Charging your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Singapore

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 3G with a Singapore power outlet with the Apple USB 30 pin connector and a 3 pin Type G USB charger, how to power the iPhone 3G using a Type C USB plug and charging the iPhone 3G using a Type M power adapter

Singapore power outlet

When organizing a trip it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to charge all your indispensable electrical devices such as mobiles and laptops when you get there. Without knowing which power socket is used you may pack the wrong power adaptor, therefore needing to buy a potentially expensive charger when you're there that could be incompatible and damage the iPhone 3G. Complicated region codes and voltages can all be daunting when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never been there before. This guide has been written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G abroad.If you're staying in Singapore this page has instructions showing you charging the iPhone 3G using the types G, C or M 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Singaporeans typically use Type G plugs in their plug outlets. If you are travelling to Singapore from a different region please check the iPhone 3G can accept a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v double check the device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) 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 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Singapore

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Singapore?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Singapore.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Singapore?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing more than just your iPhone 3G then the best travel adapter for Singapore is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three standards of wall outlets that Singaporeans use (G, C and M) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for both types C and G. Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by changing the heads. If your model of iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these USB power adapters, plus additional support for certain power hungry devices.

This means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to bring individual power adapters or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only packing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling to Singapore we recommend buying this type of versatile power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Singapore

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 3G, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Singapore and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 power adapter for travellers originating from North America going to Singapore using 3 pin type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Singapore. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Singapore?

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

Using a USB 30 pin connector with a three pinned Type G power adapter to power the iPhone 3G with a Singapore power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3G from a Singapore power outlet you'll need a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually included with the device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type G USB power plug adapter in the Singapore power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration. The most commonly used outlets in Singapore are Type G power outlets.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power 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 Singapore power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3G screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is powering up and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Singapore power outlet

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

A guide showing how to charge your iPhone 3G with a Singapore power outlet with the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3G using a Singapore power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Singapore power outlet. The power supply (known as a Europlug) can be recognised by two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral. Be aware that Type C electrical sockets are less commonplace in Singapore.
  3. Plug in one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB power 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 Singapore power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which takes roughly one to four hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Singapore power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Singapore power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using a 30-pin Apple cable with a Type M power adapter to power the iPhone 3G from a Singapore power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G using the Singapore power outlet you will need to buy a Type M USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone 3G by Apple.
  2. Start by plugging the Type M USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This plug supply (technically called the Type M power outlet [8]) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular shape. These outlets might not be as commonplace in Singapore.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cable into the bottom of the mains power 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 Singapore power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3G screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up and takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Singapore power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

See also

  1. Visitsingapore - Visit Singapore
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable 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 C power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  9. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  10. 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..