How to charge the iPad when staying in Lesotho

Using a USB 30-pin cable and a Type M power charger to power your iPad from a Basotho power outlet.

Basotho power outlet

Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country if you've never visited before. If you're travelling to Lesotho the following instructions show charging your iPad using their 220 volt 50Hz Type M Basotho plug supply. When you are visiting Lesotho from a different country check your iPad can be used with a 240v supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure the iPad is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it. If you intend on visiting a city such as Maseru or Hlotse we suggest referring to the Basotho Wiki page [1] for further information on visiting the area. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Lesotho

Can the iPad be used in Lesotho?

You can connect the iPad to a Basotho power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Lesotho?

When travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Lesotho to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with more power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy multiple travel adapters on your trip to Lesotho or occupying additional power outlets. Only packing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPad at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Lesotho

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPad, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for visitors of regions with unreliable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Lesotho and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Lesotho using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • 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 and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more generous 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Lesotho. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Lesotho?

Charging the iPad from a Basotho power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter to recharge your iPad from a Basotho power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPad from the Basotho power outlet you'll need to use a Type M USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this cable when you first purchase the iPad.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type M USB power plug adapter in the Basotho power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 circular holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Basotho power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is charging which should take roughly 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Basotho power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Basotho Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. 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.
  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. 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..