Charging your iPhone from a power outlet in Thailand

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone with a Thai power outlet using the Apple USB 30 pin connector and a 2 pin Type C power charger, recharging the iPhone using a Type A USB charger and powering the iPhone using a 3 pin Type B power charger

Thai power outlet

Varying different frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially if you've never been there before. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of standards used throughout the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need to pick up in advance to charge your iPhone . This guide has been written to prevent travellers worrying if they'll be able to power their iPhone abroad.These step by step instructions shows how to supply power to the iPhone in Thailand using the Type B, A or C Thai 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type B wall outlets are typically used by most Thai. When travelling to Thailand from a different country please check that your iPhone can be charged using a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from overheating during charging.

This page details the iPhone first 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 Thailand

Can you use the iPhone in Thailand?

You can use the iPhone in Thailand.

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

If you are travelling with more than your iPhone then the best travel charger for Thailand to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of plug sockets in Thailand (B, A and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C. As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs. If your iPhone can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these types of power adapters along with additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other adapters this means you can recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring seperate travel chargers for your Thai trip. By only needing a single USB travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Because of their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel often we suggest searching for this type of flexible power adapter online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Thailand

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Thailand 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 is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Thailand. [10] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone in Thailand?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin connector with a two pinned Type A power adapter to power your iPhone with a Thai power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPhone from a Thai power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually included with the device by Apple).
  2. Firstly plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Thai power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (technically called the Type A power outlet [3]) can be recognised by two adjacent slots next to each other where the plug outlet blades slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up taking roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

A guide showing how to charge your iPhone with a Thai power outlet with the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type B USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone using a Thai power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Thai power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular hole below for the grounded pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cord into the bottom of the USB power adapter 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 Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which takes roughly one to four hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone with a Thai power outlet using the Apple USB 30 pin connector and a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone from a Thai power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should normally supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone).
  2. Start by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can identify the plug supply by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into 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 Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging, typically taking between 1 - 4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone from a Thai power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Thai Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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..