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

How to connect a Tongan power outlet to the iPhone 3G

Tongan power outlet

Complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially to the first time traveller. This step by step guide will show how to power your iPhone 3G when you're visiting Tonga using their 240 volt 50Hz Type I Tongan power outlet. When travelling to Tonga from another country check the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) double check your iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you're planning to visit a city like Nuku?alofa we recommend reading the Tonga Wikipedia web page [1] for more indepth information on travelling to the location. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Tonga

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Tonga?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Tonga by using the correct power convertor.

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

When you are travelling to more than one country and bringing more than just your iPhone 3G the best international travel charger for Tonga is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these types of 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 plugs over. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional plug socket.

We suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter like this online. The travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Tonga

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to Tonga using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Tonga. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Tonga?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Tongan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

Using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a 3 pinned Type I power charger to charge the iPhone 3G from a Tongan power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3G from the Tongan power outlet you will need a Type I USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type I USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type I power outlet [3], can be recognised by 3 slots forming a triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the base and the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and earth.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB charger 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. Switch on the Tongan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is recharging and takes roughly one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Tongan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tonga Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  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. 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..