Charging your iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Mexico

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 3GS from a Mexican power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger and powering the iPhone 3GS using a 3 pin Type B USB plug.

Mexican power outlet

Various combinations of voltages and region codes can often be confusing when planning to visit a new country especially if you've never visited before. If you're visiting Mexico these useful instructions show how to power your iPhone 3GS by using their standard types B or A 127 volt 60Hz plug outlets, you'll find most Mexicans normally use the Type B plug outlets. Type A electrical sockets aren't as commonplace but still used by some hotels in Mexico. You'll find power will change from region to region so we suggest reading the power supplies and North America page for a full list of countries. If the iPhone 3GS slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when travelling to Mexico from a different region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check your iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Mexico

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Mexico?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Mexican power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Mexico?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPhone 3GS the best international travel charger for Mexico to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of plug sockets that Mexicans use (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these travel chargers along with compatibility with more power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on your flight. Because of their versatility these types of travel 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 plug socket.

We recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Mexico

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Mexico 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 most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America visiting Mexico using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Mexico. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Mexico?

Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Mexican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type A power adapter to power your iPhone 3GS with a Mexican power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3GS from 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 usually include the cable when you buy your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. The wall supply, technically called a Type A power outlet [3], can be recognised by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go. Type A plug outlets in Mexico might not be as common however are still found in some hotels.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up which should take between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Mexican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Mexican power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using an Apple USB 30 pin cable and a Type B USB adapter to power the iPhone 3GS with a Mexican power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a Mexican power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Plug the Type B USB power plug adapter into the power supply. The plug supply, technically known as a Type B power outlet [6], is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the earthed pin. Type B electrical outlets will be the most common sockets found in Mexico.
  3. Connect 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 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Mexican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Mexican power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Visitmexico - Visit Mexico Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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..