Charging the iPhone 5S when planning a trip to Zambia

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet with the USB Lightning Apple cable and a two pin Europlug Type C USB charger, how to power the iPhone 5S using a 3 pin Type G power adapter and how to power the iPhone 5S using a 3 pin Type D power adapter

Zambian power outlet

Varying different standards and plug types can often be confusing when planning on staying in another country for the first time traveller. This guide has been written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 5S when you're going abroad.If you're staying in Zambia these useful instructions show how to supply power to the iPhone 5S by using their standard Type G, C or D Zambian 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please note Type G power outlets will be used by a majority of Zambians. Most power will change regionally therefore we suggest reading the Africa page for a complete list of regions and countries. When travelling to Zambia from a different country please check the iPhone 5S can be used with a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 5S was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overheating during charging. If you're planning on taking a trip to a Zambian city like Lusaka or Kitwe we also suggest reading the Wikipedia entry about Zambia [1] for more details. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Zambia

Can you use the iPhone 5S in Zambia?

You can use the iPhone 5S in Zambia by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 5S in Zambia?

If you are travelling with more than your iPhone 5S or visiting more than one country the best international travel adapter for Zambia is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different types of power outlets that Zambians use (G, C and D) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types C and G.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPhone 5S supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these USB power adapters and compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to buy individual travel chargers. Only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being suitable for charging your iPhone 5S at the airport or on your flight. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of power adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Zambia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 5S, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting Zambia.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This gives practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Zambia. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 5S in Zambia?

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet

Using a Lightning connector with a Type G USB charger to charge your iPhone 5S with a Zambian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 5S using the Zambian power outlet you will need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - this USB cable is typically already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Start by taking the Type G USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall supply. The wall outlet (technically called the Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Zambian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 5S is powering up and takes around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5S with a Zambian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet with the USB Lightning Apple cable and a two pin Europlug Type C USB charger.

  1. To charge the iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Zambian power outlet. The power outlet (known as a Type C power outlet [6]) is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Zambian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 5S is powering up and takes around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5S with a Zambian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Using a Lightning connector with a Type D USB charger to charge your iPhone 5S with a Zambian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type D USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will typically supply the cable with the iPhone 5S).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type D USB power plug adapter into the Zambian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Zambian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 5S is powering up and takes around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 5S from a Zambian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Zambia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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 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 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 D power outlet
  9. Type D USB power plug adapter - Designed for usage in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, the Type D USB power plug adapter offers a practical solution for converting local 3-prong grounded outlets into USB ports, providing reliable charging for a range of USB devices..
  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..