How to charge your iPhone from a power outlet in Taiwan

A guide on how to recharge the iPhone with a Taiwanese power outlet with a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power adapter and charging the iPhone using a Type B power charger.

Taiwanese power outlet

Different combinations of standards and sockets can all be confusing when planning to stay in another country especially if you've never visited before. The following simple guide shows exactly how to power the iPhone when you're visiting Taiwan by using the B or A type 110 volt 60Hz plug outlets, please be aware Type B wall outlets will be used by most Taiwanese. If the iPhone slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are travelling to Taiwan from another country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically electrical devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) either take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your device is dual voltage (normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use.

This page details the iPhone 1st generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for a full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Taiwan

Can the iPhone be used in Taiwan?

You can use the iPhone in Taiwan by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone in Taiwan?

If travelling with more than your iPhone or visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Taiwan to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Taiwanese use two different types of plug sockets (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by changing the supplied plugs. If your type of iPhone can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, plus support for more power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple travel adapters for your Taiwanese trip. Because you are only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling to different continents we recommend searching for a flexible travel adapter like this online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Taiwan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Taiwan and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 going to Taiwan using type B 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 from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 Taiwan. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone in Taiwan?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Taiwanese power outlet

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power adapter to charge the iPhone from a Taiwanese power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone from the Taiwanese power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include the cable with your iPhone).
  2. Start by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin adjacent slots where the plug outlet pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the 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 Taiwanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your mobile will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging, typically taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Taiwanese power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Taiwanese power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type B power charger to charge the iPhone with a Taiwanese power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone from the Taiwanese power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short twin blades sit with a single hole below for the longer earth pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable 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. Turn on the Taiwanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone from a Taiwanese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Taiwan
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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. 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..