How to charge the iPhone 3GS when visiting Italy

A guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger, charging the iPhone 3GS using a Type F USB charger and charging the iPhone 3GS using a Type L USB adapter

Italian power outlet

Different combinations of frequencies and standards can all be confusing when planning to visit another country to the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of standards used in the world this article tells you exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 3GS in Italy. These guidelines have been written to help prepare visitors wanting to charge the iPhone 3GS when they are visiting Italy.The following simple instructions shows what you'll need to power the iPhone 3GS when you're visiting Italy by using their types L, C or F Italian 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type L plug outlets will be normally used by most Italians. If you are travelling to Italy from a different country please ensure that the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3GS was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from over-heating during charging. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Italy

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Italy?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in Italy by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3GS in Italy?

When you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPhone 3GS the best international travel charger for Italy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of wall outlets that Italians use (L, C and F) and bringing 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 around the world just by changing the plugs over. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers, and support for more power hungry devices. Unlike other travel adapters this will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters on your Italian trip or occupying additional wall sockets. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional wall outlet.

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

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 Italy.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 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 majority of travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3GS in Italy?

Powering the iPhone 3GS with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

A guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3GS from the Italian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this plug outlet by two circular holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your mobile will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is powering up taking between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Using an Apple 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type F power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with your device.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The recessed round wall outlet (known as the Schuko outlet) can be identified by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB 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. Switch on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone 3GS will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging taking around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type L power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS with an Italian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet you will need to use a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type L USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet (sometimes known as the Type L power outlet [8]) can be identified by the 3 circular adjecent holes in a line for live, neutral and ground. Please note there are two variations of Type L plug outlet rated at 10 and 16 amps. A 10 amp power outlet has 4mm round pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cable into the mains USB 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3GS will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is recharging and takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Italy country Wiki page
  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 F power outlet
  7. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  8. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  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..