Charging the iPhone 5S when planning a trip to Gambia

Using the USB Lightning Apple cable and a 3 pin Type G power adapter to recharge the iPhone 5S from a Gambian power outlet.

Gambian power outlet

Complicated combinations of region codes and voltages can all be daunting when planning to stay in another country especially for the first time traveller. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used in the world this article shows exactly what to buy in advance to power your iPhone 5S . These instructions have been specifically written to stop travellers worrying if they'll be able to charge the iPhone 5S abroad.If you're planning a holiday to Gambia this page contains useful instructions showing powering the iPhone 5S by using a 230 volt 50Hz Type G wall outlet, the Gambians will use a 13 amp plug for wall outlets. If you are visiting Gambia from another country ensure your iPhone 5S can accept a 240v supply. If the iPhone 5S was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts double check the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it. If you intend on staying in a destination such as Serekunda read the Gambia Wikipedia page [1] for further details. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Gambia

Can you use the iPhone 5S in Gambia?

You can use the iPhone 5S in Gambia by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 5S in Gambia?

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPhone 5S then the best travel charger for Gambia to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by changing the heads. If your iPhone 5S can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these USB power adapters along with compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other chargers this will allow you to power more than one device at once without needing to buy individual travel adapters for your Gambian trip or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only needing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger online; the travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Gambia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 5S, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters 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 are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting Gambia using 3 pinned type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 and is a cheaper alternative to 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 Gambia. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 5S in Gambia?

How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a Gambian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone 5S with a Gambian power outlet using a Lightning connector with a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone 5S using the Gambian power outlet you will need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - usually supplied with your iPhone 5S.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type G USB power plug adapter into the Gambian power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes called the Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 vertical rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Turn on the Gambian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 5S screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which takes roughly one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for recharging your iPhone 5S from a Gambian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Gambia Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  5. USB to Apple Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..