How do I use a curling iron in Mozambique?

Mozambican power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Mozambique:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Mozambique however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Mozambican power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier 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 wall outlet used in Mozambique, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Mozambique otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Mozambique you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Mozambique please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Mozambique

Will my curling iron work in Mozambique?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts which are used in Mozambique. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your curling iron in Mozambique. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use your curling iron in Mozambique for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Mozambique power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Mozambican power outlet?

The frequency of the current found in a Mozambican power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Mozambique?

Power outlets in Mozambique are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Mozambique?

Type C, F and M power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Mozambique?

There are three types of power outlets used in Mozambique, types F, C and M with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular power outlet (called the Schuko plug) can be identified by two holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type M - The plug outlet (technically called a type M power outlet) looks like three holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Mozambique, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Mozambique. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the curling iron. The location will depend 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 models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Mozambique with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on 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 Mozambique will allow curling irons 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack 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 knocks and bumps during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Mozambique?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Mozambican power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Mozambique. Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Mozambique. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Mozambique could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along 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 transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Mozambique

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Mozambican power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas 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 Mozambique. [9] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter in Mozambique to use your curling iron?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Mozambique. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Mozambique using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Mozambique; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Mozambique doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron. This Type C plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Mozambique simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. The wall supply, sometimes known as a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is identified by 2 holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mozambican power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Mozambique. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mozambique using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing you how to use your curling iron in Mozambique by using a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Mozambique, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will 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 Mozambique. This Type F plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Mozambique by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the Mozambican power outlet. The sunken round power outlet (sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko outlet) can be recognised by two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go along with a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mozambican power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Mozambique. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mozambique using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Mozambique using a type M power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Mozambique with a 3 prong Type M travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Mozambique; please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Mozambique doesn't accomodate the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8]. This Type M plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Mozambique simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type M plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 large round holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mozambican power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mozambique using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mozambique 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 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 M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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.