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.
Plug Type | Pin Shape & Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
Type C | Slim two round pins | Phone chargers, small electronics, most European & Vietnam sockets |
Type F | Larger two round pins with metal clips on the sides | Laptops, higher-power devices, Europe |
The good news?
Most Indonesian wall sockets are made to fit both so if your adapter works for Type C, you’re generally safe.
Can I Use My Singapore Plug in Indonesia?
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.
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Will My Devices Work in Indonesia?
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.
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What Adapter Should You Bring?
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.
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 online shops.
Not Everywhere Has Enough Plugs
Not everywhere in Indonesia has enough power sockets especially in older hotels, budget guesthouses, cafes, and transport hubs.
Outlets may be limited, loose, or shared, so bringing a power strip or multi-port charger can save you a lot of hassle when charging multiple devices.
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.
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What I Actually Pack (Plug Edition)
Here is a quick check list and why I pack what I pack for trips to Indonesia.
Item | Why I Bring It |
Universal Adapter (Type C/F) | Most sockets in Indonesia are round-pin, our SG plugs won’t fit. |
USB Charger (multi-port) | Saves me from fighting over the socket, especially when sharing a room. |
Power Bank | Handy during long drives, island tours, or if I’m out the whole day. |
Small Extension Cord | Not essential, but super useful when there’s only one socket in the room. |
Spare Charging Cable | One for the bag, one in the room. I’ve lost enough to always pack extra. |
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.