How to charge the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Estonia

A guide on how to recharge the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C power adapter and how to power the iPhone 3G using a two pinned Type F USB plug.

Estonian power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never visited before. When you're visiting Estonia these instructions show how to power the iPhone 3G using the standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. If visiting Estonia from a different country ensure the iPhone 3G can accept a 240v supply. If your iPhone 3G originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v check the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from overloading when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Estonia

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Estonia?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Estonia by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Estonia?

When you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3G and visiting more than one country the best travel power adapter for Estonia is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Estonians use two different standards of plug sockets (types F and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters plus additional compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel chargers this will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring individual power chargers. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers and using just a single plug socket.

We suggest searching for a flexible travel adapter similar to this online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Estonia

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, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Estonia using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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 and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Estonia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Estonia?

Powering the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using the Estonian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G).
  2. Start by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the cable 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 Estonian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

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

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a two pinned Type F power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Estonian power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the Estonian power outlet. The sunken round power outlet, sometimes called a Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko plug, can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cable 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 Estonian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Estonian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Estonia Wikipedia web 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. 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..