How do I use my hair dryer in Uruguay?
Can I use my hair dryer in Uruguay?
Check your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Uruguay:
- If your hair dryer can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter for Uruguay listed below if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit in the outlet.
If not then you can either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you could need to use a suitable power adapter for Uruguay but these lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travelling. Read nine things to consider when buying a travel hair dryer, six of the best blow dryers in 2023 compared and comprehensive guide to the best travel blow driers which work work with a Uruguayan power outlet.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of power outlet used in Uruguay, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Uruguay otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Uruguay
Will my hair dryer work in Uruguay?
That will depend on if your hair dryer can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Uruguay:
- If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Uruguay.
- If not then then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2], read the section on do you need a power converter to use a hair dryer for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for Uruguay
An ALCI safety plug
What to look for when buying a travel blow dryer for Uruguay
When looking for the best travel hair dryer choose a robust but lightweight dual voltage dryer that will operate with a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet power outlet with ALCI safety plug, a long power cord and folding handle. When drying thick hair buy a model with a bundled diffuser that uses a higher 1600+ watt dryer.
What to look for when purchasing a travel hair dryer?
- Modern hair dryers feature a cool shot option for quickly cooling down the hair after drying to hold the style but this feature is lacking in more compact models.
- Your hair dryer needs to support dual voltage in order to work in Uruguay.
- Buying the cheapest travel hair dryer available is risky; as well as issues with safety there is also a greater chance that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper components.
- Try to look for a lighter travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models which have folding handles will mean more space for packing other items.
- Safe travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will minimise the danger of the motor overloading leading to an electrical fire; models are identified with the 2 reset and test buttons found on the plug.
- Suitable hair dryers will give control of both speed and temperature settings with high and low options; a slower speed with a lower temperature should prevent damage to hair whereas faster hotter speeds can dry thicker hair quickly.
- If you have thicker or curlier hair then you may need a travel blow dryer which has a stronger motor, a higher wattage ceramic model that has a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
- Depending on your accommodation there could be a mirror positioned some distance away from the nearest outlet making it difficult to dry hair, so when buying a hair dryer shop for a unit with the longest power cord available or bring either a pocket mirror or an extension cable.
- Instead of scouring stores to look for more expensive 3rd party attachments it could be cheaper and more convenient to buy a dryer that is supplied with both a concentrator and diffuser from the manufacturer as these are designed to fit perfectly.
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator
Which is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment for Uruguay?
- The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65m power cord, it includes a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
- A Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a longer 1.82 metre power cable for more freedom when styling with an ALCI power plug and removable filter to clean easily. It also uses a powerful 1875 watt motor including a cool shot feature making it perfect for drying thick hair.
Each ionic travel hair dryer includes both diffuser and concentrator attachments with strong motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They require a cheap power adapter for Uruguay to plug into a Uruguayan power outlet, they are lightweight and fold up to pack in carry-on baggage. [10] [10] [11] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator
Which is a good mini travel hair dryer?
- For quickly drying fine and thin hair whilst on the go the 1200 watt ceramic Conair MiniPRO is the cheapest mini ionic blow dryer available to buy.
- For a folding blow dryer which is compact enough to carry in a purse then the 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that can emit infrared heat for a glossier finish this dryer manages to incorporate features which are typically reserved for larger models.
Both mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used with a suitable plug adapter for a Uruguayan power outlet they should work in Uruguay and fold conveniently enough to be carried around during the day for drying on the go. They include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5 metre power cables and have a 2 speed motor. [12] [12] [13] [AD]
What is the best hair dryer for thick hair?
Thicker hair will take longer to dry and might be difficult to do so without the hair going frizzy, so the best option for thick hair will be an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are recommended because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor which is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [10] [11] [AD]
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with folding handle
What is the best folding dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot for Uruguay?
- With a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes cool shot that can be used to rapidly cool down hair.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features cool shot, a tourmaline ceramic air outlet for negative ions meaning safer and faster styling, 2 heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cable and also includes a concentrator.
Both models can fold, have an ALCI power plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making them ideal for visiting Uruguay in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for a Uruguayan power outlet. [14] [14] [15] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
Which is the best blow dryer to buy for Uruguay?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Uruguay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual voltage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 1200 | 1000 | 1875 | 1875 | 1600 | 1875 |
| Folds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Ionic | Yes | • | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tourmaline | • | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Infrared | • | Yes | • | • | • | • |
| Speed settings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heat settings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Cool shot | • | • | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Removable filter | • | Yes | • | • | • | Yes |
| Concentrator | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diffuser | • | • | • | • | Yes | Yes |
| ALCI safety plug | • | Yes | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Cord length | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.8m | 1.65m | 1.82m |
| Color | • | • | • • | • • | • | • |
| Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | |
Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.
