Charging your iPad from a power outlet in Vietnam

Instructions showing how to charge your iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger, how to power the iPad using a Type G power adapter and recharging the iPad using a Type C power adapter

Vietnamese power outlet

Different combinations of standards and voltages can all be confusing when planning on visiting a new country especially for the first time traveller. If you're visiting Vietnam the following useful instructions show how to power your iPad by using their types G, A or C 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, please be aware Type G power outlets are typically used by most Vietnamese. If you are travelling to Vietnam from a different country please check that your iPad can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPad was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from overloading during charging. If you intend on taking a trip to a place like Ho Chi Minh City or Ho Chi Minh City we recommend reading the Wikipedia web page about Vietnam [1] for further information. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Vietnam

Can you use the iPad in Vietnam?

You can connect the iPad to a Vietnamese power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Vietnam?

If travelling with more than just your iPad and visiting more than one country the best travel charger for Vietnam is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Vietnamese use three different standards of power outlets (types G, A and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for both types A, C and G. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 volts to 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the supplied heads. If your model of iPad is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of power adapters plus additional support for certain power hungry devices. Having a four port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers on your trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your iPad at the airport or on the plane. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used when you return home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers with just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to different continents we suggest buying a versatile power charger of this nature online; the multipurpose power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Vietnam

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Vietnam 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 America visiting Vietnam using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 Vietnam. [10] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in Vietnam?

How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet

Using a 30 pin connector and a Type G USB charger to power the iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad from a Vietnamese 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 included with the device.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type G USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Vietnamese power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape.
  3. Then connect 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 iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Vietnamese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which takes around 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet

Powering the iPad with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge your iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet with a 30-pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger.

  1. To power the iPad using the Vietnamese power outlet you'll need a Type A USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually already included with the iPad).
  2. Plug the Type A USB power plug adapter into the power supply. The wall outlet, technically called the Type A power outlet [6], can be recognised by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades go.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Vietnamese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is charging, typically taking between one to four hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPad with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type C USB charger to power the iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad from a Vietnamese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple typically supply the USB cable with the iPad.
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Vietnamese power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two round adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  3. Then connect 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 iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Vietnamese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which should take around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Vietnam
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 A power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  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..