Charging the iPhone 3G when staying in Finland

A guide on how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a two pin Type C USB charger and how to charge the iPhone 3G using a Type F USB adapter.

Finnish power outlet

Varying different standards and voltages can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country if you've never been there before. This page is a step by step guide demonstrating how to charge your iPhone 3G in Finland using the standard F or C type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets. If you are travelling to Finland from a different country please ensure your iPhone 3G can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) check the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to stop the device from being damaged whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Finland

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Finland?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Finland.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Finland?

When you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3G the best international travel charger for Finland is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Finland (types F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, along with compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Having a four port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters. Only packing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling. Due to their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets with just a single plug socket.

If you travel to Finland we recommend buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Finland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power grids. These power adapters come 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 travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Finland.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a flexible 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Finland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Finland?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet using the Apple 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge your iPhone 3G using the Finnish power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with your iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Firstly plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The wall outlet can be recognised by 2 adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Finnish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging, typically taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet using the Apple USB 30-pin connector with a Type F USB charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G from the Finnish power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already included with your iPhone 3G by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Finnish power outlet. The round plug supply (known as the Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Finnish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging, typically taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Finnish power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Finland
  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..