How to charge the iPhone 3GS when staying in Laos

Instructions on how to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Lao power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 2 pinned Type F USB adapter, how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a Type C power plug and how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a Type E power plug

Lao power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country if you've never visited before. These instructions were written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3GS when going abroad.When you're travelling to Laos these instructions show how to supply power to your iPhone 3GS using their Type F, C or E 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. If visiting Laos from another region please make sure the iPhone 3GS can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 3GS came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) make sure the iPhone 3GS is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from over-heating whilst powering it. If you intend to stay at a Lao destination like Vientiane please read the Lao Wikipedia page [1] for more information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Laos

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Laos?

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

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

If travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Laos is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Laos use three different types of plug sockets (F, C and E) 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 switching the plugs. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. 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 overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Laos

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 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 both Laos 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 Laos.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Laos. [9] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Laos?

Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger to power your iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 3GS from the Lao power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically already supplied with the iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by 2 round adjacent holes where the twin pins slide into.
  3. Connect one end of the charging 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 Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging taking between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type E power charger to recharge your iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a Lao power outlet you will need a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type E USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two adjacent holes and one 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 Lao 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 recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Lao power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type F power charger to recharge your iPhone 3GS from a Lao power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Lao power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is usually already supplied with the iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Lao power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet, sometimes known as the Schuko plug, can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB adapter 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. Turn on the Lao 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 which takes around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Lao power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Lao Wikipedia 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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. 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..