How to charge your iPad from a power outlet in Colombia

Using a 30 pin Apple connector and a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPad from a Colombian power outlet and how to recharge the iPad using a three pinned Type B USB adapter.

Colombian power outlet

Different region codes and plug types can all be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power the iPad in Colombia. These guidelines were written to stop visitors worrying if they can power their iPad when they are staying abroad.If you are visiting Colombia this page contains instructions showing how to charge the iPad using their Type B or A Colombian 110 volt 60Hz wall outlets. Power supplies will vary depending on which country you're taking a trip to therefore please read the Wiki Connections world power supplies list where you'll find a complete list of regions and countries. If your iPad charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Colombia from a different region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check your device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Colombia

Can you use the iPad in Colombia?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Colombia by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Colombia?

If travelling to multiple countries the best international travel power adapter for Colombia to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Colombians use two different standards of wall outlets (B and A) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPad can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets. This means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel adapters or using up additional power outlets. By only bringing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers without needing an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online, the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Colombia

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 iPad, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Colombia 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 compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Colombia.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Colombia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Colombia?

Charging the iPad from a Colombian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin cable and a Type A USB adapter to charge the iPad with a Colombian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad using a Colombian power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally included with your iPad by Apple).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 thin adjacent slots where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is charging which takes around 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Colombian power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad from a Colombian power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge the iPad from a Colombian power outlet with a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a three pin Type B USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPad from the Colombian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], normally supplied with the iPad by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other with a single hole below for the longer earthed pin.
  3. Connect one end of the charging cord into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Colombian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes roughly 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad from a Colombian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Colombia Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..