Using your curling iron in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Saudi Arabia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saudi Arabia, therefore please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Saudi Arabia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Saudi Arabia you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Saudi Arabia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saudi Arabia

Will my curling iron work in Saudi Arabia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Saudi Arabia?

The frequency of the current from a Saudi Arabian power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

What mains voltage is used in Saudi Arabia?

Power outlets in Saudi Arabia are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia?

There are four types of power outlets used in Saudi Arabia, these are type G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the power outlet by the two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two slots next to each other where the twin plug socket blades slide into with a single hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round plug outlet, technically called the Schuko socket, can be identified by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin pins slide into and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type G - The wall socket (known as a type G power outlet) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Saudi Arabia is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Saudi Arabia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Saudi Arabia with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Saudi Arabia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying 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 verify that your airline that is taking you to Saudi Arabia 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Should you bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Saudi Arabia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Saudi Arabia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Saudi Arabian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Saudi Arabia. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Saudi Arabia could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Saudi Arabia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Saudi Arabian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Saudi Arabia. [11] [AD]

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for Saudi Arabia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Saudi Arabia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type B power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the 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 attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Saudi Arabia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saudi Arabia you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saudi Arabia simply 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. Begin the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type B power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short twin plug outlet blades slide into with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type B power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Saudi Arabia with a 2 pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. 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 it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Saudi Arabia, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Saudi Arabia isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saudi Arabia simply 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. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Saudi Arabian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other along with a pair of two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type G power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Saudi Arabia with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the 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 attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Saudi Arabia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saudi Arabia you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saudi Arabia simply 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. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type G power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type A power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Saudi Arabia with a 2 pronged Type A power adapter.

  1. 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 it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Saudi Arabia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your curling iron can work with a 220 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saudi Arabia you will need to use a Type A plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saudi Arabia simply 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. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type A power outlet [9]) is identified by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short twin plug outlet blades slide into.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saudi Arabia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Saudi Arabia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  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 G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.