Charging your mobile phone from a power outlet in Spain

Instructions showing how to charge your mobile phone with a Spanish power outlet with USB Micro Type B cord and a 3 pin Europlug Type C power adapter and how to power any mobile phone using a Type F Schuko power charger.

Spanish power outlet

Different voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially to the first time traveller. If planning a holiday to Spain these instructions show powering the mobile phone by using the types F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Spaniards typically use Type F plugs in their power outlets. Most power supplies will change depending on which area you are visiting so please read the power supplies and Europe page for a full list of regions and countries. When visiting Spain from another region ensure that your mobile phone can accept a 240 volt supply. If your mobile phone was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v ensure that your mobile phone is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from over-heating when charging it. If you plan on staying in a city like Madrid we also suggest reading the Spain entry on wikipedia [1] for further information.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Spain

Can the mobile phone be used in Spain?

Yes, you can connect any mobile phone to a Spanish power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Spain?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than your mobile phone the best international travel adapter for Spain is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Spaniards use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs over. If your mobile phone can support Fast Charge (note that not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these types of power adapters along with support for more power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a four port adapter means you can recharge multiple devices at once without needing to bring seperate travel adapters for your Spanish trip. Only needing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers using just a single power outlet.

We recommend buying a versatile power charger of this nature online; the travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Spain using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [7] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for any mobile phone in Spain?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Spanish power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge your mobile phone with a Spanish power outlet with USB Micro Type B cord and a 3 pin Europlug Type C power adapter.

  1. In order to power any mobile phone from a Spanish power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Plug the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Spanish power outlet

Powering any mobile phone with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using USB Micro Type B cord and a 3 pin Schuko Type F power adapter to power any mobile phone with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. To power your mobile phone using the Spanish power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This recessed round plug supply, also known as a Schuko plug, can be identified by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go and a pair of two metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the micro USB Type B connector into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the bottom or side of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spain entry on wikipedia
  2. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  3. 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..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..