Charging the iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in North Korea

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3GS with a North Korean power outlet using the 30-pin Apple connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger, how to charge the iPhone 3GS using a Type C USB adapter and recharging the iPhone 3GS using a two pinned Type F power adapter

North Korean power outlet

Different frequencies and standards can all be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country especially if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of standards used throughout the world this article shows exactly what you'll need in advance to charge the iPhone 3GS . When you're planning a vacation to North Korea these useful instructions show how to power your iPhone 3GS by using their types F, A or C North Korean 220 volt 60Hz power outlets. Power supplies will vary from region to region therefore we suggest reading the power supplies list for a full list of countries. If you are visiting North Korea from another country please check the iPhone 3GS can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 3GS was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that the device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from overheating when powering up. If you intend on staying at a North Korean city such as Pyongyang refer to the North Korean Wiki page [1] for further details. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in North Korea

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in North Korea?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a North Korean power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in North Korea?

When travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone 3GS then the best international travel charger for North Korea to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. North Koreans use three different types of power outlets (F, A and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port charger means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to pack multiple power chargers on your North Korean trip or occupying additional wall sockets. Only packing a single USB travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets using just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to different continents we suggest buying this type of versatile travel charger at an electronics retailer, the travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for North Korea

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, 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 most popular portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting North Korea using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one 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 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting North Korea. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in North Korea?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a North Korean power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3GS with a North Korean power outlet using the 30-pin Apple connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3GS from the North Korean power outlet you will need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually include this cable when you buy your iPhone 3GS).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter into the North Korean power outlet. This ungrounded power outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [3], can be recognised by the two slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cable into the USB mains 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 North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging which takes around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a North Korean power outlet

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a North Korean power outlet

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPhone 3GS with a North Korean power outlet with a 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter.

  1. To charge your iPhone 3GS using the North Korean power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple will usually include the cable when you buy the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. The wall supply is recognised by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into 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 North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes around 1 - 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a North Korean power outlet

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

Using the 30-pin Apple connector with a 2 pin Type F USB charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS from a North Korean power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS using a North Korean power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with your iPhone 3GS by Apple.
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This recessed circular wall outlet can be identified by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the 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 North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up taking between 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a North Korean power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - North Korean Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 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 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. 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..