How to charge the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Pakistan

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet with a USB 30 pin connector and a Type C power charger, charging the iPhone 3G using a Type G USB adapter and how to charge the iPhone 3G using a three pinned Type D power plug

Pakistani power outlet

Various combinations of frequencies and region codes can often lead to confusion when planning on visiting a different country especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this article shows exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPhone 3G in Pakistan. When you're visiting Pakistan this page has useful instructions showing you how to power your iPhone 3G using the standard G, C, D or M type 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. You will discover that power changes depending on which region you are travelling to so please read the Asia page for a complete list of countries. If you are visiting Pakistan from a different country please ensure that your iPhone 3G can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3G was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating whilst powering it up. If you are planning on staying in a city like Karachi we recommend reading the Pakistani Wikipedia web page [1] for more indepth information. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Pakistan

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Pakistan?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Pakistan by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Pakistan?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G then the best travel charger for Pakistan to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Pakistanis use four different standards of power outlets (G, C, D and M) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types C and G. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your type of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these travel adapters, plus compatibility with more power demanding devices. Having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple power chargers. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers and using only a single wall outlet.

We recommend searching for a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The multipurpose travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Pakistan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Pakistan and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Pakistan.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Pakistan. [12] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Pakistan?

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

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type G USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Pakistani power outlet you will need a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type G USB power plug adapter into the Pakistani power outlet. The wall supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by 3 holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Then connect one end of the charging cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter 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. Switch on the Pakistani power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 3G screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually already included with your iPhone 3G by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Pakistani power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called a Europlug, is identified by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains 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. Switch on the Pakistani power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type D power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type D power adapter to charge your iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3G using a Pakistani power outlet you'll need to use a Type D USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally include this cable when you buy the iPhone 3G).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type D USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by three round holes in a triangle shape.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the USB adapter 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 Pakistani power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up which takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type D power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Pakistani power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type M USB charger to power the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G from the Pakistani power outlet you will need a Type M USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type M USB power plug adapter into the Pakistani power outlet. The power supply, technically known as the Type M power outlet [10], looks like three holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter 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. Switch on the Pakistani power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 3G screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging which typically takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Pakistani power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Pakistani Wikipedia web 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. 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. 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..