How to charge the iPad 3 when staying in Mexico

Instructions on how to recharge your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet with the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type A power charger and how to recharge the iPad 3 using a Type B power plug.

Mexican power outlet

Various frequencies and region codes can often be daunting when planning on travelling to another country, especially for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to prevent people worrying if they can power the iPad 3 when they're visiting abroad.This guide shows what you'll need to supply power to your iPad 3 when you're travelling to Mexico by using the standard types B or A Mexican 127 volt 60Hz wall outlets, Type B power outlets are used by most Mexicans. Type A electrical sockets aren't as commonplace but still used by some hotels in Mexico. If the iPad 3 slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting Mexico from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) can take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check that the iPad 3 is a dual voltage device (usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in Mexico

Can the iPad 3 be used in Mexico?

You can use the iPad 3 in Mexico.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 3 in Mexico?

If travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Mexico is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets in Mexico (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPad 3 is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters this will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy seperate power chargers. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling and suitable for recharging your iPad 3 at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.

We recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Mexico

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 option for travellers originating from North America going to Mexico.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Mexico. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 3 in Mexico?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPad 3 using a Mexican power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPad 3.
  2. Begin by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Mexican power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into. Type A plug outlets in Mexico are less common but could still used by some hotels.
  3. Plug in one end of the power cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector is found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up which takes around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type B power charger to power your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPad 3 from the Mexican power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPad 3).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earth pin. The most commonly used sockets in Mexico are Type B electrical sockets.
  3. Plug in one end of the power cord into the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad 3.
  4. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up, typically taking around one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 3 from a Mexican power outlet

See also

  1. Visitmexico - Visit Mexico Web Site
  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 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. 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..