Charging the iPhone 3G in Laos

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet by using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger, charging the iPhone 3G using a two pin Type E USB plug and how to charge the iPhone 3G using a Type F power charger

Lao power outlet

Various standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to travel to another country, especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets used in the world this guide tells you exactly what to buy in advance to charge the iPhone 3G . This page was written to prevent travellers worrying if they can charge their iPhone 3G when they are travelling to Laos.This page has instructions showing you what you'll need to power the iPhone 3G when you're in Laos by using their types F, C or E Lao 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. If travelling to Laos from a different country ensure the iPhone 3G can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3G was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to stop the device from overloading during charging. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Laos

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Laos?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3G to a Lao power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Laos?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G then the best travel adapter for Laos to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Laos use three different standards of power outlets (F, C and E) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C. 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 iPhone 3G 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, plus compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel chargers this means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of chargers can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets using just a single plug socket.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Laos

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Laos using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Laos. [9] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Laos?

Charging the iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet by using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should normally include this cable when you buy the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Lao power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet, sometimes called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is identified by 2 adjacent holes.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the USB mains 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. Switch on the Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet

Using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type E power charger to charge the iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3G using a Lao power outlet you'll need to use a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Insert the Type E USB power plug adapter into the Lao power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangular shape.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the 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 Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Lao power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Lao power outlet using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type F USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Lao power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the cable is normally supplied with the device.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet pins go, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the mains 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. Switch on the Lao power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging, typically taking around 1-4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Lao power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Laos
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  8. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. 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..