How to charge the iPad 3 from a power outlet in Costa Rica

Instructions on how to power your iPad 3 with a Costa Rican power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a three pinned Type A USB charger and how to recharge the iPad 3 using a three pinned Type B USB charger.

Costa Rican power outlet

Various combinations of voltages and region codes can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country, especially if you've never been there before. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPad 3 . When staying in Costa Rica this page contains instructions showing how to supply power to your iPad 3 using the standard types B or A 120 volt 60Hz power outlets, you will find most Costa Ricans will normally use Type B wall outlets. If the iPad 3 slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting Costa Rica from another region then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) can take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that your device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in Costa Rica

Can you use the iPad 3 in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can use the iPad 3 in Costa Rica by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad 3 in Costa Rica?

If travelling with more than your iPad 3 or visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Costa Rica is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Costa Ricans use two different standards of wall outlets (B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPad 3 is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers and additional compatibility with more power demanding devices. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy multiple travel chargers for your Costa Rican trip. Because you are only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPad 3 at an airport or on a plane. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using only a single wall outlet.

We suggest buying this type of flexible travel adapter online. The power 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 with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Costa Rica

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 iPad 3, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Costa Rica 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 most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from America going to Costa Rica.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective 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 Costa Rica. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad 3 in Costa Rica?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Costa Rican power outlet

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power charger to recharge the iPad 3 with a Costa Rican power outlet.

  1. To power the iPad 3 from the Costa Rican power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually include the USB cable when you purchase the iPad 3.
  2. First plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Costa Rican power outlet. The power supply (technically known as a Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two thin adjacent slots where the pins go.
  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 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the Costa Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad 3 is charging, typically taking around one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Costa Rican power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Costa Rican power outlet

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type B power charger to charge the iPad 3 with a Costa Rican power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad 3 from a Costa Rican power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPad 3.
  2. First you'll need to plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Costa Rican power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the longer earth pin.
  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 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the Costa Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad 3 is charging, typically taking around one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Costa Rican power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Costa Rica
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..