How to charge the iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Brazil

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3GS from a Brazilian power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter and charging the iPhone 3GS using a Type N power plug.

Brazilian power outlet

Brazil uses 2 different types of voltage depending on the location - both 127 volts and 240 volts. Always ensure that you familiarise yourself with the voltage of the outlet prior to using any electrical appliance in a Brazilian power outlet. Instructions on this page assume that you understand which voltage you will be using, however the safest option is always to use a dual voltage device or appliance.

Varying different combinations of frequencies and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country if you've never visited before. This guide was specifically written to help prepare visitors wanting to charge their iPhone 3GS when going to Brazil.If you are visiting Brazil this page contains instructions showing you how to supply power to your iPhone 3GS using their Type N or C Brazilian 60Hz wall outlets, a majority of Brazilians use Type N wall outlets. If the iPhone 3GS slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when visiting Brazil from another country then check that it is compatible with a Brazilian power supply. Typically devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the iPhone 3GS is a dual voltage device (usually marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Brazil

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Brazil?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Brazilian power outlet.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Brazil?

If travelling to multiple countries the best travel power adapter for Brazil to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets in Brazil (types N and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate power chargers on your trip to Brazil. Because you are only needing to bring a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling and suitable for charging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

We suggest searching for a flexible power charger similar to this online, the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Brazil

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come 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 travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America going to Brazil.
  • 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 originating from North America using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Brazil. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Brazil?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Brazilian power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3GS from a Brazilian power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Brazilian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally include the cable when you first purchase the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go. Prior to 2010 buildings may be installed with this power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the cable into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3GS will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Brazilian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3GS from a Brazilian power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a three pin Type N USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3GS using a Brazilian power outlet you will need a Type N USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Plug the Type N USB power plug adapter in the Brazilian power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped plug supply, sometimes called a Type N power outlet [6], looks like three large holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. You will find that since 2010 buildings will be installed with this power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3GS will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Brazilian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Brazil
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  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 N power outlet
  7. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  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..