How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Hong Kong

How to connect a Hong Kong power outlet to the iPhone 3G

Hong Kong power outlet

If you are packing for a holiday it can be useful to know if you'll be able to use your vital electronics when you get there. But, without knowing which power socket is used in Hong Kong you are more likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, thereby leaving you needing to purchase a suitable charger when you arrive. Different frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning to stay in another country, especially if you've never visited before. This guide was specifically written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3G abroad.When you're staying in Hong Kong this page contains instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G using their 220 volt 50Hz Type G Hong Kong wall outlet, the Hongkongese will use 13 amp plugs for wall outlets. When you are travelling to Hong Kong from another region please ensure that the iPhone 3G can accept a 240v supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure that the device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it. If you plan on staying in a Hong Kong place such as Kowloon or Victoria we also recommend reading the Hong Kong Wikipedia page [1] for more indepth details prior to travelling to the area. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Hong Kong

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Hong Kong?

You can connect the iPhone 3G to a Hong Kong power outlet.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Hong Kong?

When you are travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel adapter for Hong Kong to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these power chargers, along with additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices. Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters or using up additional wall outlets. By only bringing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage. Because of their space saving versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets with only a single wall outlet.

We suggest buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Hong Kong

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America going to Hong Kong.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half the 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Hong Kong. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Hong Kong?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Hong Kong power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin connector and a three pin Type G USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Hong Kong power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using a Hong Kong power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is normally included with your iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type G USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. This power outlet (called a Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular pattern.
  3. Plug in 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. Turn on the Hong Kong power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which takes roughly one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Hong Kong power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Hong Kong Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 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..