How to use a curling iron in Uruguay

Uruguayan power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Uruguay:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Uruguay but 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 Uruguayan 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 power outlet used in Uruguay, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Uruguay otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Uruguay you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Uruguay please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Uruguay

Will my curling iron work in Uruguay?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Uruguay. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the curling iron in Uruguay. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a power converter work with your curling iron in Uruguay for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Will my US curling iron work in Uruguay?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Uruguay and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Uruguayan power outlet.

Uruguay power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Uruguay?

The frequency found in a Uruguayan power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Uruguay?

Power outlets in Uruguay are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Uruguay?

There are four types of power outlets used in Uruguay, these are type F, C, I and L with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - This circular plug outlet (known as a type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type I - This plug socket (technically called a type I power outlet) can be recognised by the 3 slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  • Plug Type L - You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped wall socket by the 3 large circular holes forming a line. Note that there are two variations of Type L plug socket rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp power outlet has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Uruguay is a Type F plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Uruguay. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Uruguay?

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 can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change 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 230 volts used in Uruguay then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Uruguayan 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 Uruguayan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Uruguay.
  • 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 Uruguay or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Uruguay with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage?

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 United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Uruguay will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Uruguay?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Uruguay as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Uruguayan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Uruguay.

Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Uruguay. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Uruguay might outweigh the cost of buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Uruguay

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Uruguayan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Uruguay. [9] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my curling iron in Uruguay?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Uruguay. Travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase 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 when packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

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

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Uruguay - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Uruguay isn't the same shape as the plug of your curling iron. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Uruguay 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 outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type C plug adapter in the Uruguayan power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Uruguay using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Uruguay using a Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; 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 the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Uruguay. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Uruguay 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. First plug in the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go, plus a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Uruguay using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Uruguay using a type L power adapter

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Uruguay using a Type L power 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 might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Uruguay, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Uruguay you will need to buy a Type L plug adapter [8]. This Type L plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Uruguay by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type L plug adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three large holes forming a line for live, neutral and ground. Note there are two variations of Type L plug supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Uruguay using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Uruguay
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.