The Singaporean Traveller’s Guide to Overseas Plug Types, Voltage & Charging

Packing for a trip usually means tossing in clothes, toiletries and travel documents, but there’s something many travellers forget: how to keep your devices charged once you’re overseas.

It might sound minor, but overlooking plug types and voltage can leave you stuck with a dead phone or worse, a fried hairdryer. Here’s what every Singaporean traveller should know to stay powered up wherever you go.

Also read: 7 Best Travel Cameras Under S$2,000 for Every Type of Traveller (2025)

What we use at home

In Singapore, things are pretty standard: 230 volts, 50 hertz and the chunky 3-pronged Type  G plug. Knowing this makes it much easier to check whether your gadgets will work overseas or if you’ll need to pack an adaptor, a converter, or sometimes both.

What you’ll find overseas

Japan

Japan is a top pick for holidays, but their power setup is quite different. They use Type  A and Type  B plugs with flat pins, and the voltage is only 100 volts.

Most phone and laptop chargers are built to handle this, thanks to dual-voltage design. But single-voltage items like hairdryers may not work properly, or might not work at all.

United States and Canada

In North America, you’ll also find Type  A and Type  B plugs, paired with a voltage of around 110 to 120 volts. Dual-voltage gadgets should be fine, but anything built only for Singapore’s 230 volts might struggle. You’ll definitely need an adaptor to match the plug shape too.

South Korea and China

These places use round 2-pin Type  C and Type  F plugs, and the voltage is roughly 220 volts, quite close to Singapore’s. Your devices should handle the voltage, but you’ll still need an adaptor so everything fits.

Europe

Across Europe, the voltage ranges from 220 to 240 volts, which is great for devices from Singapore. However, the plugs are different, mostly Type  C, E or F with round pins. Even though the voltage lines up, an adaptor is still a must.

Australia and New Zealand

Here, you’ll find the same 230 volts we use at home, so your devices will work just fine. Again, the difference is in the plug itself: Type  I, which has two angled flat pins and a vertical earth pin.

Malaysia and most of Southeast Asia

Trips across the border are easy. Malaysia and many neighbouring countries use the same voltage and often the same 3-pronged Type  G plugs. Still, it’s worth carrying a universal adaptor just in case, especially if you’re staying somewhere older or off the beaten track.

Adaptors and converters: what’s the difference?

An adaptor changes the shape of your plug so it can fit foreign sockets. It doesn’t touch the voltage. A converter, though, changes the voltage itself, which matters for devices that aren’t built to handle different power standards.

Most phones, tablets and laptops these days are dual voltage, so you’ll usually only need an adaptor. You can check the charger label: if it says “Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz,” you’re good to go. If it lists only a single voltage, like 110V or 230V, then you’ll need a converter when you travel somewhere that uses a different voltage. Older appliances like hairdryers and kettles often aren’t dual voltage though, so to use them safely abroad, you’ll need a converter.

What happens if you use the wrong voltage

Plugging a 230-volt device into a 110-volt socket (like in the US) usually means it won’t switch on or it’ll work poorly. The real danger is the opposite: plugging a 110-volt-only device into a 230-volt socket. That can burn out the device, make it overheat or even spark a fire.

Always check before you go; it only takes a minute and could save your gadgets!

Practical travel charging tips

A universal travel adaptor with USB ports is a game changer. You can charge your phone, headphones and camera at once without needing separate chargers. If you have room, a slim power strip comes in handy in hotel rooms with limited sockets.

Charging overnight can help too, as power demand is usually steadier. And if you’re heading somewhere known for power cuts, bringing a small surge protector keeps your electronics safe from unexpected spikes.

Also read: Travelling in Hot Weather: Practical Tips to Keep Cool During Heatwaves in the Summer

Charge up for safe travels

Thinking about plugs and voltage might not feel as fun as planning your food stops or sightseeing list, but it really is worth it, and doesn’t take much time at all. With a quick check of your gadgets and the right adaptor or converter, you’ll stay connected, keep your devices safe and can focus on enjoying your trip!