The plugs and adaptors you need for Bali

There are two main plug types that are compatible with Bali's electrical sockets: Type C and Type F plugs. Some international hotels also offer universal sockets, but as this isn’t very common, an adaptor is required for Australian travellers using home devices in Bali.

It's a good idea to check the voltage of your devices (like your smartphone, laptop and any hair tools) to see if they’re compatible with Bali’s voltage. Bali operates at a voltage of 220V – 240V AC, which is similar to Australia, so if you purchased your device in Australia, it’ll be safe to use in Bali with the correct travel adaptor.  

Want more details on Bali plugs, adaptors and power points? Click on the links below to find out more information.

Jump to:

• What power points does Bali use?
• Which power plugs are compatible with Bali’s sockets?
• Do I need a power adaptor in Bali?
• Where to buy a power adaptor for Bali?
• What are the voltage standards in Bali?
• Safety precautions for using devices in Bali

What power points does Bali use?

Bali uses two main types of power point: Type C and Type F, which are interchangeable and compatible with European-style devices (which use matching Type C/F plugs). For those coming from countries like Australia, Japan or the US, an adaptor is usually required when using devices in Bali. Some hotels offer a third socket type, Universal, which is compatible with all plug types. 

More information on each type of Bali’s power points is found below.  

Type C

A Type C socket, or Europlug socket, is a round, two-pin socket that is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Type C sockets are compact and ungrounded – designed for everyday devices that do not require a connection to the earth wire. Type C sockets are found in most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés in Bali. 

Examples of devices used with Type C sockets: Mobile phone chargers, laptops, cameras, and small electronic gadgets.

Type F

A Type F socket, or Schuko socket, is a round, two-pin socket like a Type C socket, but with an additional earth clip on each side. Type F sockets are commonly found in Europe and some other regions. Whilst slightly less common in Bali than Type C, they are still found in some upscale hotels and villas. 

Examples of devices used with Type F sockets: High-power appliances like hair dryers, electric shavers, and certain European plugs that have a grounding pin. 

Universal

A universal socket is an electrical socket designed to be compatible with devices from anywhere in the world (hence the name “universal”), and are commonly found in newer hotels in Bali. While universal power points are convenient, it's worth noting that in Bali they typically operate at a lower voltage, which is a drawback for some devices. t's important to check the voltage compatibility of your device when using a universal socket. 

Which power plugs are compatible with Bali’s sockets?

Bali uses Type C and Type F power plugs, which are two-pin plugs, like those found in Europe. An adaptor is required for any other plug type, like those from Australia (Type I), the US (Type A/B) or Japan (Type A/B). Type C and F plugs are interchangeable, but Type F has an additional grounding pin for safety. 

Below is more information on the two main Bali plug types: 

• Type C plug: Type C power plugs (aka "Europlugs") are two-pin plugs that are commonly used throughout Europe. They are ungrounded and have a maximum current rating of 2.5 amps (2.5 A), making them ideal for basic devices like smartphones, cameras and chargers.  
• Type F Plug: Type F power plugs (aka "Schuko plugs") are two-pin plugs that feature an additional grounding pin for safety. With a maximum current rating 16 amps (16A), they are suited to high-power electronic devices like laptops, hairdryers and appliances.

Both Type C and Type F Plugs are very similar and compatible with Bali’s power points – the only difference is that Type F has a grounding pin for additional safety. For all other power plugs, an adaptor is required to use your devices from home in Bali, unless you are staying at a modern hotel equipped with universal sockets (though these often have lower voltage output). 

Do I need a power adaptor in Bali? 

Whether or not you need a power adaptor in Bali depends on the type of plug your electronic device uses. For devices with Type C and Type F plugs, like those from Europe or most of Asia, no adaptor is required. But for devices from other countries like Australia, America, Japan and China, an adaptor is required.

Australian devices would generally need a Type I to Type C/F adaptor to be used in Bali.

The below table explains the plugs used in different countries and whether or not a power adaptor is needed in Bali for devices brought from that country. 

Where to buy a power adaptor for Bali?

To ensure safety and compatibility whilst using devices in Bali, it's best to purchase an adaptor from your home country. In Australia, the best outlets to purchase an adaptor include JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. We recommend adding any chargers or adaptors to your list of what to pack in Bali. However, there are places in Bali to reliably purchase power adaptors if you have already arrived, including: 

• Electronic stores, like Best Denki and Electronic City 
• Convenience stores and supermarkets, like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Bintang Supermarket  
• Shopping centres and department stores, including Matahari Department Store, Carrefour Bali, and Hypermart Bali at Galeria Bali Shopping Mall. 

Alternatively, many hotels and resorts offer power adaptors to borrow during your stay.

What are the voltage standards in Bali?

Bali uses a standard voltage of 220V – 240V AC. This standard is similar to that of Australia, most European countries, Asia and Africa so devices should be compatible voltage-wise if travelling from those countries (you may still require an adaptor). For those from North America, South America or Japan where the voltage standard is 100V – 120V AC, a converter is usually required. 

Check the label or the manual of your device to see if your electronic device is usable in Bali. Here’s a quick guide on the electrical voltage standards in different regions.  

• 120V AC or 120V~: This is the standard voltage used in the United States, Canada, and most South American countries – such devices are not usable in Bali without a converter. 
• 220-240V AC or 220-240V~: This is the standard voltage used in Bali and wider Indonesia, so devices with this label do not require a converter.
• 100-120V AC/200-240V AC (or 100-120V~/200-240V~ or 100-240V AC/100-240V~): This indicates that the device is dual voltage and is usable in Bali.

Safety precautions for using devices in Bali  

While Bali’s standard electricity supply is the same as Australia, most European countries, Asia and Africa, it’s still important to take the proper safety precautions when using electronic devices like chargers and hair tools, or inserting plugs and sockets.  

Here are a few safety tips for using electronic devices in Bali, including some precautions when using power adaptors and converters:  

• Ensure your device is compatible with Bali’s voltage and frequency (220V – 240V AC).
• Use a Type C or Type F plug adaptor, or a universal adaptor.
• Use a converter if plugging in devices that require 100V – 120V.
• Ensure any adaptors and converters have been purchased from reliable sources and have the appropriate certification for safety.
• Keep electrical cords away from water and don’t use in a moist room (like a bathroom with a shower).
• Avoid using your mobile phone (or laptop or e-reader) while it’s plugged into the power adaptor and charging, as this could increase the risk of electrical shock or damage to the device. It can also cause the battery to heat up, which could damage the device.