How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Afghanistan

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G from an Afghan power outlet with the 30 pin Apple cable with a Type C power charger and recharging the iPhone 3G using a Type F USB adapter.

Afghan power outlet

Various standards and plugs can often be daunting when planning on visiting another country especially if you've never visited before. This guide has been written to stop visitors needing to worry if they can power the iPhone 3G when they're staying abroad.The following useful guide shows how to power the iPhone 3G when going to Afghanistan by using the F or C type 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets. When you are visiting Afghanistan from a different country make sure the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overloading whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Afghanistan

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Afghanistan?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Afghanistan by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Afghanistan?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel charger for Afghanistan to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of plug sockets that Afghans use (types F and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power adapters, along with additional support for certain power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate travel adapters or using up additional wall sockets. By only packing a single travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you're not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using only a single plug socket.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend searching for this type of flexible power charger at an electronics retailer. The multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Afghanistan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Afghanistan and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power adapter for travellers originating from America visiting Afghanistan using 3 pin type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the 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 majority of travellers from around the world visiting Afghanistan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Afghanistan?

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

A page on how to power the iPhone 3G with an Afghan power outlet by using an Apple 30 pin cable and a Type C USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G using an Afghan power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally include this cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This wall outlet (called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power charger 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 Afghan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which typically takes between 1-4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Afghan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3G with an Afghan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin connector and a two pin Type F USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from an Afghan power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3G using an Afghan power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the Afghan power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into along with grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into 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. Switch on the Afghan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes roughly 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Afghan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Afghanistan
  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 F power outlet
  7. 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..
  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..