How to charge the iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Japan

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Japanese power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a Type A power charger and how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a three pin Type B USB adapter.

Japanese power outlet

If packing for a vacation to Japan it's helpful to know if you'll be able to power your vital electronics when you arrive. However without knowing which power supply is used you could bring the wrong charger, therefore leaving you having to buy or borrow a suitable adaptor on arrival. Varying different combinations of frequencies and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never visited before. This isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power the iPhone 3GS in Japan. This guide has been specifically written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3GS when abroad.When travelling to Japan this page has useful instructions showing you how to supply power to your iPhone 3GS using their Type B or A Japanese 100 volt 60Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type B wall outlets will be typically used by a majority of Japanese. Most power supplies will vary depending on which country you're taking a trip to therefore please read the WikiConnections travel power sockets list for a full list showing countries. If your iPhone 3GS charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Japan from a different region please 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) can take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that the iPhone 3GS is dual voltage (you'll find these are normally indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. If you plan on staying somewhere like Tokyo we also suggest referring to the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more indepth details prior to travelling to the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Japan

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Japan?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Japanese power outlet.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Japan?

If travelling to multiple countries the best travel charger for Japan to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different types of plug sockets (B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the included plugs. If your iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these power chargers, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power adapters on your trip to Japan. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones, tablets and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

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 iPhone 3GS, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, 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 adapter for travellers originating from America visiting Japan using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives the same functionality 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 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 Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Japan?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Japanese power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector and a two pin Type A USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Japanese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple typically supply this cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Japanese power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the 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. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging which typically takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Japanese power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Japanese power outlet

Using the Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB charger to power your iPhone 3GS from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS from the Japanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this cable is usually already supplied with your device.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Japanese power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots with a semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB adapter 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 Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Japanese power outlet

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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..