I will be travelling to Indonesia. I know I need a converter for the type of plug but I was wondering if a transformer to change the voltage is needed to charge iPods and cameras. Thanks.

bspearso, welcome to FlyerTalk. Let me move this Q. to our TravelTechnology forum for some help. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

It will depend on the voltage that your power bricks can handle. Most laptop power supplies these days work from 100-240V and 50-60Hz so they work anywhere. Singapore runs at 230V/50Hz so if your device(s) do not support that you will need a transformer.

To expand a little, you just need to read the power bricks and see what they support.

Are you taking a laptop computer with you? Every laptop power brick I've seen recently supports at least 110-240v and 50-60Hz. So what I usually do is take the laptop with a plug converter and a handful of retractable USB cables to charge my USB-capable devices (such as iPod and cell phone), and a plug converter or two for a battery charger (camera) or curling iron for the wife.

I've never needed a voltage converter.

I believe its still true, and the bands used are 1800 and 900.

Ok, yes it does say 100-240V and 50-60Hz. Thank you for the help. That's nice they are so versatile. Transformers are expensive!

Adjacent countries don't always use the same plugs, so Singapore doesn't always equal Indonesia.

I bought a multi plug adapter that will work in most countries. You can find them at most electronics stores for under $10, or pay $20-$30 in travel shops for them.

You'll be fine - my iPod(s) since first generation worked seamessly. Digital camera same - although easier to use usb to power and recharge via laptop.

Indonesia reportedly uses two types of plugs: with two round prongs, as in continental Europe, and with three rectangular plugs, as in the U.K. (and, BTW, Singapore). You should probably get a universal adapter or carry both.

Last month I was in Singapore (for 6 hours) and then Jakarta and Bali. In the SIN airport I bought two adaptors, one for US-Singapore and one for US-Indonesia for US$4 each. Definitely different. The Singapore adaptor was fine.

The Indonesian adaptor had the proper 2 prongs, but it wasn't round, and didn't fit the sockets. I borrowed the the proper adaptors from the Jakarta hotels at no cost.

In Bali, I went to an electrical supply store and bought a very small adaptor for less than US$1.

I then saw more expensive adaptors being sold on the street for US$5.

BTW, internet access in Jakarta is much more difficult than in other parts of the world. Hotel internet access was expensive and Internet Cafes were sparse.

I had to buy a converter to be able to charge a Sonicare toothbrush in Asia. All my other devices charge everywhere. I think some of the newer Sonicares also can handle non US power. I could have bought a Sonicare charger made to handle the non US power source but thought it would be better just to get a universal converter that could work for any device that needed US type power.

I ended up getting a Chinese made 200w converter online from http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/ind...atalog1_0.html for about $15 plus shipping. It has worked great for several years of traveling now. Much better and less expensive than the one sold at Radio Shack.

The 1 USD dollar adapters work very well and are sold in Indonesia in just about every decent sized mall and/or large chain supermarket.