How to charge the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Colombia

A step by step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet using the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a 3 pinned Type A power charger and recharging the iPhone 3G using a 3 pinned Type B power plug.

Colombian power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country especially if you've never been there before. If you are planning a vacation to Colombia this page has instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 3G using the standard Type B or A 110 volt 60Hz power outlets. If the iPhone 3G doesn't power up or recharges slowly when travelling to Colombia from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts either take longer to charge or won't turn on, check the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Colombia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Colombia?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Colombia.

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

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G then the best international travel charger for Colombia is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of power outlets in Colombia (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. This means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate travel adapters. Because you are only needing to pack a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Because of their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend buying this type of flexible power adapter online. The multipurpose travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Colombia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wanting 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 supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to Colombia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Colombia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Colombia?

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

A step by step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet using the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a 3 pinned Type A power charger.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is normally included with the iPhone 3G).
  2. First plug the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Colombian power outlet. This unearthed wall outlet, technically known as a Type A power outlet [3], can be identified by two thin slots next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Turn on the Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet

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

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a 3 pinned Type B power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Colombian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple typically supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Colombian power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two thin slots where the twin plug outlet blades go with a semicircle shaped hole below for the long earthed pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable 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 Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which takes between 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Colombian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Colombia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  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..