How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Bulgaria

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Bulgarian power outlet and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a two pinned Type F USB adapter.

Bulgarian power outlet

Complicated region codes and plug types can all be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. This page has been written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3G abroad.If you are visiting Bulgaria this page contains instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G using their Type F or C Bulgarian 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets. When you are visiting Bulgaria from a different country make sure the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overloading when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Bulgaria

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Bulgaria?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Bulgaria by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Bulgaria?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G then the best international travel charger for Bulgaria is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Bulgarians use two different types of plug sockets (F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers plus support for more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power adapters on your trip to Bulgaria. Because you are only needing to bring a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying a versatile travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Bulgaria

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for visitors of regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Bulgaria 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 most popular compact power adapter for travellers originating from America visiting Bulgaria using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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 gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Bulgaria. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Bulgaria?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using a Bulgarian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally supply this cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G.
  2. Firstly insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the power 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 Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

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

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type F USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from a Bulgarian power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already supplied with the iPhone 3G by Apple.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. This round power outlet (called the Schuko plug) can be identified by two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into and thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the power 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 Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Bulgaria
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  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 F power outlet
  7. 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..
  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..