How do I use my curling iron in Mongolia?

Mongolian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Mongolia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Mongolia 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 a 220 volt Mongolian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Mongolia, so please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Mongolia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Mongolia check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Mongolia

Will my curling iron work in Mongolia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Mongolia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Mongolia. 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 will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Mongolia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my US curling iron in Mongolia?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from America travelling to Mongolia and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Mongolian power outlet.

Mongolia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Mongolia?

The residential voltage in Mongolia is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Mongolian power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Mongolia?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Mongolia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Mongolia, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded plug outlet (known as the Europlug) is identified by the two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - The circular wall socket can be recognised by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangular configuration.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Mongolia is a Type E plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Mongolia with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One way to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend 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 or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Mongolia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Mongolian 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 a Mongolian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Mongolia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Mongolia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Mongolia with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Mongolia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Mongolia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Mongolian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Mongolia. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Mongolia could outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my carry on?

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 suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Mongolia 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 recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Mongolia

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Mongolia, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Mongolian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can you use a curling iron with a voltage converter for Mongolia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Mongolia. Travellers who wish to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Mongolia using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 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. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Mongolia, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Mongolia won't accomodate the plug on your curling iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Mongolia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two holes adjacent 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 Mongolian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron in Mongolia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mongolia using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Mongolia using a type E power adapter

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Mongolia with a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Check 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. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Mongolia doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. The Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Mongolia 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 supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the Mongolian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mongolian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Mongolia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mongolia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mongolia Wikipedia page
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.