Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Namibia?

Namibian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Namibia:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Namibia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Namibian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Namibia, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Namibia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Namibia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Namibia

Will my curling iron work in Namibia?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Namibia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Namibia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read our section on do you need a power converter to use your domestic curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Namibia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Namibia?

Power outlets in Namibia are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Namibia?

The frequency from a Namibian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Namibia?

Type D and M power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Namibia?

There are two types of power outlets used in Namibia, types D and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type D - This wall outlet, also known as a type D power outlet, looks like three round holes forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type M - This power socket (technically known as a type M power outlet) looks like three holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Namibia is a Type D power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Namibia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Namibia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Namibian 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 220 volts used in a Namibian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Namibia.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Namibia or any other country.

Travelling to Namibia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Namibia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Namibian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Namibia. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Namibia might be more than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase 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 also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Namibia will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your 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 avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Namibia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Namibian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Namibia. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Namibia to use my curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Namibia. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly 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 Namibia using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Namibia by using a Type D power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Namibia; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Namibia isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Namibia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type D plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Namibian power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Namibia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Namibia using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Namibia with a three pin Type M travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Namibia; consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type M plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Namibia. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Namibia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the Namibian power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 3 round holes forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Namibian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Namibia using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Namibia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.