How to charge the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Latvia

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Latvian power outlet using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a 2 pinned Type F power plug.

Latvian power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of standards and plugs can often cause confusion when planning to visit a different country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this article shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 3G in Latvia. This guide was written to prevent people having to worry if they'll be able to power their iPhone 3G when they are travelling abroad.If you are staying in Latvia this page has useful instructions showing how to supply power to your iPhone 3G by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets. If travelling to Latvia from another region check the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts make sure that your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from being damaged during charging. If you plan on travelling to a destination like Riga or Daugavpils we also recommend referring to the Latvia Wikipedia web page [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Latvia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Latvia?

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

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Latvia?

When you are travelling to more than one country and bringing more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel power adapter for Latvia is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets in Latvia (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple power chargers or using up additional power outlets. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

For those travelling often we recommend buying this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Latvia

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 converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North 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 most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Latvia 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 travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and 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 a more 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Latvia. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Latvia?

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

A guide showing you how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Latvian power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type C USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Latvian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This plug outlet, also called the Europlug, is identified by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect 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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Latvian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Latvian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

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

Using a USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type F power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Latvian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using the Latvian power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type F USB power plug adapter in the Latvian power outlet. This round plug outlet (sometimes known as the Schuko outlet) can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other, plus thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in 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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Latvian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Latvian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Latvia Wikipedia web page
  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..