Indonesia Plug Guide for Singapore Travellers

I still remember rushing through my packing the night before flying to Bali and suddenly wondering, “Eh, does my phone charger even work there?”

Turns out, that’s a super common question for anyone travelling from Singapore to Indonesia. One minute you’re in a chill holiday mood, the next you’re stuck at the hotel reception asking if they have an adapter to lend.

If you’re heading to Bali, Jakarta, Batam, or any part of Indonesia soon, here’s what you really need to know about the plug situation. No tech jargon, just straight-up answers and travel-tested advice.

Let’s make sure your devices are charged and ready, so you don’t waste time hunting for adapters when you could be out enjoying your trip.

The Plugs Used in Indonesia: Type C and Type F

So here’s the deal. In Indonesia, you’ll mostly see Type C and Type F plugs.

Source: Netio Products

Type C is that slim, two-round-pin plug, the kind you’ve probably seen on your phone charger or when travelling in Europe.

Type F is slightly bigger, also round-pin, and usually has two little metal clips on the side. It’s often called the "Schuko" plug (but nobody really calls it that unless you're an electrician lah).

The good news? Most Indonesian wall sockets are made to fit both so if your adapter works for Type C, you’re generally safe.

I learned this the hard way in Yogyakarta, when I realised my laptop couldn’t be charged and I had to roam around a convenience store at 10PM trying to explain what a travel adapter is. Not fun.

So yes, you’ll need to bring the right one.

Can I Use My Singapore Plug in Indonesia?

Source: Netio Products

Short answer? No.

Singapore uses Type G plugs, the chunky three-pin ones.

Indonesia? Totally different system. Their sockets are made for Type C or F, which are round-pin.

So if you try to plug your usual charger in, it simply won’t go in. Like, cannot even halfway.

Unless you're staying in some atas international hotel that has a universal socket (and even that’s not guaranteed), you’re going to need an adapter.

Some travellers assume their power banks or phone chargers have that slimmer European-style plug but unless you’ve bought one overseas or got lucky, most of our local devices won’t work out of the box in Indonesia.

So before you fly, just chuck an adapter into your luggage. Better safe than stuck.

Will My Devices Work in Indonesia?

Source: Unsplash

They should work as the voltage in Indonesia is 230V is the same as Singapore.

So if you're just bringing your usual phone charger, laptop, or camera, there’s nothing extra you need to convert. Just make sure you have the right plug.

Most electronics these days are made to handle a range of voltages, especially if you’ve bought them in the last few years. But if you’re packing something a little older or not sure about, it’s worth checking the fine print on the charger to be safe.

When I was in Lombok, the power did cut out a few times during the night. If you're heading somewhere less developed, an adapter with surge protection is a good idea.

It’s a small thing, but it can save you a big headache.

What Adapter Should You Bring?

Source: Challenger

If you’re coming from Singapore, the safest bet is to bring a universal adapter that covers Type C and Type F plugs. These are the two most commonly used in Indonesia, and most wall sockets accept either one.

Personally, I prefer using a compact adapter that comes with a few USB ports built in. It’s useful if you're charging multiple things at once. This is a pro tip in places where there’s only one wall socket in the room. (Happened to me in Bandung with only one socket, two of us, and way too many things to charge.)

You’ll also see those basic Type C adapters being sold at airports or convenience stores, but they tend to be overpriced or flimsy. If you haven’t already got one, it’s much better to buy ahead of time from places like Challenger, Courts, or online shops like Lazada or Shopee.

Not Everywhere Has Enough Plugs

Source: Unsplash

During one of my trips to Ubud, I stayed at a small guesthouse.

It was clean, comfortable, and run by a lovely family. But when I tried to charge my phone that night, I realised there was only one socket in the room! Just one.

It didn’t seem like a big deal at first, but between two people and a pile of devices, it quickly turned into a bit of a hassle. We ended up taking turns to charge our phones, and I had to wait till morning to plug in my power bank.

Since then, I’ve made it a habit to pack a USB wall charger with multiple ports. If I have space, I also bring a small extension plug. It sounds extra, but it’s come in handy more than once especially in older hotels or places that haven’t been renovated in a while.

Charging at Cafés and Airports

If you're out and about in cities like Jakarta or Bali, you’ll find that many cafés have power outlets.

But the plug type is still the same: round pins, so you’ll need your adapter with you.

Airport charging stations are hit-or-miss.

Some are proper charging kiosks with USB ports, others are just wall sockets near benches. I’ve used the ones at Ngurah Rai (Bali) and Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), and while they do the job, the USB ports can be a bit slow. So it's better to use your own plug and cable if you can.

What I Actually Pack (Plug Edition)

Here is a quick check list and why I pack what I pack for trips to Indonesia.

Optional but useful:

• A zip pouch to keep all your chargers and plugs in one place (no more digging around).
• A small label on your adapter if travelling in a group as everyone’s adapter looks the same!

Pack Smart, Travel Smooth

It’s easy to forget something as small as a plug adapter but once you’re there and can’t charge your phone or camera, it becomes a real hassle.

Indonesia is a short flight from Singapore, but the plug situation is different enough that it’s worth preparing for. Bring the right adapter, sort out your charging setup, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and unnecessary stress.

It’s one of those things that takes five seconds to pack and makes your whole trip smoother.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to double-check that adapter before you zip up your bag.