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

Monacan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Monaco?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Monaco:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Monacan power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Monaco, so check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Monaco otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in Monaco you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Monaco please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Monaco

Will my hair straighteners work in Monaco?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Monaco. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your hair straighteners in Monaco. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read our section on do you need a power converter to use your domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [10] [AD]

Can I use my American hair straighteners in Monaco?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Monaco and provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a Monacan power outlet.

Monaco power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Monaco?

The frequency from a Monacan power outlet is 50 Hz. [11]

What is the mains voltage in Monaco?

Power outlets in Monaco are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Monaco?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Monaco, types D, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type D - This wall outlet, technically known as a type D power outlet, looks like three round holes forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular plug socket can be identified by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug socket can be identified by two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Monaco is a Type D power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Monaco. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need for using  hair straighteners in Monaco?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your hair straighteners. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges 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 Monaco then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Monacan 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 Monacan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Monaco.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Monaco or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Monaco with hair straighteners

Can I pack hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I pack hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Monaco will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [13] [14] [15] [AD]

Should you bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Monaco?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Monaco as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Monacan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Monaco.

Be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Monaco might be higher than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [14] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Monaco

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Monacan power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Monaco. [10] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Monaco to use my hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Monaco. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [10] [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.    [14] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

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.
  [19] [21] [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 Monaco using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Monaco by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Some travel hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Monaco; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Monaco doesn't accomodate the plug of your hair straighteners. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Monaco by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Monacan power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Monaco using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Monaco using a type D power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Monaco with a 3 pinned Type D power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in Monaco you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Monaco 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly insert the Type D plug adapter into the wall outlet. This wall supply (technically known as the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like three circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Monacan power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Monaco using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Monaco using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Monaco by using a Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could 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 the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet used in Monaco isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners. The Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Monaco simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter into the Monacan power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other plus a metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Monacan power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in Monaco. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Monaco using a type E power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Monaco by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Monaco; consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Monaco. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Monaco by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Monacan power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Monacan power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners in Monaco. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Monaco using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Monacan Wiki 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  19. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  20. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  21. 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..