Charging your iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Thailand

Using a USB 30 pin connector with a two pinned Type A power adapter to power the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet, recharging the iPhone 3GS using a 3 pin Type B power charger and recharging the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pin Type C power charger

Thai power outlet

Varying different voltages and plugs can often be confusing when planning on travelling to a new country, especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of plug sockets used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need to pick up in advance to power your iPhone 3GS . This guide was written to prevent travellers worrying if they'll be able to power their iPhone 3GS abroad.When you are travelling to Thailand this page has instructions showing you charging the iPhone 3GS using the types B, A or C 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Thai typically use Type B plugs in their plug outlets. If you are visiting Thailand from another country please double check the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to stop the device from being damaged when charging it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Thailand

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Thailand?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Thai power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Thailand?

If you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS the best international travel charger for Thailand to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Thai use three different types of power outlets (types B, A and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your type of iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these travel chargers, and compatibility with certain power hungry devices. Unlike other travel chargers having a 4 port adapter will allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple power adapters or occupying additional power sockets. Because you are only bringing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling to Thailand we recommend buying this type of versatile power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Thailand

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, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids. These power converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting Thailand 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 Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Thailand. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Thailand?

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin connector with a two pinned Type A power adapter to power the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet.

  1. To power your iPhone 3GS using the Thai power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will typically include this USB cable with the iPhone 3GS).
  2. Start by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the power supply by the two adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into 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 Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging, typically taking between 1 to 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions on how to recharge the iPhone 3GS from a Thai power outlet with the 30-pin Apple cable and a Type B USB charger.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS using the Thai power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone 3GS by Apple.
  2. Start by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. The power supply (sometimes called the Type B power outlet [6]) is recognised by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades slide into with a hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power 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 Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Thai power outlet

A page showing how to recharge the iPhone 3GS from a Thai power outlet with the 30-pin Apple cable and a Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3GS from a Thai power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should normally supply the USB cable when you buy your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Thai power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power 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 Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Thai power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Thailand
  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. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  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..