How to charge the iPad Mini 2 when staying in Costa Rica

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPad Mini 2 with a Costa Rican power outlet by using a USB Lightning cable with a Type A power charger and how to recharge the iPad Mini 2 using a Type B power plug.

Costa Rican power outlet

Various region codes and sockets can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards used in the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPad Mini 2 in Costa Rica. This guide was specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPad Mini 2 when you are staying abroad.If you are going to travel to Costa Rica these useful instructions show powering your iPad Mini 2 using their B or A type 120 volt 60Hz power outlets, please note that Type B wall outlets will be normally used by a majority of Costa Ricans. Power sources will change from country to country so please read the WikiConnections global power connections guide where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different destinations. If your iPad Mini 2 charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Costa Rica from another country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically electrical devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) can take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini 2.

Charging the iPad Mini 2 in Costa Rica

Can the iPad Mini 2 be used in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can use the iPad Mini 2 in Costa Rica.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Costa Rica?

When you are travelling to multiple countries or bringing along more than just your iPad Mini 2 the best travel charger for Costa Rica is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets that Costa Ricans use (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your type of iPad Mini 2 supports Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger like this online - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Costa Rica

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful when visiting counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Costa Rica and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Costa Rica 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. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 Costa Rica. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Costa Rica?

Charging the iPad Mini 2 from a Costa Rican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

A page on how to power your iPad Mini 2 from a Costa Rican power outlet using a USB Lightning cable with a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. If you want to power your iPad Mini 2 using a Costa Rican power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (normally included with your iPad Mini 2 by Apple).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise this power supply by 2 slots next to each other where the two blades slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Turn on the Costa Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is charging which should take roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad Mini 2 from a Costa Rican power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad Mini 2 from a Costa Rican power outlet

Instructions showing you how to charge the iPad Mini 2 with a Costa Rican power outlet by using a Lightning Apple connector and a Type B power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPad Mini 2 using a Costa Rican power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple should usually supply this cable when you first purchase the iPad Mini 2).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Costa Rican power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades slide into with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the cord into the bottom of the mains USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Turn on the Costa Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPad Mini 2 will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini 2 is recharging and takes between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad Mini 2 from a Costa Rican power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Costa Rica Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..