Uruguay power outlets and plug sockets
What is the frequency used with a Uruguayan power outlet?
The frequency of the alternating current from a Uruguayan power outlet is 50 Hz. [16]
What is the voltage in Uruguay?
Power outlets in Uruguay are 230 volts.
Which power adapter will you need to bring to use a hair dryer in Uruguay?
There are four different types of power outlets used in Uruguay, types F, C, I and L with the primary power outlets being type F:
- Plug Type C - This plug socket can be recognised by the 2 holes next to each other.
- Plug Type F - You can identify this power socket by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
- Plug Type I - The plug socket, also called a type I power outlet, can be identified by three thin slots in an upside-down triangular pattern with the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.
- Plug Type L - You can identify this squashed hexagon shaped plug outlet by three large circular holes in a line. There are two types of Type L plug socket, one rated for 10 amps and one for 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.
A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt hair dryer in Uruguay, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a hair dryer in Uruguay. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter. [6] [17] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
Single voltage hair dryer
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair dryer and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Uruguay then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Uruguayan power outlet.
- A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Uruguayan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in Uruguay.
- A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in Uruguay or any other country.
How can you switch a travel hair dryer?
- Normal dual voltage hair dryers have a dial or switch which toggles between 2 voltages although some models can automatically detect the voltage from a Uruguayan power outlet.
- This switch or dial needs a small coin or screwdriver to set the dryer to the right voltage between the 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
- Also it's worth making a note of the 2 switch positions because the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models.
How can you use a dual voltage blow dryer in Uruguay?
- Ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and that it works with a 230 volt power socket.
- If the dryer supports dual voltage please make sure it is set to operate within the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the hair dryer and requires a coin or screwdriver to turn.
- Plug the hair dryer into the correct power adapter for Uruguay, also plug in the power adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet.
- It is normal for a majority of travel hair dryer models operating in the 220-240V range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting, but this speed and temperature should still be sufficient for drying hair. We recommend checking the hair dryer instructions to find out if this is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to prevent overheating.
- Your dryer is now ready to be used in Uruguay.
Travelling to Uruguay with a hair dryer
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Is a hair dryer allowed on a plane in Uruguay?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Uruguay will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around blow dryers). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey. [18] [19] [20] [AD]
Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Uruguay?
It is preferable to bring a dual voltage travel hair dryer as opposed to packing your existing domestic blow dryer to Uruguay (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Uruguayan power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Uruguay). A travel hair dryer will normally feature a folding handle and are lighter which helps reduce the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic hair dryer.
Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in Uruguay. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic hair dryer in Uruguay might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off . [19] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Do hotel rooms in Uruguay have hair dryers?
Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the room, either packed in the bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found in the bathroom or could potentially be of a slower air hose type. In cheaper hostels, hotels and motels a communal hair dryer might be available at the reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If you are uncertain about the hotel hairdryer policy you should either telephone the hotel in Uruguay or check on the hotel web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are usable but normally basic models with no diffuser, notorious for slow air speeds and low heat. Those worried about hygiene should check for any grime from other guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.
Guests who don't want to take a chance that a suitable and hygienic hair dryer is readily available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer or phone the hotel in Uruguay to check first. [2] [AD]
Power converters for Uruguay
Do I need a converter for Uruguay to use my hair dryer?
A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Uruguay. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it might be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel hair dryer. [9] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Uruguay?
A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Uruguayan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in Uruguay. [9] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Uruguay using a type C power adapter
How to use a hair dryer in Uruguay by using a two pin Type C power charger.
- Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Dual voltage blow dryers sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
- If the type of power outlet which is used in Uruguay isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair dryer you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Uruguay by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two circular adjacent holes.
- Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
- Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Uruguay using a type F power adapter
A guide on how to power a hair dryer in Uruguay with a Type F power adapter.
- Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Uruguay - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
- If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Uruguay you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Uruguay by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Begin by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two large circular adjacent holes along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
- Plug in your hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
- Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
- You can now turn on the blow dryer to use in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Uruguay using a type L power adapter
How to power a hair dryer in Uruguay with a Type L power adapter.
- Ensure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Some dual voltage travel blow dryers will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
- You'll need to use a Type L plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Uruguay. This Type L plug adapter is designed to convert plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Uruguay by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Firstly you'll need to insert the Type L plug adapter into the wall outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped wall supply, technically known as the Type L power outlet [7], looks like 3 adjecent holes forming a line. Please note there are two different types of Type L wall supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. A 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart, and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins which are spaced 8mm apart.
- Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type L plug adapter.
- Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
- The hair dryer should now be ready to be used in Uruguay. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - Uruguayan country page on Wikipedia
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type F power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type L power outlet
- 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..
- 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..
- Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
- X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
- BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
- Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
- Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
- Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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