How to charge the iPad when visiting Thailand

Instructions showing you how to charge your iPad from a Thai power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type A power charger, charging the iPad using a Type B USB charger and charging the iPad using a Type C USB charger

Thai power outlet

If packing for a vacation to Thailand it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to use any gadgets when you arrive. But, without knowing which wall socket is used you may end up either bringing unnecessary adaptors or pack the wrong adaptor, thereby leaving you needing to buy a suitable power adaptor when you need it that could be incompatible. Varying different region codes and plugs can often be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country especially if you've never been there before. If visiting Thailand this page contains useful instructions showing you how to power your iPad by using the B, A or C type Thai 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type B power outlets are typically used by a majority of Thai. If travelling to Thailand from a different country make sure the iPad can accept a 240v supply. If the iPad was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPad is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to stop the device from overheating during charging. 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 are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Thailand

Can the iPad be used in Thailand?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Thailand by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Thailand?

When travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Thailand to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Thai use three different standards of wall outlets (types B, A and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the included heads. If your type of iPad can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these travel adapters plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can recharge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple travel chargers. Because you are only packing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPad at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when you return home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers and using only a single power outlet.

If you travel to Thailand we recommend buying this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer, the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Thailand

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 visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Thailand using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Thailand. [10] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Thailand?

Charging the iPad from a Thai power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPad from a Thai power outlet by using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type A power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPad using the Thai power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is normally supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power supply. The plug supply, sometimes known as the Type A power outlet [3], is identified by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is charging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Thai power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad from a Thai power outlet

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type B power charger to recharge the iPad from a Thai power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad using the Thai power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is typically supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Thai power outlet. This power outlet (technically known as a Type B power outlet [6]) is recognised by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up taking between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad from a Thai power outlet

Powering the iPad with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPad with a Thai power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPad from a Thai power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with the device.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [8] or Europlug) is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB 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. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up which typically takes between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Thailand
  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. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. 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..