Charging the iPhone 3GS when planning a trip to Macau

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type D power adapter, powering the iPhone 3GS using a Type G USB charger and how to power the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pin Type F power adapter

Macanese power outlet

If planning a vacation it's useful to know if you can use any common electronics when you arrive. Without knowing which plug socket is used you could pack the wrong power charger, leaving you having to purchase a potentially expensive charger when you need to recharge which might not be compatible and cause problems with your iPhone 3GS. Various combinations of frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning to stay in another country especially for the first time traveller. This page was written to stop people worrying if they'll be able to charge the iPhone 3GS when they're going abroad.When you are planning a holiday to Macau these useful instructions show how to supply power to the iPhone 3GS by using the Type G, D, F or M 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets, you will discover a majority of Macanese typically use Type G plugs in their wall outlets. Most power changes regionally therefore we suggest reading the Asia page for a complete list of regions and countries. When travelling to Macau from a different country please check the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240 volt supply. If your iPhone 3GS was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts double check the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from overloading whilst powering it up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Macau

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Macau?

You can use the iPhone 3GS in Macau by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Macau?

When travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPhone 3GS then the best travel power adapter for Macau is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four different types of power outlets that Macanese use (G, D, F and M) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type 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 3GS supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, and additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other travel chargers this will allow you to power more than one device at once without needing to bring seperate travel chargers. Only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage. Because of their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets with just a single wall outlet.

For those travelling often we suggest searching for a multipurpose travel charger like this 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 Macau

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 3GS, 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 power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Macau and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Macau using 3 pin type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Macau. [12] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3GS in Macau?

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet

Using a 30-pin connector with a Type G USB charger to recharge your iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 3GS using the Macanese power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually supplied with your iPhone 3GS.
  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 slots containing shutters in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking between 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type D power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet you'll need a Type D USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will typically include this USB cable with the iPhone 3GS).
  2. Plug the Type D USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. The power outlet (sometimes called the Type D power outlet [6]) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your cellphone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which typically takes roughly one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using a 30-pin connector with a Type F USB charger to charge your iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Macanese power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of the USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your cellphone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which takes between 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Macanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type M power adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3GS using the Macanese power outlet you will need to use a Type M USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], typically supplied with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start by taking the Type M USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall supply. You can identify this power supply by the three circular holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking between one-four hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Macanese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Macau page on Wikipedia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  10. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  11. 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.
  12. 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..