How to charge the iPhone 3GS when staying in Tunisia

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Tunisian power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger and how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a Type E power plug.

Tunisian power outlet

Various frequencies and standards can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. If you are going to travel to Tunisia these useful instructions show how to supply power to your iPhone 3GS using their E or C type 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, a majority of Tunisians use Type E sockets in their plug outlets. When travelling anywhere you'll find that most power sockets vary from region to region therefore we suggest that you read our Wikiconnections travel power connections list for a full list showing regions and countries. If visiting Tunisia from another region please make sure that your iPhone 3GS can accept a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overheating when powering up. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Tunisia

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Tunisia?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Tunisian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Tunisia?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS then the best international travel power adapter for Tunisia to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets in Tunisia (E and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3GS can support 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 adapters and support for certain power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to buy multiple travel adapters on your trip to Tunisia or occupying additional power outlets. By only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Due to their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones with only a single wall outlet.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer - 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 foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Tunisia

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 3GS, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unstable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental 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 Tunisia using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Tunisia. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Tunisia?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Tunisian power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C power charger to power your iPhone 3GS from a Tunisian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a Tunisian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Tunisian power outlet. This unearthed power supply can be identified by two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the 30 pin cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Tunisian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3GS will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging which typically takes roughly 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Tunisian power outlet

How to use a Type E power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Tunisian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Tunisian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 2 pinned Type E USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a Tunisian power outlet you will need a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type E USB power plug adapter in the Tunisian power outlet. You can identify this power supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with a long metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Tunisian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Tunisian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tunisian Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..