Using a curling iron in Macedonia

Macedonian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Macedonia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Macedonia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Macedonian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Macedonia, therefore check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for Macedonia otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Macedonia you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Macedonia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Macedonia

Will my curling iron work in Macedonia?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Macedonia:

How can I use my US curling iron in Macedonia?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Macedonia and will provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Macedonian power outlet.

Macedonia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Macedonia?

The frequency used in a Macedonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Macedonia?

The typical voltage used in Macedonia is 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Macedonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Macedonia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Macedonia, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two large round adjacent holes next to each other, plus a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Macedonia is a Type F plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Macedonia using a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Macedonia with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Macedonia 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do 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 greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should I bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Macedonia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Macedonian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Macedonia. Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Macedonia. The cost of replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Macedonia could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase 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 also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Macedonia

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

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Macedonia. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Macedonia, but an expensive and bulkier power converter will transform a 230 volt Macedonian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Macedonia using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Macedonia, please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Macedonia you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Macedonia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter in the Macedonian power outlet. This plug outlet is recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Macedonian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Macedonia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Macedonia using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Macedonia using a type F power adapter

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Macedonia by using a Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Macedonia, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Macedonia you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Macedonia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type F plug adapter into the Macedonian power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Macedonian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Macedonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Macedonian page on Wikipedia.org
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.