How to charge the iPhone 3G in South Africa

Instructions on how to recharge your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 2 pinned Type F USB adapter, how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a two pin Type C USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a Type M power charger

South African power outlet

Complicated frequencies and region codes can often be daunting when planning on visiting another country, especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of standards used in the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPhone 3G in South Africa. This page has instructions which shows exactly how to charge your iPhone 3G when you are visiting South Africa by using the standard types M, C, F or N South African 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, a majority of South Africans use Type M sockets in their power outlets. Most power supplies will change depending on which region you're taking a trip to therefore please read the WikiConnections global power connections guide where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different destinations. If travelling to South Africa from another region please make sure that your iPhone 3G can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in South Africa

Can the iPhone 3G be used in South Africa?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in South Africa.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in South Africa?

When you are travelling to multiple countries the best travel charger for South Africa is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four different standards of power outlets in South Africa (types M, C, F and N) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by changing the supplied heads over. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets. Having a four port charger means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters on your trip to South Africa. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will keep the 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 travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones with only a single plug socket.

We suggest buying this type of versatile travel adapter online. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for South Africa

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unstable power grids. 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 portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting South Africa.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This offers almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting South Africa. [12] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in South Africa?

Charging the iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C power charger to power your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3G using a South African power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally included with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the South African power outlet. This unearthed wall supply (called a Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other.
  3. Then 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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging which takes around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3G with a South African power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Instructions on how to recharge your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 2 pinned Type F USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from the South African power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your device).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter in the South African power outlet. The recessed circular power outlet, also called a Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko outlet, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm apart from each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a South African power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet

Using an Apple 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G using a South African power outlet you will need to buy a Type M USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this USB cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Plug in the Type M USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging taking roughly 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

A page on how to power your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a Type N power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3G from a South African power outlet you will need a Type N USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your device).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type N USB power plug adapter in the South African power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped power supply (called a Type N power outlet [10]) looks like three large circular holes forming a triangle configuration.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - South African Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 M power outlet
  9. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  10. iec.ch - Type N power outlet
  11. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  12. 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..