Charging the iPhone 3GS when visiting Rwanda

A page showing how to recharge the iPhone 3GS from a Rwandan power outlet with the Apple USB 30-pin connector with a 2 pin Type C power adapter and charging the iPhone 3GS using a three pin Type J power adapter.

Rwandan power outlet

Different standards and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to travel to another country especially for the first time traveller. This page is a useful guide showing how to supply power to the iPhone 3GS when you're visiting Rwanda using the standard J or C type Rwandan 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. If you are visiting Rwanda from another country ensure your iPhone 3GS can accept a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 3GS was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts double check the iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from over-heating whilst powering it up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Rwanda

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Rwanda?

You can use the iPhone 3GS in Rwanda by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Rwanda?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPhone 3GS then the best travel charger for Rwanda to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Rwandans use two different types of power outlets (types J and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs. If your iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these travel chargers, plus additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack multiple power adapters. Only needing a single USB travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage and on hand for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on the flight. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers with just a single power outlet.

We recommend buying this type of versatile power adapter online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Rwanda

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3GS, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Rwanda and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 North America visiting Rwanda 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 cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more flexible 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Rwanda. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Rwanda?

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

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type C power charger to charge your iPhone 3GS with a Rwandan power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3GS from a Rwandan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally already included with the device by Apple.
  2. First you'll need to plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Rwandan power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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 Rwandan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your cellphone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up and takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Rwandan power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

Using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type J USB charger to charge your iPhone 3GS with a Rwandan power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS using the Rwandan power outlet you will need to use a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is normally already included with the device).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type J USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the squashed hexagon shaped power supply by the three circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter 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 Rwandan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up which typically takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Rwanda
  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 J power outlet
  7. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  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..