How to charge the iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in The Philippines

A guide showing how to power your iPhone 3GS with a Filipino power outlet by using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger, how to charge the iPhone 3GS using a three pin Type B USB charger and how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pinned Type C power plug

Filipino power outlet

Various voltages and standards can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country, especially if you've never been there before. This page contains step by step instructions demonstrating exactly how to supply power to your iPhone 3GS when you are travelling to The Philippines using their types C, A or B Filipino 220 volt 60Hz plug outlets, Type C plug outlets will be typically used by most Filipinas. When travelling to The Philippines from another country please double check your iPhone 3GS can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 3GS was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the iPhone 3GS is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in The Philippines

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in The Philippines?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in The Philippines by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in The Philippines?

When you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS and visiting more than one country then the best international travel charger for The Philippines is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three types of power outlets in The Philippines (types C, A and B) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with additional support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port adapter will allow you to recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate travel adapters. Because you are only needing to bring a single international travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we recommend buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for The Philippines

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both The Philippines and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to The Philippines.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting The Philippines. [10] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in The Philippines?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet

A guide showing how to power your iPhone 3GS with a Filipino power outlet by using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3GS using a Filipino power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple should usually supply the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise the plug supply by two thin adjacent slots. Be aware that power cords used with type A outlets which are rated at 125 V should not be used so please check first.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the USB power charger 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet

Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A guide on how to power the iPhone 3GS with a Filipino power outlet with a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type B power adapter.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3GS using a Filipino power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise the plug supply by two thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircular hole below for the ground pin. Note that power cords with type B outlets which are rated at less that 240 V should not be used in The Philippines so please check first.
  3. Connect one end of the power cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging which typically takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS from the Filipino power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], normally already supplied with the device.
  2. First plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Filipino power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger 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. Switch on the Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging, typically taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Filipino power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Philippines country entry on Wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. 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..