Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in The United Arab Emirates:

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for The United Arab Emirates but 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 United Arab Emirates power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for The United Arab Emirates otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in The United Arab Emirates check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates

Will my curling iron work in The United Arab Emirates?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in The United Arab Emirates. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in The United Arab Emirates. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

The United Arab Emirates power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in The United Arab Emirates?

The frequency of the current from a United Arab Emirates power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in The United Arab Emirates?

The typical residential voltage in The United Arab Emirates is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates?

Type C, D and G power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates?

There are three different types of power outlets used in The United Arab Emirates, types G, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - This power socket (also known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots containing shutters in a triangular shape.

A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in The United Arab Emirates - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [8] [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 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 should also state 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 The United Arab Emirates then you should be able to use your curling iron with a United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The United Arab Emirates.
  • 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 The United Arab Emirates or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The United Arab Emirates with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to The United Arab Emirates?

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 US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to The United Arab Emirates 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.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to The United Arab Emirates?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a United Arab Emirates power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for The United Arab Emirates.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in The United Arab Emirates. The cost involved in repairing or replacing an expensive quality curling iron in The United Arab Emirates might 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 suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for The United Arab Emirates

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic curling iron, however it might be considerably less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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 lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 220 volt United Arab Emirates power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

Instructions on how to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. 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 The United Arab Emirates - 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 The United Arab Emirates you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in The United Arab Emirates 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. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. Your curling iron should now be ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a Type D travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in The United Arab Emirates won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in The United Arab Emirates by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this power supply by the three circular holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a Type G travel charger.

  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. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, please consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The United Arab Emirates. The Type G plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates 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 G plug adapter and plugging it in the United Arab Emirates power outlet. You can recognise this power supply by the three rectangular holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The United Arab Emirates Wikipedia 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. 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.