How to charge the iPad when staying in Panama

Instructions on how to recharge your iPad from a Panamanian power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter and recharging the iPad using a Type B power plug.

Panamanian power outlet

Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially to the first time traveller. This page has instructions showing exactly how to power the iPad in Panama by using the standard types B or A Panamanian 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets. If the iPad slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting Panama from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Electrical devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that the iPad is a dual voltage device (usually marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Panama

Can the iPad be used in Panama?

You can connect the iPad to a Panamanian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Panama?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel power adapter for Panama to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Panamanians use two different types of plug sockets (B and A) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to buy seperate power chargers or using up additional wall outlets. By only needing to pack a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being on hand for charging your iPad at an airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel on a regular basis we suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

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 those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Panama.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and offers practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Panama?

Powering the iPad with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions on how to recharge your iPad from a Panamanian power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPad from the Panamanian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your device).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Panamanian power outlet. The power supply (called a Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up, typically taking around one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPad from a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A page on how to power your iPad from a Panamanian power outlet with an Apple 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad from the Panamanian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically included with your device).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Panamanian power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type B power outlet [6]) can be identified by two thin slots with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Panama country page on wikipedia.org
  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 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. 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..