Charging the iPhone when visiting Rwanda

A guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone from a Rwandan power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger and charging the iPhone using a Type J USB adapter.

Rwandan power outlet

Different combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially to the first time traveller. This page was specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone abroad.This page contains a step by step guide which shows what you'll need to power the iPhone when you're visiting Rwanda by using the Type J or C Rwandan 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets. If you are travelling to Rwanda from a different country ensure that the iPhone can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to stop the device from overheating whilst powering it.

This page details the iPhone 1st generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Rwanda

Can you use the iPhone in Rwanda?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone to a Rwandan power outlet.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone in Rwanda?

When travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Rwanda is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Rwandans use two different standards of plug sockets (types J and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the heads over. If your iPhone supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers, along with support for more power hungry devices. Having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple power chargers. Because you are only packing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter like this online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Rwanda

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Rwanda and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from America visiting Rwanda.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Rwanda. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone in Rwanda?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Rwandan power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone with a Rwandan power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type C power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone using a Rwandan 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 will normally include this cable when you buy the iPhone).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Rwandan power outlet. This unearthed power outlet, sometimes called a Europlug, is identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Rwandan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Rwandan power outlet

Powering the iPhone with a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

A guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone from a Rwandan power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type J USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone from the Rwandan power outlet you will need a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally supply this cable when you buy the iPhone.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type J USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped wall supply (known as the Type J power outlet [6]) can be identified by the three holes in a flattened triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Rwandan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Rwanda Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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. iec.ch - Type J power outlet
  7. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  8. 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..