How to use a curling iron in Slovakia

Slovak power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Slovakia:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Slovakia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Slovak power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Slovakia, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Slovakia otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Slovakia 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 Slovakia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Slovakia

Will my curling iron work in Slovakia?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Slovakia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Slovakia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic curling iron in Slovakia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my US curling iron work in Slovakia?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Slovakia and provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Slovak power outlet.

Slovakia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Slovakia?

Power outlets in Slovakia are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Slovakia?

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

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Slovakia?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Slovakia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed round wall socket, technically called the CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Slovakia is a Type E plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Slovakia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need 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 handle or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Slovakia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Slovak power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Slovak power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Slovakia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Slovakia or any other country.

Travelling to Slovakia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Slovakia?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Slovak power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Slovakia.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Slovakia could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant 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 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 hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Slovakia will allow curling irons 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Slovakia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt Slovak power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Slovakia. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Slovakia to use your curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Slovakia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing 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 power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Slovakia by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure 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 as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Slovakia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Slovakia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Slovak power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in Slovakia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Slovakia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Slovakia with a 2 prong Type E travel charger.

  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 create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Slovakia - please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Slovakia. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Slovakia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug the Type E plug adapter into the Slovak power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other along with one long metal earth pin protruding the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Slovak power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Slovakia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Slovak Wikipedia web 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.