curling iron

Leah, I'm not quite sure where you'll be able to buy a Curling Iron in Rome, but you might try the shopping area in Termini station. It's one floor down from track level, and there are a wide variety of shops there. You might look first in the Conad store, which is to the right as you get to the bottom of the stairs. Although they're mainly have food items, I've noticed a wide variety of other products there as well. Yes, it will also work in France. Both the voltage ratings and plug configuration will be the same as France (*unless it uses a grounded plug - that's something you'll need to check when you buy it). Happy travels!

Thanks so much. Would it better to get the right adapters from home and take my curling iron with me?

Leah, You won't be able to use your present Curling Iron in Europe, unless it's designed for operation on both 115 and 220 VAC. You'll need to check the Input Voltage ratings, which will be listed somewhere on the device. If your Curling Iron is rated only for 115 VAC, it could be used in Europe with a Voltage Converter, but that's somewhat of an awkward solution and not one that I'd recommend. You could also look at dual-voltage hair appliances at MAGELLANS. You would likely have to pack along Plug Adaptors with any of these products (the cost for Plug Adaptors starts at $2.85, so not a huge expense). Plug Adaptors are available on the same website. Cheers!

If you type curling iron into the search window in the upper right, you will see over 150 threads on this subject.

My wife has tried dual voltage curling irons purchased here in the States. Both times they gave out in a sparkle of flashes after a few uses, even though switched to 220. Now she owns a European 220 volt iron that mostly just sits in the draw here at home! Be warned about taking one along. Have a great trip.

I've had no problems using a dual voltage curling iron in Europe. It should work in Italy and France. Just be sure to switch the voltage. If you bring your curling iron from home and you aren't happy with how it works, buy one there. I wouldn't just plan on buying one unless you travel in Europe often. People have mentioned that their flat irons didn't work well.

Boo hoo! This sounds way to complicated. I guess buying one in Italy is my best bet. They shouldn't be expensive. Oh well!

Leah, It's not really complicated. You can either: > Buy a dual-voltage Curling Iron here (using the link I provided) > Buy a Curling Iron when you arrive in Europe (keeping in mind that you may need Plug Adaptors if it has a grounded plug). Cheers!

Actually if you buy one there you won't need an adapter to use it. Of course it will be of no use to you at home. Last year while in Barcelona my blow dryer broke. The cheapest replacement was 15€ and I can't use it here. Time to get back to Europe so I can use it!!

@Andrea, "Actually if you buy one there you won't need an adapter to use it." In the event that the OP buys a Curling Iron in Europe having a grounded plug (somewhat unlikely, but possible), she will probably need at least one Plug Adaptor to use it in both France and Italy, as the style of grounded plugs is different in each country. Cheers!

@Ken, I understand what you're talking about now. Sorry. I remember when I took a netbook to Italy and Germany I had to get 2 different adapters for the grounded plug. I used my euro blow dryer in Spain and France, so I didn't have any problems. I guess Italy is the odd ball country in terms of the grounding plug. I don't believe that hair 'appliances' have grounded plugs, but it would be wise to check before you buy.

At the Termini stateion in Rome, I found a curling iron at the "COIN Department Store." It was 30 Euros and worked in both Italy and France. It saved my vacation. :-)

By the way, the curling iron does not have a grounding plug. I really like the one I bought at Coin Department Store. I wish it worked here at home in America.

That's great feedback, Leah. Thanks for posting...