How to charge the iPhone 3G when staying in Panama

A page on how to power your iPhone 3G from a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A power charger and recharging the iPhone 3G using a Type B power plug.

Panamanian power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning on travelling to a foreign country especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards used in the world this guide shows exactly what to buy in advance to charge your iPhone 3G in Panama. This page has been specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G when you are staying abroad.If you are going to travel to Panama these useful instructions show how to supply power to your iPhone 3G using their B or A type 120 volt 60Hz power outlets. Most power supplies vary regionally so please read the Wiki Connections travel power sockets guide where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different countries. If your iPhone 3G charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Panama from another region please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Panama

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Panama?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Panama.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Panama?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Panama is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets in Panama (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A. 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 changing the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy individual travel chargers. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. 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 phones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer. The travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using 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 unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Panama.
  • 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 and offers practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Panama?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a 30 pin Apple connector and a Type A power charger to power your iPhone 3G from a Panamanian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from the Panamanian power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Panamanian power outlet. The power supply (called a Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by two thin adjacent slots next to each other.
  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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type B power charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from the Panamanian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This power supply (called a Type B power outlet [6]) can be identified by two thin slots parallel to each other with a hole below for the ground pin.
  3. 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 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Panama
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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..