How to charge the iPhone 4 when staying in Panama

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 4 with a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type A power charger and how to recharge the iPhone 4 using a Type B power charger.

Panamanian power outlet

Varying different combinations of voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of standards being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what to purchase in advance to charge your iPhone 4 in Panama. If you are staying in Panama the following instructions show charging your iPhone 4 using their B or A type 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets. If the iPhone 4 doesn't power up or recharges slowly when you are visiting Panama from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual voltage (usually marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Panama

Can the iPhone 4 be used in Panama?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in Panama.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Panama?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Panama is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets in Panama (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 4 can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy individual travel chargers. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer. The travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 compact power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Panama.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and offers practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Panama?

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

A page on how to recharge your iPhone 4 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 4 from a Panamanian power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 4.
  2. Plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Type A power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots.
  3. Plug in one end of the power cord into the bottom of the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging taking between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 4 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 4 with a Panamanian power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type B power charger.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 4 using a Panamanian power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your device).
  2. Plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called a Type B power outlet [6], is recognised by the two thin slots with a hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 4 will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is recharging taking roughly one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Panamanian page on wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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..