How to charge the iPad Mini when visiting Barbados

Using an Apple USB Lightning cable and a double pinned Type A power charger to recharge the iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet and how to charge the iPad Mini using a Type B power adapter.

Barbadian power outlet

Various combinations of frequencies and standards can all be confusing when planning to stay in another country if you've never been there before. This page has step by step instructions showing you exactly what you'll need to supply power to the iPad Mini when visiting Barbados using their standard types B or A 115 volt 50Hz power outlets, please be aware that Type B power outlets are typically used by a majority of Bajans. You'll find power sockets vary depending on which region you are travelling to therefore we suggest reading the World power supplies page for a full list of countries. If your iPad Mini slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting Barbados from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originate from a country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check that your iPad Mini is a dual voltage device (you'll find these are normally indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in Barbados

Can the iPad Mini be used in Barbados?

Yes, you can use the iPad Mini in Barbados.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Barbados?

If travelling with more than just your iPad Mini the best travel power adapter for Barbados is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets in Barbados (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by switching the heads over. If your iPad Mini supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these travel adapters and additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to bring seperate power adapters on your Barbadian trip or occupying additional wall sockets. Only needing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPad Mini at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional plug socket.

We suggest searching for this type of versatile power charger at your preferred electronics retailer - the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Barbados

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 those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unstable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Barbados and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Barbados using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Barbados. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Barbados?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet

Using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Type A USB charger to recharge the iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge your iPad Mini using the Barbadian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should typically include this cable when you buy the iPad Mini.
  2. First plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this power outlet by the two thin slots next to each other where the twin plug outlet blades sit.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB Lightning cord into the mains USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Mini.
  4. Turn on the Barbadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up and takes roughly one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet by using an Apple USB Lightning cable and a three pinned Type B power charger.

  1. To charge the iPad Mini using a Barbadian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should typically include the cable when you buy the iPad Mini.
  2. First plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Barbadian power outlet. This power outlet, technically called the Type B power outlet [6], is identified by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two blades go with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earth pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple charging cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Barbadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad Mini screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is recharging which takes around 1-4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad Mini from a Barbadian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Barbados Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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. 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..