How to charge the iPhone 4S when staying in Australia

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type I USB adapter to recharge the iPhone 4S from an Australian power outlet.

Australian power outlet

Complicated region codes and plugs can often be daunting when planning to stay in another country especially for the first time traveller. If you are travelling to Australia the following instructions show charging your iPhone 4S using their 230 volt 50Hz I Type plug supply. If you are travelling to Australia from a different region double check your iPhone 4S can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to avoid the device from over-heating whilst powering it. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Australia

Can the iPhone 4S be used in Australia?

You can connect the iPhone 4S to an Australian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 4S in Australia?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 4S and visiting more than one country then the best international travel power adapter for Australia to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. 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 included heads over. If your model of iPhone 4S can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers having a four port charger 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 Australia. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for recharging your iPhone 4S at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel on a regular basis we recommend searching for this type of versatile travel adapter at your preferred electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Australia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4S, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable power supplies. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Australia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America going to Australia 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 more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with 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 Australia. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 4S in Australia?

How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from an Australian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPhone 4S with an Australian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type I power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 4S using an Australian power outlet you will need to buy a Type I USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPhone 4S).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type I USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power supply, sometimes known as the Type I power outlet [3], can be recognised by the three slots for the live, neutral and ground. Please be aware that the neutral and live blades are configured reversed compared to Argentinian power outlets therefore please check that your Type I power adaptor is compatible with an Australian power supply.
  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 iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Australian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 4S will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is recharging and takes between one-four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from an Australian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Australian Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  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. 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..