Charging the iPhone 3G when visiting Tunisia

A guide on how to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter and how to power the iPhone 3G using a two pinned Type E USB plug.

Tunisian power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never visited before. When you're visiting Tunisia this page has useful instructions showing you how to power your iPhone 3G using the standard E or C type 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, Type E plug outlets will be normally used by most Tunisians. If travelling to Tunisia from a different region check that the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 3G originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) check your iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from being damaged when powering up. If you intend on staying somewhere like Tunis or Nabeul-Hammamet we also recommend referring to the Tunisia Wikipedia web page [1] for more information prior to the location. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Tunisia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Tunisia?

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

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Tunisia?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G then the best international travel charger for Tunisia to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Tunisians use (E and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with support for more power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack individual travel chargers for your trip or using up additional wall sockets. Only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling on a regular basis we suggest buying this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer - the power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Tunisia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 visiting Tunisia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Tunisia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Tunisia?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using the Tunisian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G).
  2. Start by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB 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 Tunisian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up which takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

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

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a two pinned Type E power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Tunisian power outlet you will need a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin by taking the Type E USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Tunisian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two large round holes 19mm apart from each other and one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB 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 Tunisian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which should take between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Tunisian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tunisia Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. 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..
  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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..