How to charge the iPad from a power outlet in Greece

Instructions on how to power your iPad with a Greek power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB charger and powering the iPad using a Type F USB adapter.

Greek power outlet

When packing for a vacation to Greece it's helpful to know if you can charge any important devices such as mobile phones or laptop computers when you're there. But, by not knowing which power socket is used in Greece you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, leaving you having to buy or borrow a suitable power adaptor on arrival that might not be compatible. Varying different combinations of frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning on visiting another country especially if you've never visited before. This guide was specifically written to stop visitors worrying if they can charge their iPad when they are visiting abroad.This page contains simple instructions showing exactly how to supply power to your iPad when you're in Greece by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please be aware Type F wall outlets will be normally used by most Greeks. When travelling to Greece from another country please check that your iPad can be used with a 240 volt supply. If the iPad came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your iPad is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overloading whilst powering it. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Greece

Can you use the iPad in Greece?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Greece by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Greece?

When travelling with more than your iPad and visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Greece is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Greeks use two different standards of power outlets (F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPad supports Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel chargers plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other adapters this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple travel adapters for your Greek trip. Because you are only needing to bring a single international travel charger will help keep the size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPad at the airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones, tablets and e-readers and using only a single plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Greece

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPad, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for visitors of regions with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Greece 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 converter for travellers originating from America going to Greece.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Greece. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Greece?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPad from a Greek power outlet

Instructions on how to power your iPad with a Greek power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB charger.

  1. To supply power to your iPad from the Greek power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the USB cable is usually already included with your device.
  2. Begin by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The plug supply is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  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 iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Greek power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPad from a Greek power outlet

Powering the iPad with a Greek power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad from a Greek power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type F USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad using the Greek power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already supplied with the device).
  2. Begin by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins slide into, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Greek power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes roughly one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Greek power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Greece
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..