How to charge the iPhone 5 when planning a trip to Panama

A step by step guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 5 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type A power charger and powering the iPhone 5 using a Type B power charger.

Panamanian power outlet

Different combinations of standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to stay in a different country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 5 in Panama. These instructions were specifically written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 5 when you're in Panama.When you are travelling to Panama this page has useful instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 5 by using the standard B or A type 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets. If the iPhone 5 charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Panama from a different region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which originated from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that your device is dual voltage (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5.

Charging the iPhone 5 in Panama

Can the iPhone 5 be used in Panama?

You can use the iPhone 5 in Panama by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 5 in Panama?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 5 and visiting more than one country then the best travel adapter for Panama to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Panamanians use two different standards of power outlets (B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your iPhone 5 can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters. Only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable power adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer, the 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 around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Panama and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Panama using 3 pin type B US plug sockets.
  • 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 and offers almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 5 in Panama?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 5 from a Panamanian power outlet

A step by step guide showing you how to recharge your iPhone 5 from a Panamanian power outlet by using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type A power charger.

  1. To power the iPhone 5 from a Panamanian power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 5).
  2. Start by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power supply. You can identify this plug outlet by two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB Lightning power cord into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 Lightning connector can be found at bottom of your iPhone 5 under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone 5 will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 5 from a Panamanian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5 with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using the Apple Lightning connector and a three pinned Type B power charger to recharge the iPhone 5 with a Panamanian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 5 from the Panamanian power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 5).
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [6]) can be recognised by the 2 slots for live and neutral blades with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earthed pin.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 Lightning connector can be found at bottom of your iPhone 5 under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 5 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5 with a Panamanian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Panama Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  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 to Apple Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..