How to charge the iPad Air in Portugal

Instructions showing how to power the iPad Air with a Portuguese power outlet with a USB Lightning Apple connector with a two pin Type C Europlug power charger and how to charge the iPad Air using a Schuko Type F USB charger.

Portuguese power outlet

Complicated combinations of voltages and plug types can all be daunting when planning on staying in a different country, especially for the first time traveller. These step by step instructions will show how to power your iPad Air when you're in Portugal by using their standard types F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, most Portuguese will normally use Type F power outlets. Power supplies change regionally therefore please read our WikiConnections world power connections guide for a complete list of charging devices in different destinations. When you are travelling to Portugal from another country check the iPad Air can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPad Air was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from being damaged when charging it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Air.

Charging the iPad Air in Portugal

Can the iPad Air be used in Portugal?

Yes, you can use the iPad Air in Portugal.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad Air in Portugal?

When you are travelling with more than your iPad Air the best travel power adapter for Portugal is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Portuguese use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your type of iPad Air supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power adapters plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port charger means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple travel chargers. By only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for recharging your iPad Air at the airport or on a plane. 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 overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend searching for a flexible power adapter of this nature online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Portugal

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 America going to Portugal using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half the 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Portugal. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad Air in Portugal?

Powering the iPad Air with a Portuguese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions showing how to power the iPad Air with a Portuguese power outlet with a USB Lightning Apple connector with a two pin Type C Europlug power charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPad Air from a Portuguese power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - typically already included with your iPad Air by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. The wall outlet can be recognised by the two holes adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes around 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Air with a Portuguese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Portuguese power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad Air from a Portuguese power outlet using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Schuko Type F power adapter.

  1. If you want to charge your iPad Air using the Portuguese power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (the cable is normally already supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Portuguese power outlet. This circular power supply (sometimes known as a Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging which typically takes around one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Portuguese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Portugal country page on wikipedia
  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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..