Charging the iPad from a power outlet in Portugal

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type C power adapter to power your iPad with a Portuguese power outlet and how to charge the iPad using a Type F USB charger.

Portuguese power outlet

Complicated combinations of voltages and region codes can often be daunting when planning to visit a new country if you've never visited before. This page was written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPad when you're in travelling to Portugal.If travelling to Portugal these useful instructions show how to power your iPad by using their types F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please be aware Type F plug outlets are typically used by most Portuguese. Power sockets will change depending on which region you visiting so please read our WikiConnections global power sockets page where you'll find a full list showing countries. When visiting Portugal from another country make sure the iPad can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check the iPad is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged when charging it. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Portugal

Can the iPad be used in Portugal?

Yes, you can connect the iPad to a Portuguese power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Portugal?

When travelling to multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Portugal is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets in Portugal (F and C) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of travel adapters along with additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other travel chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power adapters on your trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being suitable for charging your iPad at an airport or on a flight. Due to their versatility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

We recommend buying this type of flexible travel adapter 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 different countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Portugal

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPad, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 option for travellers originating from America visiting Portugal 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 Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Portugal. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Portugal?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Portuguese power outlet

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type C power adapter to power your iPad with a Portuguese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad using the Portuguese power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually included with the device).
  2. Begin by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Portuguese power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up taking between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Portuguese power outlet

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad from a Portuguese power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad with a Portuguese power outlet with the 30-pin Apple connector with a two pin Type F power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPad from a Portuguese power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is typically supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise this power outlet by two large round adjacent holes where the twin pins go, plus thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging which takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad from a Portuguese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Portugal
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..