How to use a curling iron in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstani power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Kazakhstan:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Kazakhstan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Kazakhstani power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Kazakhstan, so check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Kazakhstan otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Kazakhstan you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Kazakhstan read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Kazakhstan

Will my curling iron work in Kazakhstan?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Kazakhstan. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Kazakhstan. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with a domestic curling iron in Kazakhstan for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Kazakhstan power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Kazakhstan?

The standard voltage in Kazakhstan is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Kazakhstan?

The frequency of the current in a Kazakhstani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Kazakhstan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Kazakhstan?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall socket by the two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Kazakhstan is a Type F plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Kazakhstan. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a power 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 will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Kazakhstan with a curling iron

Should you bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Kazakhstan?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Kazakhstan as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Kazakhstani power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Kazakhstan. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Kazakhstan could be more than buying a cheap 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 shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Kazakhstan in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Kazakhstan will allow curling irons 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, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you 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 greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Kazakhstan

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Kazakhstan, however a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Kazakhstani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

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 Kazakhstan. Travellers wishing to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Kazakhstan using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Kazakhstan. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Kazakhstan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the Kazakhstani power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kazakhstani power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kazakhstan using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Kazakhstan by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  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 used in Kazakhstan. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Kazakhstan 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 outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type F plug adapter into the Kazakhstani power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kazakhstani power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kazakhstan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kazakhstani 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. 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.