How to charge the iPhone 3GS when staying in Australia

How to connect an Australian power outlet to the iPhone 3GS

Australian power outlet

Various frequencies and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3GS when abroad.When you're visiting Australia the following instructions show powering your iPhone 3GS using the standard 230 volt 50Hz Type I Australian wall supply. When you are visiting Australia from a different country check your iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v make sure that the iPhone 3GS is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging. If you are planning on visiting tourist destinations such as Sydney or Brisbane refer to the Australian Wikipedia page [1] for further information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Australia

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Australia?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to an Australian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Australia?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS and visiting more than one country then the best international travel power adapter for Australia to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters on your trip to Australia. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for recharging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power 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 wall outlet.

If you travel on a regular basis we recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter at your preferred electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Australia

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 iPhone 3GS, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power supplies. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Australia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America going to Australia using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Australia. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Australia?

How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from an Australian power outlet

Using a 30 pin Apple connector and a Type I power charger to power your iPhone 3GS from an Australian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3GS using an Australian power outlet you will need a Type I USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Plug in the Type I USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Type I power outlet [3]) can be identified by three thin slots for the live, neutral and ground. Please note that the neutral and live blades are reversed compared to Argentinian plug outlets, check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible in Australia.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB 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 Australian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging taking between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from an Australian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Australian Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  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. 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..