Charging the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in The Philippines

Using the Apple USB 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type A power adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G with a Filipino power outlet, powering the iPhone 3G using a 3 pin Type B power adapter and recharging the iPhone 3G using a Type C USB charger

Filipino power outlet

Varying different voltages and plugs can often be confusing when planning on travelling to a new country, especially to the first time traveller. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of sockets used throughout the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need to buy in advance to charge the iPhone 3G . This page contains instructions demonstrating what you'll need to power your iPhone 3G when travelling to The Philippines using the standard C, A or B type Filipino 220 volt 60Hz power outlets, please be aware that Type C power outlets will be used by a majority of Filipinos. If you are visiting The Philippines from another country make sure that the iPhone 3G can be used with a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 3G came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your iPhone 3G is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overloading when powering up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in The Philippines

Can you use the iPhone 3G in The Philippines?

You can use the iPhone 3G in The Philippines.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3G in The Philippines?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than your iPhone 3G then the best international travel adapter for The Philippines is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Filipinas use three different standards of wall outlets (types C, A and B) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the included heads. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of USB power adapters and additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters having a four port adapter will allow you to recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers on your trip or using up additional power sockets. Only bringing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel to The Philippines we suggest searching for this type of versatile power adapter online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for The Philippines

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for visitors of counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both The Philippines 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 portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to The Philippines.
  • 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 America using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting The Philippines. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3G in The Philippines?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet

Using the Apple USB 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type A power adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually included with the device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the power supply by the two adjacent slots for live and neutral pins. Note that power cables used with type A outlets which are rated at only 125 volts should not be used in The Philippines so please check first.
  3. Plug in one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging, typically taking between 1 to 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet by using a 30-pin Apple cable with a Type B USB charger.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. The power supply (sometimes called the Type B power outlet [6]) is identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the longer grounded pin. Please be aware that power cords with type B plugs which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used so we recommend checking prior to continuing.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB cable into the mains 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging and takes around one to four hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Filipino power outlet

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

Using the Apple USB 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type C power adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G with a Filipino power outlet.

  1. To power your iPhone 3G using the Filipino power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include this USB cable when you buy the iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Filipino power outlet. The power supply is recognised by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Filipino power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging, typically taking between 1 to 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Filipino power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Filipino Wikipedia web page
  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 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. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. 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..