Charging the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type A power charger, charging the iPhone 3G using a Type G USB charger and charging the iPhone 3G using a three pin Type B USB charger

Saudi Arabian power outlet

When planning to travel it can be helpful to know if you'll be able to charge your common gadgets like mobiles and tablets when you're there. By not knowing which power supply is being used in Saudi Arabia you could end up either weighing yourself down with unnecessary spare adaptors or bring the wrong power adaptor, leaving you having to buy or borrow a potentially expensive adaptor when you're there. Complicated frequencies and region codes can often lead to confusion when planning on visiting a different country, especially if you've never visited before. If visiting Saudi Arabia these instructions show how to power the iPhone 3G using the standard G, A, B or D type 220 volt 60Hz wall outlets, please note that Type G power outlets are typically used by a majority of Saudi Arabians. If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia from a different country please ensure that the iPhone 3G can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3G was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from over-heating during charging. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3G to a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel power adapter for Saudi Arabia is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Saudi Arabians use four different standards of power outlets (G, A, B and D) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and G.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the heads over. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power adapters, plus compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel chargers this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack seperate travel adapters for your trip or occupying additional wall sockets. Only needing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional plug socket.

We suggest searching for a multipurpose travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Saudi Arabia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Saudi Arabia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Saudi Arabia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from 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 Saudi Arabia. [12] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia?

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

Using the Apple 30-pin cable with a three pin Type G USB charger to power the iPhone 3G with a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type G USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The plug supply, sometimes known as the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle configuration.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

A guide on how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pin Type A USB charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G using the Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is typically included with the iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type B USB charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using the Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is normally supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two thin slots parallel to each other with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earth pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type F USB charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from a Saudi Arabian power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this cable is normally supplied with the device.
  2. Begin by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This recessed circular wall supply (known as the Schuko outlet) can be identified by two adjacent holes, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saudi Arabia Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable 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 A power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  11. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  12. 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..