How to charge the iPhone 4S when planning a trip to Panama

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a 2 pinned Type A power charger to recharge the iPhone 4S with a Panamanian power outlet and charging the iPhone 4S using a Type B USB adapter.

Panamanian power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of standards being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPhone 4S in Panama. This guide was written to prevent people needing to worry if they'll be able to power their iPhone 4S abroad.The following simple guide shows exactly how to charge your iPhone 4S when you are travelling to Panama by using the B or A type Panamanian 120 volt 60Hz wall outlets. If your iPhone 4S charges slowly or does not power up when you are travelling to Panama from a different country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) can take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your device is a dual voltage device (usually indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Panama

Can the iPhone 4S be used in Panama?

You can use the iPhone 4S in Panama by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Panama?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 4S and visiting more than one country then the best travel adapter for Panama to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Panamanians use two different standards of power outlets (B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by switching the supplied heads. If your iPhone 4S can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters. Only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying an adaptable power adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer, the power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Panama

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Panama and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Panama using 3 pin type B US 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 originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Panama. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Panama?

Charging the iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type A power charger to charge the iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S using the Panamanian 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 normally supply this cable when you buy the iPhone 4S.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Panamanian power outlet. This unearthed wall outlet (known as the Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the mains USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type B power adapter to charge the iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 4S using a Panamanian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is usually included with your iPhone 4S by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Panamanian power outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [6], is identified by two thin slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cord into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the Panamanian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which should take between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a Panamanian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Panama
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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..