How to charge a Samsung Galaxy S4 when visiting Colombia

A guide showing how to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Colombian power outlet with Micro USB type B cord and a Type A power adapter and how to charge a Samsung Galaxy S4 using a 3 pinned Type B power charger.

Colombian power outlet

Various frequencies and region codes can often cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country, especially if you've never visited before. This guide was written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the Samsung Galaxy S4 when you are visiting Colombia.If visiting Colombia this page contains useful instructions showing you how to power your Samsung Galaxy S4 by using the B or A type 110 volt 60Hz wall outlets. Power sources will vary depending on which country you visiting so we recommend reading the Wiki Connections world power supplies list for a full list of regions and countries. If the Samsung Galaxy S4 slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when travelling to Colombia from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originate from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check that your device is a dual voltage device (usually indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use.

Refer to the Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual [2] for further details on the operation of the mobile phone and visit the Galaxy page for more phones in the Samsung Galaxy range which can connect to the Colombian power outlet.

Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Colombia

Can the Samsung Galaxy S4 be used in Colombia?

Yes, you can use a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Colombia by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Colombia?

When you are travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Colombia is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Colombians use two different standards of power outlets (B and A) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the heads over. If your Samsung Galaxy S4 supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power adapters, and compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other travel adapters this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters on your Colombian trip or occupying additional wall sockets. By only packing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of travel adapters can be used back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Colombia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Colombia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Colombia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Colombia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Colombia?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Colombian power outlet

Using type B USB cable with a three pin Type A USB charger to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Colombian power outlet.

  1. To power the Samsung Galaxy S4 using a Colombian power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Colombian power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [3], is identified by two slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect the USB end of the Micro USB type B connector into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You will find the multipurpose jack on the bottom of the Samsung Galaxy located below the Home button.
  4. Turn on the Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which is found at the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 display will show a charge icon with dots underneath to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the mobile whilst charging it may take longer to fully recharge the battery. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Colombian power outlet

Powering a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Colombian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using type B USB cable with a three pin Type B USB charger to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Colombian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to a Samsung Galaxy S4 from the Colombian power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Start the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Colombian power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short two blades go with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
  3. Connect the USB end of the Micro USB type B connector into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You will find the multipurpose jack on the bottom of the Samsung Galaxy located below the Home button.
  4. Turn on the Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which is found at the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 display will show a charge icon with dots underneath to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the mobile whilst charging it may take longer to fully recharge the battery. [AD]
Powering a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Colombian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Colombia country Wiki page
  2. Samsung - Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual
  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 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  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..