Charging the iPad 2 from a power outlet in Panama

A guide showing how to charge your iPad 2 with a Panamanian power outlet using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type A USB charger and how to power the iPad 2 using a 3 pin Type B USB plug.

Panamanian power outlet

Differing voltages and region codes can often lead to confusion when planning to travel to a new country, especially if you've never been there before. This guide has been written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPad 2 when staying abroad.If visiting Panama this page has useful instructions showing charging the iPad 2 by using the types B or A 120 volt 60Hz wall outlets. You'll discover power sockets will change depending on which area you are in therefore we recommend reading the World power supplies page for a complete list of regions and countries. If the iPad 2 does not power up or charges slowly when visiting Panama from a different region then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originated from another country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check the device is a dual voltage device (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Panama

Can the iPad 2 be used in Panama?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 2 to a Panamanian power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad 2 in Panama?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPad 2 then the best travel charger for Panama to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Panamanians use two different standards of wall outlets (types B and A) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type A. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by changing the heads. If your iPad 2 supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of travel chargers, plus additional support for certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters having a four port adapter will allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to buy multiple power adapters for your Panamanian 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 as well as being suitable for charging your iPad 2 at the airport or on your flight. Due to their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones, tablets and e-readers with just a single power outlet.

We recommend buying this type of versatile power adapter online; the travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable power grids. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover 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 portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Panama using 3 pin type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad 2 in Panama?

Charging the iPad 2 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

A guide showing how to charge your iPad 2 with a Panamanian power outlet using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type A USB charger.

  1. If you want to power the iPad 2 using the Panamanian power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Start by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two thin slots next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is powering up and takes around one to four hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad 2 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Panamanian power outlet

Using the USB 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type B power adapter to recharge your iPad 2 with a Panamanian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPad 2 using the Panamanian power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is normally already included with the iPad 2.
  2. Start by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the wall supply. The power supply, technically called the Type B power outlet [6], is identified by the two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the earth pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging, typically taking between one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Panamanian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Panama
  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. 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..