Charging the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Bolivia

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G with a Bolivian power outlet using a 30-pin cable and a 3 pin Type A power adapter and charging the iPhone 3G using a Type C USB charger.

Bolivian power outlet

Different combinations of region codes and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to visit a foreign country especially for the first time traveller. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used in the world this article shows exactly what to buy in advance to power your iPhone 3G . The following useful guide tells you exactly what you'll need to power your iPhone 3G when travelling to Bolivia using the standard Type C or A Bolivian 115 volt 50Hz power outlets. If your iPhone 3G doesn't power up or recharges slowly when you are travelling to Bolivia from another region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which come from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) may take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check the device is dual voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Bolivia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Bolivia?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3G to a Bolivian power outlet.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Bolivia?

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPhone 3G then the best travel charger for Bolivia to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of power outlets that Bolivians use (C and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C. As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, plus additional support for certain power hungry devices.

This will allow you to charge more than one device at once without needing to bring seperate travel chargers or occupying additional power sockets. Because you are only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall size down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being suitable for charging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on your flight. Due to their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

If you travel often we suggest searching for this type of flexible travel charger online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Bolivia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Bolivia 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 best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Bolivia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Bolivia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Bolivia?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Bolivian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G with a Bolivian power outlet using a 30-pin cable and a 3 pin Type A power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3G from a Bolivian power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Bolivian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two thin slots next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Bolivian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is powering up taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Bolivian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Bolivian power outlet

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3G from a Bolivian power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPhone 3G using a Bolivian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will typically supply the cable with the iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Bolivian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging taking around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Bolivian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Bolivia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 C power outlet
  7. 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..
  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..