Quick!!! - need help with overseas travel question - curling iron?? and phones? update post # 13

[Hoggirl]

My hairdryer has a little 125/250 switch on it; my curling iron does not. Do I need to buy a curling iron with the same type of switch, or is it "low enough" (whatever that means!) that it doesn't matter. I don't want to fry my hair off like that girl in the YouTube video! Lol!

 

I have the plug thingies for the wall - fear not!!

 

ETA: What about iPhones?? Do they charge okay with just the plug adapter thingie? Don't want to fry a phone either!!!

[J-rap]

If a curling iron doesn't have that switch on it -- or doesn't have the capacity to switch back and forth by itself (but then it would still say 125/250 or similar on it somewhere), then it won't work, and it actually CAN fry your hair off. You either need to get a converter (plus the plug-in adapter), or get a new curling iron.

 

Most cell phones now automatically switch over, but you'll still need the plug-in adapter. And of course depending on your phone plan, you may or may not be be able to make international calls on it.

 

Interestingly, I just looked up converters to send you a link, and most of them say they work with almost everything but not curling irons. I think you'd be better off just buying a new curling iron with dual voltage! They are probably cheaper than a good converter too.

 

I hope you're going somewhere exciting! :)

[Hoggirl]

Thanks! We are going to Spain and Portugal!

 

I have have adaptor plugs and a converter (somewhere), but I think I will just grab one at Wal-mart. I'm just glad I thought of it! The last time we went overseas, I had a different curling iron.

[Mrs Mungo]

Anything that heats (iron, toaster, etc) doesn't generally work right, even with a converter because the cycles are different (unless it has a switch on the appliance itself). A cordless type would be best or just buy a cheap one when you get there.

 

eta about the phone: Best to check with your carrier.

[Giraffe]

Honestly, you're better off buying a curling iron in Europe, or finding an alternate way to do your hair (like leave in curlers or pull it back in a ponytail). Most converters will NOT work with a heating appliance like a curling iron and by the time you spend the money to get a converter that will, you could have just bought a European curling iron.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Hoggirl]

If I can't find one with a switch, I just won't use one while there. My hair dryer has the switch on it. I know the last curling iron I took (three years ago) did as well.

 

We are traveling with a group, so I don't know what my options will be to do any curling iron shopping once we arrive.

[elfgivas]

fwiw, i'd leave the curling iron at home, and the phone off..... you are going to magical places.

 

Merida in southwestern spain has some amazing roman ruins....

 

and may i come too?

 

ann

[Arcadia]

Buy a dual voltage curling iron here if you need to. Transformers are not cheap and you need one that downgrades the voltage from 220~240V to 110~120V.

[mumto2]

For your phone you need a new sim card if you phone is unlocked and will work in Europe. Buy the sim after you arrive. It should be cheaper.

 

I gave up on taking a curling iron long ago.

[Dandelion]

For our last international trip, I bought a plug adapter set that had various adapters (since outlets sometimes vary from country to country in Europe). It wasn't that expensive (under $20 IIRC) and I always had what I needed. I was able to use my regular curling iron in both Germany and Italy with the plug adapter.

 

Be sure to check with your cell carrier on whether your current plan has coverage for the countries you're traveling to. It's much cheaper to add coverage ahead of time that covers Spain and Portugal (you can usually purchase coverage for just the duration of your trip), than to incur international roaming charges without a plan in place. Your phone may still work without it, but you'll pay much, much more.

 

Enjoy your trip! :)

[Beth S]

I'm guessing a butane-powered curling iron wouldn't pass thru the security checks.

 

I think the problem with curling irons is that they require a large amount of electricity. Recharging batteries is a small amount. Our converter couldn't handle the curling iron wattage (or voltage or whatever), and fried dd's curling iron. So our bangs weren't curled the whole trip!

[Mrs Mungo]

I'm guessing a butane-powered curling iron wouldn't pass thru the security checks.

 

You can take one in checked baggage (info via the TSA blog, which may not apply to European airports), just not in a carry on.

 

http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/10/flying-can-be-hair-curling-experience.html

[Hoggirl]

Well, I went to Walmart and bought one which the packaging claims it to be dual voltage. However, there is no switch on it?? So, maybe it has that capability built in??? Makes me wonder if the one I already had is the same. :/ Oh, well. It was only fifteen bucks.

[Hoggirl]

Well, I went to Walmart and bought one which the packaging claims it to be dual voltage. However, there is no switch on it?? So, maybe it has that capability built in??? Makes me wonder if the one I already had is the same. :/ Oh, well. It was only fifteen bucks.

[Lily_Grace]

Your Iphone should be fine, but just in case ask at the Apple store. All our Ipads/Ipods are made to be dual voltage. I have an adapter that I plug into the wall and it's fine.

 

Your curling iron will have the voltage written on it in raised numbers probably. Most are dual voltage, excluding super fancy ones.

[Arcadia]

Well, I went to Walmart and bought one which the packaging claims it to be dual voltage. However, there is no switch on it?? So, maybe it has that capability built in??? Makes me wonder if the one I already had is the same. :/ Oh, well. It was only fifteen bucks.

 

It is probably autosensing for voltage.

This first picture on this pagetells you how to verify if it is dual voltage for your new and existing curling irons.

 

Handphone/laptops/tablets chargers are typically dual voltage as they are meant to be use around the world.

[Hoggirl]

Your Iphone should be fine, but just in case ask at the Apple store. All our Ipads/Ipods are made to be dual voltage. I have an adapter that I plug into the wall and it's fine.

 

Your curling iron will have the voltage written on it in raised numbers probably. Most are dual voltage, excluding super fancy ones.

 

Yep. Found the raised numbers! My old one had it, too! Oh, well. :D