Which power adapter do I need to bring for using a clothes iron in Indonesia?

Indonesian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Indonesia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Indonesia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 220 volt Indonesian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Indonesia, so please check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Indonesia otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Indonesia you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Indonesia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Indonesia

Will my clothes iron work in Indonesia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Indonesia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Indonesia. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with a domestic clothes iron in Indonesia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Will my US clothes iron work in Indonesia?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Indonesia and provide advice on using your US clothes iron with an Indonesian power outlet.

Indonesia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Indonesia?

Power outlets in Indonesia are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Indonesia?

The frequency used in an Indonesian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Indonesia?

Type C, F and G power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Indonesia?

There are three types of power outlets used in Indonesia, types G, C and F with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - The wall outlet is recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type G - This plug outlet (technically called a type G power outlet) looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle shape.

A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Indonesia is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Indonesia with a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Indonesia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Indonesian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in an Indonesian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Indonesia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Indonesia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Indonesia with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage to Indonesia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Indonesia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Indonesia

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Indonesia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Indonesia?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Indonesia, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from an Indonesian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Indonesia to use your clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Indonesia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type C power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Indonesia with a 2 prong Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Indonesia - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Indonesia. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Indonesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the Indonesian power outlet. This ungrounded power outlet can be recognised by the two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Indonesian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Indonesia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use your clothes iron in Indonesia with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Indonesia isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Indonesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type F plug adapter into the Indonesian power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indonesian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type G power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Indonesia with a 3 prong Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Indonesia you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Indonesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type G plug adapter in the Indonesian power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Indonesian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Indonesia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Indonesia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Indonesia page on wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.