Using your curling iron in Indonesia

Indonesian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Indonesia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Indonesia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 220 volt Indonesian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Indonesia, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Indonesia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Indonesia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Indonesia

Will my curling iron work in Indonesia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts which are used in Indonesia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Indonesia. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use a domestic curling iron in Indonesia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Indonesia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Indonesia?

The frequency of the current from an Indonesian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Indonesia?

Power outlets in Indonesia are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Indonesia?

Type C, F and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Indonesia?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power outlet (called the Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power outlet by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins slide into, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.

A suitable power adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Indonesia is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Indonesia. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Indonesia

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • 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 curling iron with an Indonesian power outlet.
  • Single voltage might 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 curling iron then you should be able to use it in Indonesia.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Indonesia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Indonesia with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Indonesia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline that is flying you to Indonesia will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Should you bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Indonesia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Indonesia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Indonesian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Indonesia. Be aware that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Indonesia could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Indonesia

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for Indonesia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Indonesia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Indonesian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Indonesia. [9] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Indonesia won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Indonesia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded power supply (sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indonesian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Indonesia. The Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Indonesia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Indonesian power outlet. This sunken round power supply, sometimes called the Schuko outlet, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Indonesian power outlet. Your curling iron should now be ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a type F power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Indonesia, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Indonesia. The Type G plug adapter will fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Indonesia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the Indonesian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three rectangular slots containing shutters in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indonesian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Indonesia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Indonesia Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling 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 curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.