How do I use a curling iron in Syria?

Syrian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Syria:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Syria but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Syrian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Syria, so please check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Syria otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Syria you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Syria please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Syria

Will my curling iron work in Syria?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Syria. 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'll be able to use it in Syria. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read the guide on can you use a power converter with a curling iron in Syria for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Syria power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Syria?

The frequency from a Syrian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Syria?

The typical voltage used in Syria is 220 volts.

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

Type C, E and L power outlets

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

There are three different types of power outlets used in Syria, types E, C and L with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular plug socket (known as the type E power outlet) can be identified by two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type L - You can recognise the flattened hexagon shaped plug socket by 3 circular adjecent holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth pins. Please note there are two variations of Type L wall outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. The 10 amp power outlet has 4mm pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type E power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Syria; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Syria using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

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 check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might 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 but other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Syria with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron?

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 suggests that you should check that your airline which is flying you to Syria will allow a curling iron 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do 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 offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Should you bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Syria?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Syria as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Syrian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Syria.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Syria might be higher than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Syria

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Syria?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Syria?

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Syrian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Syria. [9] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use your curling iron in Syria?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Syria. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic curling iron, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Syria with a two prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue 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 you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Syria; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Syria. This power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Syria by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Syrian power outlet. The plug outlet, also called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is recognised by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Syrian power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Syria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Syria using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Syria using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use your curling iron in Syria with a two pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Syria you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Syria simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. This round power outlet (called the CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Syrian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Syria using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Syria using a type L power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Syria with a three pin Type L 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 attempt these instructions 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 Syria; consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type L plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Syria. This Type L plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Syria by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type L plug adapter in the Syrian power outlet. The squashed hexagon shaped wall supply, sometimes called a Type L power outlet [7], looks like three holes in a line for live, neutral and ground. Note that there are two different types of Type L power supply rated for 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Syrian power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Syria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Syria using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Syria
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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.