How to charge any mobile phone from a power outlet in Singapore

Instructions showing how to power your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet by using USB type B cable and a three pin Type C Europlug USB charger, powering any mobile phone using a Type G power plug and recharging any mobile phone using a 3 pinned Type M power plug

Singapore power outlet

Differing combinations of standards and sockets can all be confusing when planning to stay in another country especially if you've never visited before. These guidelines were written to prevent people needing to worry if they'll be able to power the mobile phone when they are visiting Singapore.If going to Singapore this page has instructions showing how to charge your mobile phone using the standard Type G, C or M 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type G wall outlets will be normally used by most Singaporeans. When visiting Singapore from another country please check that your mobile phone can accept a 240 volt supply. If the mobile phone was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the mobile phone is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For a specific mobile phone visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Singapore

Can you use any mobile phone in Singapore?

Yes, you can use any mobile phone in Singapore by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Singapore?

If travelling with more than your mobile phone or visiting multiple countries the best travel adapter for Singapore to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of power outlets that Singaporeans use (types G, C and M) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for both types C and G.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices.

This means you can recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate travel adapters. Because you are only needing to bring a single international travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for charging your mobile phone at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Singapore

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Singapore and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to Singapore.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Singapore. [9] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Singapore?

How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet

Using type B USB connector with a Type G power adapter to charge any mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet you will need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type G USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground. The most common outlets found in Singapore are Type G power outlets.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the side or bottom of the mobile.
  5. Switch on the Singapore power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet

Instructions showing how to power your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet by using USB type B cable and a three pin Type C Europlug USB charger.

  1. To supply power to your mobile phone from the Singapore power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Singapore power outlet. This unearthed wall outlet (known as the Europlug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go. Note that Type C plug outlets are less common in Singapore.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the type B Micro USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the bottom or side of the mobile.
  5. Switch on the Singapore power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Singapore power outlet

Powering any mobile phone with a Singapore power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using type B USB connector with a Type M power charger to charge any mobile phone with a Singapore power outlet.

  1. In order to power any mobile phone using a Singapore power outlet you'll need to use a Type M USB power plug adapter [8] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by taking the Type M USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (technically known as the Type M power outlet [7]) can be identified by three holes in a triangular pattern. Type M electrical outlets in Singapore aren't as commonplace.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the side or bottom of the mobile.
  5. Switch on the Singapore power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Singapore power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

See also

  1. Visitsingapore - Visit Singapore
  2. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  3. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  9. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..