Can I use my flat Iron in spain?

First, need to know the voltage input of your iron. Will it accept 220v? Should be stamped somewhere on the iron or a label on the cord. If not you would need a heavy duty voltage converter RATED FOR THE WATTAGE of the flat iron. A high wattage converter is expensive and heavy. Second, even with a high wattage converter the likely hood, over time, of damaging your iron is good and the performance of the iron will not match what you are used to in the states. A wiser move and maybe cheaper is to buy a flat iron when you get there and it will be usable though all of Europe.

Yes it says it converts from 120v to 220v... Guess that answers my question! Thanks so much!

Frank has obviously never purchased a quality flatiron, as it would actually be less expensive to buy a converter on amazon.com than to buy a good flatiron in Europe. As you've already noted, it's dual voltage, so the plug adaptor will suffice. I doubt you'll notice any significant difference in performance, or damage it, as there's no motor in the appliance.

I do know what I am posting. The 110 juice that comes from a converter is not the same as the 110 coming from the wall in the US. It is too technical to explain but it relates to how the 220 is converted to the 110. The end result is damage over time to heating elements, motors, and a degrading of performance. A run of the mill 50 watt converter to handle most electronics is $20 but a 2000 watt converter for a flat iron can easily be a $100 so the idea of buying locally is not a bad idea.

Frank is correct. I would not use an expensive electronic item with a converter as it is more risk than I am willing to take. Have a great trip, Teresa!

Teresa, Could you clarify the nameplate label on your Flat Iron, specifically the Input Voltage wording? Based on the information you've provided so far, it appears that you won't require a Voltage Converter. If a Converter was required, a model using solid-state conversion should work fine, as Flat Irons consist basically of a simple heating element. A Transformer model is always better, but a model with sufficient capacity to power a Flat Iron would be enormously heavy and not something you'd want to travel with. This is one Voltage Converter that would be suitable (should you ever need one) . For use in Spain, you'll require the Euro Plug Adapter having two round pins. I'd suggest taking two Adapters, in case you "misplace" one. Happy travels!

Frank - my husband and I are both engineers. I actually do understand voltage conversion and that there's a difference between 50Hz and 60Hz electricity. I also use a flat iron. For a traveler on a short vacation who is going to use the appliance for 10-15 minutes each morning, IMO it isn't worth it to take the time to shop for a flatiron locally (wouldn't even know what it is called in Spanish) and spend the money on buying one. A good quality one will be more than $100. And some of the newer converters are quite lightweight and compact, don't make the annoying buzzing sound or give off heat like the older models. (We just bought a new one when my husband was in the US on a business trip, and were amazed at the difference.)

Dina, The Voltage Converter your husband purchased was likely a high wattage solid-state model (similar to Switching Power supplies) which explains the "improved" operating characteristics. One caveat though - I wouldn't advise using that Converter with electronic devices such as Camera Chargers, etc. as "unfortunate consequences" can result. A Transformer-style is safer and more appropriate for electronics, and a 50-watt capacity is usually more than adequate, and is small and light enough for easy travel. As you noted, the difference in frequency between the 50 / 60 Hz. is usually not a problem with travel appliances, especially those that consist mostly of just a simple resistive heating element. Frequency is more of a concern with devices that use line frequency as a reference source (ie: Clocks). Cheers!

Thank you all so much for your answers; I learned a lot of useful stuff, including the type of adapter I'll need to bring. My hair dryer also takes up to 240V, but not too sure about the 50Hz to 60Hz change in frequency. It's a travel hair dryer, so I'm really hoping it can cope with either. Guess I'll find out ;) if it starts to smoke and goes poof! Thank you all again!
Teresa

Teresa, As your Hair Dryer is a "travel" model and designed to work on 220 VAC electrical systems, it should work fine in Europe. However, others here have reported that these don't seem to work quite as well as they do here (possibly due to the frequency difference).

The travel blowdryer should be fine, but it will be a little different. Most of them have Hi and Low settings (and possibly for heat) that you can from in the US. When you turn the switch over to 240, you'll only be able to use "Low" - but it will operate almost as high as when you had it on high in the US. So, if you normally dry your hair on Low, you won't have that option. ANd if you normally dry your hair on high, well, it won't be quite as high (but close enough). But if you don't switch it to 240, then it will smoke and blow up. Some require a screwdriver to switch (so you don't accidentally move it), so look ahead of time so you don't have a problem when you arrive.

Wow, good to know..thanks!!