Charging the iPad 3 when planning a trip to Bulgaria

Instructions showing you how to power the iPad 3 from a Bulgarian power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a Type C USB adapter and powering the iPad 3 using a Type F USB plug.

Bulgarian power outlet

Complicated combinations of voltages and sockets can often be confusing when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never been there before. This page was written to help prepare visitors wanting to power their iPad 3 when travelling abroad.If staying in Bulgaria this page contains useful instructions showing charging the iPad 3 by using their standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. You will discover that power will vary from country to country therefore we suggest reading the Europe page for a complete list of regions and countries. When travelling to Bulgaria from a different region please make sure that your iPad 3 can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your iPad 3 is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from overheating during charging. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in Bulgaria

Can you use the iPad 3 in Bulgaria?

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

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPad 3 in Bulgaria?

When travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPad 3 then the best international travel adapter for Bulgaria is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Bulgarians use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your iPad 3 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel adapters along with compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to power more than one device at once without needing to bring individual travel adapters for your Bulgarian trip or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of 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, phones and e-readers using just a single power outlet.

For those travelling to Bulgaria we suggest searching for a flexible travel charger like this at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Bulgaria

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Bulgaria 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 Bulgaria.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a flexible 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 Bulgaria. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPad 3 in Bulgaria?

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

Instructions showing you how to power the iPad 3 from a Bulgarian power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad 3 using a Bulgarian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will typically supply the cable with the iPad 3).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter 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. Turn on the Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 3 is powering up and takes around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Bulgarian power outlet

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Bulgarian power outlet

Using the Apple USB 30 pin connector with a Type F USB charger to charge your iPad 3 with a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPad 3 using the Bulgarian power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually supplied with your iPad 3.
  2. Start by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of the USB charger 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 Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad 3 screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which takes roughly 1 - 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Bulgarian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bulgarian country entry on Wikipedia.org
  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 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. 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..