Maldives is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Maldivian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Maldivian power outlet is 50Hz. [14]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in The Maldives?

There are five types of power outlets used in Maldives, these are type G, D, J, K and L with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - This power socket (known as a type D power outlet) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the wall socket by three rectangular slots forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type J - This flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet (known as a type J power outlet) looks like 3 large circular holes in a flattened triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify the power outlet by the three holes in a triangle pattern and the bottom hole appearing in a semicircle shape.
  • Plug Type L - You can identify the hexagon shaped wall socket by the three round holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth. There are two different variations of Type L power socket rated for 10 and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm round pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in The Maldives is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for The Maldives. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in The Maldives?

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 of the curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Maldives then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Maldivian 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 230 volts used in a Maldivian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Maldives.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in The Maldives or any other country.

Travelling to The Maldives with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Maldives?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Maldivian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for The Maldives. 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 luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in The Maldives might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own 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 transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [16] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to The Maldives?

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 that is taking you to The Maldives 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 suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as 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 offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Power converters for The Maldives

Can you use a curling iron with a converter for The Maldives?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in The Maldives. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [13] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Maldivian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in The Maldives. [13] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in The Maldives with a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in The Maldives - consult 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 The Maldives you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in The Maldives 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Maldivian power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type D power outlet [3]) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not proceed as you might 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 make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The Maldives. The Type G plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in The Maldives by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the three rectangular slots forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type J power adapter

How to power your curling iron in The Maldives using a three pinned Type J power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type J plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The Maldives. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in The Maldives by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type J plug adapter into the power outlet. The squashed hexagon shaped plug supply (sometimes called the Type J power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 large holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type J power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type K power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a two pronged Type K power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 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 sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type K plug adapter [10] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in The Maldives isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type K plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in The Maldives by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type K plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as a Type K power outlet [9], can be identified by the three holes forming an inverted triangular shape with the bottom hole being semicircular in shape.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type K power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type L power adapter

How to power your curling iron in The Maldives with a Type L travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 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 230 volt setting to use in The Maldives, please 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 The Maldives you will need to buy a Type L plug adapter [12]. This Type L plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type L plug adapter in the Maldivian power outlet. You can recognise the hexagon shaped wall outlet by three round holes forming a line for live, neutral and ground. There are two different variations of Type L power outlet rated for 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm round pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Maldives using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Maldivian 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. iec.ch - Type J power outlet
  8. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  12. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  17. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.