Charging your mobile phone from a power outlet in Sri Lanka

A page showing how to recharge any mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet by using type B USB Micro connector with a three pinned Type G power adapter, charging any mobile phone using a three pin Type D power charger and powering any mobile phone using a 3 pin Type M power plug

Sri Lankan power outlet

If packing for a trip to Sri Lanka it's useful to know if you can charge all your gadgets such as mobiles and laptops when you're there. However, without knowing which wall socket is being used in Sri Lanka you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, meaning needing to buy or borrow a suitable adaptor when you need to recharge which might be incompatible and damage the device. Differing voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning on travelling to a new country, especially for the first time traveller. This page contains a guide demonstrating how to supply power to the mobile phone when going to Sri Lanka by using their standard Type G, D or M 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please note Type G plug outlets are typically used by most Sri Lankans. When travelling to Sri Lanka from a different country ensure that your mobile phone can accept a 240 volt supply. If your mobile phone was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v ensure that your mobile phone is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from being damaged when charging it.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Sri Lanka

Can you use any mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

You can use any mobile phone in Sri Lanka.

What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

When you are travelling with more than your mobile phone the best travel charger for Sri Lanka to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three standards of plug sockets in Sri Lanka (types G, D and M) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type G.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs over. If your mobile phone can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these USB power adapters, plus additional support for certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other travel chargers having a 4 port adapter will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers on your Sri Lankan trip. Only needing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage while travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your mobile phone at an airport or on the flight. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used back at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling to Sri Lanka we recommend buying a versatile power adapter like this at your preferred electronics retailer; the travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Sri Lanka

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Sri Lanka and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from America visiting Sri Lanka using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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. This offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more flexible 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 majority of travellers from around the world visiting Sri Lanka. [9] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

Powering any mobile phone with a Sri Lankan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

A page showing how to recharge any mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet by using type B USB Micro connector with a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the mobile phone using the Sri Lankan power outlet you'll need a Type G USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Firstly plug in the Type G USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (sometimes called the Type G power outlet [2]) looks like three rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the mains power charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone for charging with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Sri Lankan power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Sri Lankan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Powering any mobile phone with a Sri Lankan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

A page showing how to recharge any mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet with type B USB micro connector with a Type D power adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the mobile phone using a Sri Lankan power outlet you'll need a Type D USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug the Type D USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the type B Micro USB cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the Sri Lankan power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Sri Lankan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

How to use a Type M power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet

Instructions on how to power any mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet by using Micro USB type B cord with a three pin Type M power adapter.

  1. If you want to charge any mobile phone from the Sri Lankan power outlet you will need to use a Type M USB power plug adapter [8] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin by taking the Type M USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Sri Lankan power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes known as a Type M power outlet [7], can be recognised by 3 large circular holes in a triangular configuration.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Sri Lankan power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Type M power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Sri Lankan power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Sri Lanka
  2. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  3. 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..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D USB power plug adapter - Designed for usage in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, the Type D USB power plug adapter offers a practical solution for converting local 3-prong grounded outlets into USB ports, providing reliable charging for a range of USB devices..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  9. 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..