How to charge the iPhone when planning a trip to Belgium

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone from a Belgian power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C USB charger and how to charge the iPhone using a two pinned Type E power plug.

Belgian power outlet

Different combinations of standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of sockets used in the world this article tells you exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone . This page was written to prevent travellers worrying if they can charge their iPhone when they are staying in Belgium.When visiting Belgium this page has useful instructions showing you how to charge your iPhone by using the E or C type Belgian 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type E plug outlets are normally used by a majority of Belgians. When visiting Belgium from another country please check your iPhone can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check that your iPhone 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 Brussels we recommend reading the wikipedia web page about Belgium [1] for more indepth information on the location.

This page details the iPhone 1st generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Belgium

Can the iPhone be used in Belgium?

Yes, you can use the iPhone in Belgium by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Belgium?

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPhone the best international travel power adapter for Belgium is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of power outlets that Belgians use (E and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel 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 bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPhone at the airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones using just a single plug socket.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Belgium

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, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Belgium and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Belgium.
  • 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 America using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Belgium. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone in Belgium?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Belgian power outlet

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone from a Belgian power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C USB charger.

  1. To power the iPhone using a Belgian power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two circular holes next to each other.
  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 iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Belgian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your mobile will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up taking between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Belgian power outlet

Powering the iPhone with a Belgian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone from a Belgian power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type E power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone from a Belgian power outlet you will need to buy a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should normally include this cable when you buy the iPhone).
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type E USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This sunken circular power supply, also known as the CEE 7/7 outlet, can be identified by two large adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.
  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 iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Belgian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up and takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Belgian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Belgium
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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..