How to use your hair straighteners in Moldova

Moldovan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Moldova?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Moldova:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Moldovan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Moldova, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Moldova otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Moldova check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Moldova

Will my hair straighteners work in Moldova?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Moldova:

Will my US hair straighteners work in Moldova?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Moldova and provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a Moldovan power outlet.

Moldova power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Moldovan power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Moldova?

The voltage used in Moldova is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Moldova?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Moldova?

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet (technically called a Europlug) is recognised by the 2 adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug socket by two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit along with metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Moldova is a Type F plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Moldova with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Moldova?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Moldova?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Moldova will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Moldova?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Moldova as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Moldovan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Moldova. It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Moldova. The cost of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Moldova might overshadow the cost of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Moldova

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in Moldova?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Moldova. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts a 220 volt Moldovan power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Moldova. [7] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Energy saving outlet with timer

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [16] [18] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Moldova using a type C power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Moldova with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Moldova; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Moldova isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Moldova simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Moldovan power outlet. This power outlet can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moldovan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Moldova. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Moldova using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Moldova using a type F power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your hair straighteners in Moldova by using a 2 prong Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Moldova; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Moldova you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Moldova simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. This circular plug outlet (called the Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko outlet) can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Moldovan power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in Moldova. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Moldova using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Moldova Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 hair straighteners -
  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.
  13. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  14. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..