Charging your iPad Mini from a power outlet in Thailand

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet using a USB Lightning Apple cable and a 3 pin Type B USB charger, how to power the iPad Mini using a Type A USB plug and recharging the iPad Mini using a Type C Europlug power adapter

Thai power outlet

When packing for a trip it is useful to know if you can use any essential gadgets like cell phones or tablets when you're there. Without knowing which power socket to expect you are likely to bring the wrong adaptor, meaning having to purchase a potentially expensive adaptor when you're there that could be incompatible. Various combinations of region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning on travelling to a foreign country, especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPad Mini when you are abroad.When you are travelling to Thailand these instructions show how to supply power to the iPad Mini by using their standard Type B, A or C Thai 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets, you will discover a majority of Thai normally use the Type B power outlets. If visiting Thailand from a different region please check the iPad Mini can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your iPad Mini is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overheating during charging. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in Thailand

Can the iPad Mini be used in Thailand?

Yes, you can connect the iPad Mini to a Thai power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad Mini in Thailand?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPad Mini then the best travel charger for Thailand to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Thai use three different types of power outlets (types B, A and C) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPad Mini supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these USB power adapters and additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. This will allow you to power more than one device at once without needing to bring individual travel adapters for your Thai trip. By only bringing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of chargers can be used back at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel regularly we suggest searching for a flexible travel charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Thailand

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from America going to Thailand.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more flexible 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 Thailand. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad Mini in Thailand?

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

A guide showing how to power the iPad Mini from a Thai power outlet by using a Lightning connector and a 2 pin Type A power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPad Mini from a Thai power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], the USB cable is normally already included with the device.
  2. Start by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Thai power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by two slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB power cable into the bottom of the USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Mini.
  4. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is powering up and takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using a Lightning connector with a three pin Type B power adapter to power the iPad Mini from a Thai power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPad Mini using the Thai power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - this USB cable is normally already included with the iPad Mini.
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Thai power outlet. This power outlet (technically called the Type B power outlet [6]) can be recognised by 2 thin slots where the live and neutral blades slide into with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the Apple Lightning power cord into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging, typically taking between 1 - 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

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

Using the Apple USB Lightning connector with a Type C Europlug power charger to charge your iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPad Mini from a Thai power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], the USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Start by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Thai power outlet. You can identify the power outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB power cable into the bottom of the USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Mini.
  4. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is powering up and takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with a Thai power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..