Charging the iPad 2 when staying in Portugal

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger to recharge the iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet and how to power the iPad 2 using a two pinned Type F power charger.

Portuguese power outlet

Different combinations of voltages and plug types can all be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially if you've never visited before. If you are going to Portugal these useful instructions show how to power your iPad 2 by using the F or C type Portuguese 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, most Portuguese typically use the Type F sockets in their wall outlets. You will discover power sockets will vary depending on which area you are in therefore we suggest reading the power supplies page for a full list of countries. If you are visiting Portugal from a different region please make sure that your iPad 2 can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts check your iPad 2 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. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Portugal

Can you use the iPad 2 in Portugal?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 2 to a Portuguese power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in Portugal?

If travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPad 2 the best international travel charger for Portugal is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Portuguese use two different standards of plug sockets (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the included heads over. If your type of iPad 2 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, along with support for more power hungry devices. Unlike other travel chargers this means you can recharge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. By only needing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPad 2 at the airport or on the plane. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using only a single power outlet.

If you travel to different continents we recommend buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Portugal

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 those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unstable power supplies. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover 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 compact option for travellers originating from North America visiting Portugal.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet at 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 majority of travellers from around the world visiting Portugal. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in Portugal?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet

Using the USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger to recharge the iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad 2 using the Portuguese power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], usually included with the iPad 2.
  2. Firstly plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPad 2 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is recharging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPad 2 with a Portuguese power outlet with a 30 pin cable and a two pinned Type F power charger.

  1. To charge the iPad 2 using a Portuguese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include this cable when you buy the iPad 2).
  2. Insert the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Portuguese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins, plus thin 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 USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is powering up which should take between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Portuguese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Portugal page on wikipedia
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..