In Reply to: Do's & Don'ts- VERY LONG!!!! posted by didiaust on Thursday, 13. September 2007 at 03:08 Bali Time:
Just to clear a few possible misconceptions. As an ex-electricion, there is no simple gadget that will convert 220V AC to 240V AC, and in fact it is not neccessary to do this as most, if not all AC appliances will run quite happilly on 210 to 240V.
What travellers will need in Indonesia is a plug/socket adaptor.
Indonesian receptacles accept a round two-pin plug with two pins about 5mm diameter and what is called a 'wiping' earth strip.
Aus and NZ receptacles accept a three pin plug, with flat pins about 1mm thick.
The adaptor required has the two round pins on one end and three slots on the other face. Simply push the adaptor into the Indonesian power outlet, then plug your Aus or NZ appliance into the other end. These adaptors are available everywhere for about $5.
Should you be travelling from the UK or Europe, bear in mind that a different adaptor is required, as UK plugs have 3 flat pins about 3mm thick.
The adaptors are also availabale in multi-packs, which will fit anything in Europe and Asia including China and Japan with anywhere else. Hardly neccessary unless you are doing 'Around the World in 80 days'.
The suggestion to take a multi socket power board is a good one, and ideal for small appliance charging such as cameras etc. Two things to bear in mind: you will still need the adaptor desvribed above, and ensure the board has an overload trip (usually 10 amps)which will hopefully prevent you blowing the fuses in your hotel !