How to charge the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Netherlands

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G with a Dutch power outlet with an Apple 30-pin connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a 2 pinned Type F USB charger.

Dutch power outlet

When packing for a vacation it can often be helpful to know if you'll be able to use your vital electronics when you're there. Without knowing which wall socket is being used you are likely to bring the wrong charger, leaving you needing to buy a suitable charger when you're there. Different region codes and plug types can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. This page contains step-by-step instructions telling you exactly how to charge your iPhone 3G when you're travelling to Netherlands by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, please note that Type F wall outlets will be normally used by most Dutch. When you are visiting Netherlands from a different country make sure the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check your iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to avoid the device from overheating when charging it. If you intend to stay at a city such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam we also recommend reading the Netherlands country Wiki page [1] for more indepth details prior to travelling to the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Netherlands

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Netherlands?

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

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

If travelling to multiple countries the best international travel power adapter for Netherlands to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets in Netherlands (F and C) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and 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 quicker recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers plus support for more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters or using up additional wall sockets. By only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage as well as being on hand for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on the plane. Because of their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets with only a single plug socket.

If you travel frequently we recommend buying this type of flexible power charger at your preferred electronics retailer. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Netherlands

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 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 necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Netherlands and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Netherlands using 3 pin type B US 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 from the US using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Netherlands. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Netherlands?

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

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Dutch power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G using a Dutch power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically included with your device by Apple).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin cord into the power 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 Dutch power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging which typically takes between one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Dutch power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Dutch power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Dutch power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pin Type F USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Dutch power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally supplied with the iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB 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 Dutch power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging which takes around 60 to 240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Dutch power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Netherlands country Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. 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..
  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 F power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. 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..