Charging the iPhone 3G when staying in Mongolia

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a Mongolian power outlet using the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter and charging the iPhone 3G using a 2 pin Type E USB plug.

Mongolian power outlet

Complicated combinations of voltages and plug types can often lead to confusion when planning on travelling to another country, especially to the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what to purchase in advance to charge the iPhone 3G . This page was written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3G abroad.This page has step-by-step instructions demonstrating what you'll need to power your iPhone 3G when you're visiting Mongolia using their standard Type E or C 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets. If you are travelling to Mongolia from a different country please ensure your iPhone 3G can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) check the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from being damaged whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Mongolia

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Mongolia?

You can connect the iPhone 3G to a Mongolian power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3G in Mongolia?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G and visiting multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Mongolia is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Mongolians use two different standards of wall outlets (types E and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these USB travel chargers along with support for more power hungry devices.

This will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters. Only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand baggage while travelling. Due to their space saving versatility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets using just a single plug socket.

If you travel to Mongolia we recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer - the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Mongolia

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 3G, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting regions with unstable power supplies. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from America going to Mongolia using type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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. This gives the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one 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 generous 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Mongolia. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone 3G in Mongolia?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Mongolian power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a Mongolian power outlet with the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G from the Mongolian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple usually supply the cable with the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Mongolian power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter 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 Mongolian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes around 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Mongolian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Mongolian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type E USB adapter to power your iPhone 3G with a Mongolian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from a Mongolian power outlet you will need to use a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include this cable when you buy your iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type E USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this power outlet by two large circular holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a single long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cord into the bottom of the power adapter 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. Turn on the Mongolian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone 3G screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking between 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Mongolian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mongolian Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..