Charging the mobile phone when planning a trip to Chile

Using micro USB Type B cord with a Europlug Type C USB charger to charge your mobile phone with a Chilean power outlet and how to charge any mobile phone using a 3 pin Type L power charger.

Chilean power outlet

If you are organizing to travel it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to charge all your devices when you arrive. By not knowing which plug socket is being used you may pack the wrong power charger, meaning having to buy a suitable power adaptor on arrival that might be incompatible and cause damage to your mobile phone. Differing voltages and region codes can all lead to confusion when planning to travel to a new country especially for the first time traveller. These guidelines have been specifically written to stop travellers worrying if they'll be able to charge the mobile phone when staying in Chile.If visiting Chile this page has useful instructions showing charging the mobile phone using the types L or C 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, Type L wall outlets are normally used by most Chileans. Power sockets will vary depending on which area you are travelling to so please read the South America and power supplies page for a full list of regions and countries. When travelling to Chile from a different country please make sure that your mobile phone can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v check that the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from over-heating when powering up.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For a specific mobile phone please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Chile

Can you use any mobile phone in Chile?

You can use any mobile phone in Chile by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel adapter for any mobile phone in Chile?

When travelling with more than just your mobile phone the best travel charger for Chile to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of power outlets that Chileans use (types L and C) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by changing the heads over. If your type of mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of power adapters along with compatibility with certain power hungry devices like tablets. This means you can recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring seperate travel chargers on your Chilean trip or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only bringing a single international travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage and convenient for charging your mobile phone at the airport or on your flight. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets with just a single wall outlet.

We recommend buying this type of versatile travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Chile

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Chile and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America going to Chile using 3 pin type B plug sockets.
  • 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. This is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Chile. [7] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for any mobile phone in Chile?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet

Using type B USB Micro cable and a Type C Europlug power adapter to power any mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge any mobile phone from a Chilean 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. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Chilean power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the type B USB micro cable 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 (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. Switch on the Chilean power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet

How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet

Instructions on how to recharge any mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet with micro USB Type B cord with a Type L USB charger.

  1. In order to power your mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet you'll need a Type L USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. First you'll need to plug the Type L USB power plug adapter in the Chilean power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped power outlet, sometimes known as a Type L power outlet [5], looks like 3 large circular holes forming a line. Note that there are two types of Type L power supply, one rated at 10 amps and one for 16 amps. The 10 amp wall outlet has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins which are spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB Type B connector into the bottom of 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 for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is normally located either on the bottom or along one side of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the Chilean 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]
How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Chilean power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Chile Wikipedia page
  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 L power outlet
  6. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  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..