Charging the iPhone 3GS when visiting Uruguay

A step by step guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type L power charger, charging the iPhone 3GS using a Type C USB adapter and how to charge the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pinned Type F power plug

Uruguayan power outlet

If planning a trip to Uruguay it is useful to know in advance if you'll be able to use your gadgets that you'll be bringing along with you. However, by not knowing which power socket is used you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, meaning having to buy or borrow a potentially overpriced adaptor when you're there. Differing voltages and plugs can often be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country if you've never been there before. This isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 3GS in Uruguay. The following step by step guide will show you exactly how to charge your iPhone 3GS when you are travelling to Uruguay using their types F, C, I or L Uruguayan 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type F power outlets are typically used by a majority of Uruguayans. You will find power will differ depending on which area you are travelling to so we recommend reading the South America page for a complete list of countries. If you are visiting Uruguay from a different country please ensure that your iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3GS was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to stop the device from overheating whilst powering it. If you intend on visiting destinations such as Montevideo we also recommend reading the Uruguayan Wikipedia web page [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Uruguay

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Uruguay?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Uruguayan power outlet.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Uruguay?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3GS then the best travel adapter for Uruguay to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Uruguayans use four different standards of wall outlets (types F, C, I and L) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by changing the plugs over. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack multiple travel chargers for your trip to Uruguay or using up additional wall outlets. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers and using only a single power outlet.

If you travel to Uruguay we recommend searching for this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Uruguay

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These travel 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 travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Uruguay using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Uruguay. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Uruguay?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Uruguayan power outlet

Using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS from a Uruguayan power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with your device by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Uruguayan power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two circular holes next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Uruguayan power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type F power adapter.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3GS from the Uruguayan power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The recessed circular wall supply, sometimes known as a Type F power outlet [6], can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other and two thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type L power charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3GS from the Uruguayan power outlet you will need a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally supply this cable when you buy the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type L USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this hexagon shaped plug outlet by three large holes forming a line. You'll find there are two different types of Type L wall supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp plug supply has 4mm thick round pins spaced 5.5mm apart whilst the 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uruguayan Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. 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.
  10. 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..