Using a curling iron in East Timor

East Timor power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in East Timor:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for East Timor however 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 an 220 volt East Timor 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 physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in East Timor, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for East Timor otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [8] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in East Timor you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in East Timor check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in East Timor

Will my curling iron work in East Timor?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in East Timor:

East Timor power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in East Timor?

Power outlets in East Timor are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in an East Timor power outlet?

The frequency in an East Timor power outlet is 50Hz. [9]

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in East Timor?

There are four different types of power outlets used in East Timor, types E, C, F and I with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall socket by the two adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type E - The circular power outlet (technically called the type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go plus one metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type I - This plug outlet (known as a type I power outlet) can be recognised by 3 thin slots in an upside-down triangular configuration with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground blades.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in East Timor - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in East Timor with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [10] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in East Timor?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges 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 East Timor then you should be able to use your curling iron with an East Timor 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 an East Timor power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in East Timor.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in East Timor or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to East Timor with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to East Timor?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an East Timor power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for East Timor. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in East Timor. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in East Timor could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker 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 waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

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

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 flying you to East Timor will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. 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 power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [11] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for East Timor

Do you need a converter to use your curling iron in East Timor?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in East Timor. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their own curling iron, however it can be 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 considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [8] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

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 East Timor, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt East Timor power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [8] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in East Timor with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please 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 don't proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in East Timor isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the East Timor power outlet. The power supply (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the East Timor power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in East Timor using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in East Timor with a Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in East Timor, please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in East Timor you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in East Timor simply 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 E plug adapter in the power outlet. The sunken round plug supply can be recognised by two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral with a single metal earth pin protruding the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the East Timor power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in East Timor using a type E power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in East Timor using a two pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts; please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in East Timor won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the East Timor power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the East Timor power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in East Timor using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - East Timor 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 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 F power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  10. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.