How to charge the iPhone 3G when staying in Barbados

A page on how to power your iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a Type B power plug.

Barbadian power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can often be daunting when planning to visit a foreign country especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what to purchase in advance to charge your iPhone 3G in Barbados. These instructions will show you exactly how to charge the iPhone 3G when visiting Barbados by using the standard types B or A Barbadian 115 volt 50Hz wall outlets, Type B power outlets are used by most Bajans. Power sources will change from country to country therefore we suggest that you read the Wiki Connections world power supplies page for a full list showing regions and countries. If your iPhone 3G does not power up or charges slowly when visiting Barbados from another region please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) can take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Barbados

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Barbados?

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

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3G in Barbados?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel power adapter for Barbados to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets in Barbados (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters, and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters this will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters on your trip to Barbados. Only bringing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Due to their flexibility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online. The power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Barbados

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power grids. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 option for travellers originating from North America going to Barbados using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 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 Barbados. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3G in Barbados?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet

A page on how to power your iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 3G using the Barbadian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This unearthed power outlet, technically known as the Type A power outlet [3], is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into 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. Switch on the Barbadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet

Charging the iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin cable and a Type B power charger to power your iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3G from the Barbadian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Barbadian power outlet. The plug outlet, technically known as the Type B power outlet [6], is recognised by the two thin slots where the twin blades slide into with a hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into 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. Switch on the Barbadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which should take roughly 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Barbadian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Barbadian Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. 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..
  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 B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..