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Posted bymlw5000(Denver, CO)on
Would using a 120 voltage curling iron on lowest setting work in Europe, with a plug adaptor of course?
Posted byDavid Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
You might look on the label to see if it's 220 volt/110 volt rated.
You can get a plug adapter for many of the newer electronics that run on 220/110.
My wife has used a Conair curling iron for the past 20 years that runs on a tiny battery and a tiny gas cartridge. They work great and quite popular with travelers. And they're available on Amazon.com.
Posted byPat San Diego, California
5606 posts
I wouldn't count on it, as it hasn't worked for me, and ruined the curling irons. Buy a dual voltage {Amazon has lost of choices.]
Good lucK!
Posted byphred Los Angeles
4853 posts
this was pretty thoroughly masticated recently.
my 2 francs worth, wait until you get there. it's guaranteed to work.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/curling-irons-020b4d0a-f5b2-4c5b-aac4-ec251491232a
Posted byjoanne1108
429 posts
I bought a blow dryer, curling iron and multi plug extension cord in Europe, it just simpler that way. Hotel rooms never have plugs near the mirror that is the reason for the extension cord. J
Posted byJoLui France Southwest
2327 posts
Check if the curling iron indicates 110/220V (or 110/230V) as the permitted voltage. This must be indicated somewhere on the device. Otherwise leave it at home.
If it only supports 110v, it will be destroyed and it may cause a fire.
A plug adapter will not solve the voltage problem, it only adapts the physical format of the plugs.
Posted bymlw5000OP Denver, CO
303 posts
I wouldn't know where to go in Venice or Paris to buy a curling iron. I suspect they might by expensive but I really don't know.
Posted byAnne Wisconsin
135 posts
I just bought a dual voltage flat iron from Target for $39.99. It’s full sized, I tested it, and it works great. It automatically changes voltage and specifically says do not use with a converter. You only have to put a plug adapter on it. I was surprised because along time ago when I looked for dual voltage the only thing I could find were a little tiny travel flat irons which did not take care of my hair.
Posted byJHK Florida (previously California)
3989 posts
"I wouldn't know where to go in Venice or Paris to buy a curling iron. I suspect they might by expensive but I really don't know."
I don't know for Venice but there are many places where you can buy a curling iron in Paris. Sephora is one and there are lots of locations in Paris. I bought a flat iron and a blow dryer at the one on Rue Faubourg Saint Antoine. Darty and BHV sell them and I would bet that large Monoprixs sell them as well.
Posted bySherry (slws2137) Tucson, Arizona
502 posts
I haven't taken a curling iron to Europe, but I have taken Remington compact hot curlers numerous times and it works wonderfully. Mine are probably at least ten years old, but they still sell them for less that $20 at Target, Walmart & Amazon. They don't weigh very much. They have five small and five large rollers. I only bring five rollers (usually the small) since it weighs less and still does a great job curling my hair.
Posted byskunklet1771 Upstate NY, USA
892 posts
You can buy dual voltage on Amazon in advance.
But in Paris, other than Sephora? If you're looking for something basic, MONOPRIX.
Posted bykentchristine
112 posts
As skunklett suggested, buy one now on Amazon. I'm seeing them for anywhere from $15 to $30. Don't waste time on your trip trying to track one down, or trying to make yours work with 220 current. I've made that mistake and at best, you'll burn out the device. At worst: You're staying at an AirBnB -- you don't want to explain to the apartment owner why you set fire to an outlet.
Posted byChristineH Gettysburg PA
7167 posts
I'd wait til I got there and buy in Paris. What you might find on Amazon is iffy.
We actually think it's fun to shop for "notions and sundries" while in Europe.
Monoprix, drug stores, etc will have the same type of things you'll find at similar stores here is USA.
I've burned out 3 hairdryers in the past 16 or so years. Learned my lesson!
I have curly hair so no need for a curling iron, I use the hotel provided hair dyer now, even if they are not often the best. Does the job.
Posted bymlw5000OP Denver, CO
303 posts
I ordered a mini iron from Amazon which is duel voltage.
Posted byChristineH Gettysburg PA
7167 posts
Just be sure you turn the voltage switch BEFORE you plug it in
You’ll need an adapter plug ( 2 prongs) but NO converter
Posted byphred Los Angeles
4853 posts
most larger pharmacies in Paris have hair dryers and curling irons in their front windows. My wife bought hers at FNAC, which is like a Best Buy and has branches all over the city. Or a larger Monoprix or department store. they are as easy to find there as they are here.
Posted byAnne Arizona
23 posts
Can you just use a converter?
Posted byPat San Diego, California
5606 posts
Anne, read above. My experience is that the curling irons don't work- won't heat up enough- then are ruined when I try to use them back home in the US. Just buy a cheap dual voltage.
Good luck!
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