How to charge the iPhone when planning a trip to Saudi Arabia

A step by step guide showing how to power your iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable with a three pin Type G USB adapter, charging the iPhone using a two pin Type A USB charger and recharging the iPhone using a three pin Type B USB charger

Saudi Arabian power outlet

If packing for a vacation to Saudi Arabia it's helpful to know in advance if you can power all your essential electronics like mobile phones and cameras when you're there. But without knowing which wall socket to expect you are likely to bring the wrong power charger, thereby leaving you having to buy a potentially overpriced adaptor when you're there which could be incompatible. Varying different voltages and standards can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country, especially to the first time traveller. These guidelines have been written to prevent travellers needing to worry if they can charge their iPhone abroad.The following step by step instructions will show you exactly how to supply power to your iPhone in Saudi Arabia by using their Type G, A, B or D Saudi Arabian 220 volt 60Hz wall outlets, you will find a majority of Saudis use Type G power outlets. You will discover that power changes depending on which region you are travelling to so we recommend reading the Asia page for a complete list of countries. If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia from a different country ensure that the iPhone can accept a 240v supply. If your iPhone originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check the iPhone is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you intend on staying somewhere like Riyadh or Jeddah we also recommend referring to the wikipedia page about Saudi Arabia [1] for further information on the location.

This page details the iPhone first generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Saudi Arabia

Can the iPhone be used in Saudi Arabia?

You can use the iPhone in Saudi Arabia by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Saudi Arabia?

If travelling to more than one country the best international travel charger for Saudi Arabia is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four standards of power outlets that Saudis use (G, A, B and D) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types A and G. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying this type of versatile travel adapter at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose 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 Saudi Arabia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Saudi Arabia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Saudi Arabia using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Saudi Arabia. [12] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Saudi Arabia?

How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

A step by step guide showing how to power your iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable with a three pin Type G USB adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already supplied with your device).
  2. Begin by taking the Type G USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging which typically takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

Powering the iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type A power adapter to charge your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone from the Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase your iPhone.
  2. Plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Saudi Arabian power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up taking between 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A guide showing you how to charge the iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type B power adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone using the Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Saudi Arabian power outlet. This wall supply, technically known as a Type B power outlet [8], can be identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a semicircular hole below for the grounded pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the charging cord into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

A guide showing you how to charge your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type F USB adapter.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Begin by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect 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. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Saudi Arabia
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable 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 A power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  11. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  12. 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..