How to use a curling iron in Austria

Austrian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Austria:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Austria 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 an 230 volt Austrian 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 physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Austria, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Austria otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Austria please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Austria

Will my curling iron work in Austria?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Austria. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Austria. 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 curling iron in Austria for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Austria power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Austria?

The standard residential voltage in Austria is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Austria?

The frequency of the current in an Austrian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the wall socket by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins sit along with two thin grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Austria - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Austria using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage 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 will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Austria then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Austrian 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 230 volts used in an Austrian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Austria.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Austria or any other country.

Travelling to Austria with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Austria?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Austria as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Austrian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Austria. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Austria 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 suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Austria 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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Austria will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Austria

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

Voltage converter

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

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 Austria, however a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Austrian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Austria. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Austria by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Austria you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Austria by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall supply can be recognised by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Austrian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Austria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Austria using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to use your curling iron in Austria by using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Austria you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Austria simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. The sunken round power outlet can be recognised by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go, plus a pair of thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Austrian power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Austria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Austria using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Austrian 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.