How to charge the iPhone 3GS when staying in Gabon

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger to recharge your iPhone 3GS from a Gabonese power outlet.

Gabonese power outlet

Different combinations of voltages and standards can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what to purchase in advance to charge your iPhone 3GS in Gabon. When visiting Gabon these instructions show powering your iPhone 3GS using a standard 220 volt 50Hz Type C Gabonese plug outlet, with the Gabonese using a Europlug for power outlets. When you are travelling to Gabon from a different region check that your iPhone 3GS can accept a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overheating when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Gabon

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Gabon?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Gabonese power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Gabon?

If travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Gabon is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters this will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual travel adapters on your trip to Gabon. Only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single wall outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Gabon

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3GS, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Gabon.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Gabon. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Gabon?

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Gabonese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Gabonese power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 2 pinned Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Gabonese power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This unearthed power supply (sometimes known as the Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Gabonese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which should take roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Gabonese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Gabon
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..