Charging the iPhone 3GS when planning a trip to Russia

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type C power adapter and recharging the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pin Type F power charger.

Russian power outlet

Varying different standards and plug types can often be confusing when planning on staying in another country for the first time traveller. These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3GS when travelling abroad.This page has simple instructions showing you how to supply power to the iPhone 3GS when you're visiting Russia using the types F or C 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type F plug outlets will be normally used by a majority of Russians. If you are travelling to Russia from another country ensure your iPhone 3GS can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from being damaged when charging it. If you plan on staying at a city like Moscow or Saint Petersburg we also suggest reading the Wikipedia entry about Russia [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 Russia

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Russia?

You can use the iPhone 3GS in Russia.

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

If you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS or visiting more than one country the best international travel adapter for Russia is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of power outlets that Russians use (F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by changing the heads. If your iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, plus additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other travel chargers this means you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy individual power adapters for your Russian trip or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand baggage. Because of their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Russia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to counties with unstable power supplies. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Russia and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Russia using 3 pin type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs. This gives practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with only 1 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 more 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Russia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Russia?

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

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type C power adapter.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Russian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in 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 iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Russian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which takes roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3GS with a Russian power outlet using a 30-pin connector with a Type F USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 3GS using the Russian power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Insert the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Russian power outlet. This recessed round plug supply, sometimes called the Schuko outlet, can be identified by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into along with a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of 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 Russian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up and takes around 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Russian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Russia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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..