Using your curling iron in Cape Verde

Cape Verdean power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Cape Verde:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Cape Verde however 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 220 volt Cape Verdean 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 won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Cape Verde, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Cape Verde otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Cape Verde you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Cape Verde please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cape Verde

Will my curling iron work in Cape Verde?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Cape Verde:

Cape Verde power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Cape Verdean power outlet?

The frequency in a Cape Verdean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Cape Verde?

The normal residential voltage in Cape Verde is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Cape Verde?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Cape Verde?

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet is identified by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - The circular wall socket (also called a Schuko socket or type F power outlet) can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Cape Verde - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Cape Verde with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Cape Verde

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Cape Verde with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Cape Verde in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Cape Verde will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it better to bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Cape Verde?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Cape Verde as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Cape Verdean power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Cape Verde.

Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers in Cape Verde. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Cape Verde could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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 waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Cape Verde

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Cape Verdean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Cape Verde. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Cape Verde?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Cape Verde. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to use your curling iron in Cape Verde with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Cape Verde, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Cape Verde. The Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Cape Verde by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet is identified by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cape Verdean power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Cape Verde. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cape Verde using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use your curling iron in Cape Verde with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Cape Verde, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Cape Verde. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Cape Verde simply 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other and a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cape Verdean power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Cape Verde. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cape Verde using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Cape Verde
  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.