How do I use a curling iron in Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Liechtenstein:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Liechtenstein but 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 Liechtenstein power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Liechtenstein, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Liechtenstein otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Liechtenstein

Will my curling iron work in Liechtenstein?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Liechtenstein:

Will my American curling iron work in Liechtenstein?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America travelling to Liechtenstein and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Liechtenstein power outlet.

Liechtenstein power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Liechtenstein?

The typical residential voltage used in Liechtenstein is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in Liechtenstein?

The frequency from a Liechtenstein power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Liechtenstein?

Type C and J power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Liechtenstein?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type J - The squashed hexagon shaped wall outlet, also called a type J power outlet, looks like 3 holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.

A Type J power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Liechtenstein, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Liechtenstein using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Liechtenstein then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Liechtenstein.
  • 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 Liechtenstein or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Liechtenstein with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Liechtenstein?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Liechtenstein as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Liechtenstein power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Liechtenstein. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler in Liechtenstein. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Liechtenstein could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot 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 I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Liechtenstein will allow curling irons 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, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Liechtenstein

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Liechtenstein, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Liechtenstein power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Liechtenstein to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Liechtenstein. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Liechtenstein with a two pin Type C 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 supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Liechtenstein. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Liechtenstein 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. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liechtenstein power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Liechtenstein. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liechtenstein using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Liechtenstein with a three pin Type J travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Liechtenstein; consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Liechtenstein you'll need to use a Type J plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Liechtenstein by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type J plug adapter in the Liechtenstein power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet by 3 circular holes forming a flattened triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liechtenstein power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Liechtenstein. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liechtenstein using a type J power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Liechtenstein 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 J power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.