Charging the iPad 3 when staying in Laos

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet using the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a two pinned Type E power charger, charging the iPad 3 using a 2 pin Type C USB plug and powering the iPad 3 using a two pinned Type F power charger

Lao power outlet

Varying complicated frequencies and region codes can all be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially for the first time traveller. This page has been specifically written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPad 3 abroad.This simple guide tells you how to supply power to your iPad 3 when staying in Laos by using their types F, C or E 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. If visiting Laos from a different country please ensure your iPad 3 can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you are planning on visiting a Lao city such as Vientiane refer to the Laos Wikipedia page [1] for further details on travelling to the location. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in Laos

Can the iPad 3 be used in Laos?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 3 to a Lao power outlet.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad 3 in Laos?

When you are travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than your iPad 3 the best international travel charger for Laos to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three standards of wall outlets in Laos (F, C and E) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs. If your iPad 3 is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these types of USB power adapters, plus compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters this will allow you to recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring seperate power adapters. By only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPad 3 at an airport or on the flight. Because of their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets using just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to different continents we suggest buying this type of versatile power charger online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Laos

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 iPad 3, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Laos 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 best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Laos.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Laos. [9] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad 3 in Laos?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet

Using a 30 pin cable and a Type C USB adapter to power your iPad 3 with a Lao power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad 3 from the Lao power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which should take around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet by using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a two pinned Type E power adapter.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad 3 using the Lao power outlet you will need a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is typically supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Plug in the Type E USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This recessed circular wall outlet can be recognised by two round holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit and a single long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 3.
  4. Turn on the Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up taking between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet

Charging the iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin connector with a 2 pin Type F USB charger to recharge the iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple usually supply the cable when you buy the iPad 3.
  2. Firstly plug the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by two large round adjacent holes for live and neutral and a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector is found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Turn on the Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad 3 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 3 is charging which takes between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad 3 from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Laos Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  8. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. 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..