Charging your mobile phone from a power outlet in North Korea

A guide showing how to charge any mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet by using Type B Micro USB cable and a three pinned Type A power adapter, how to recharge any mobile phone using a Type C Europlug USB plug and powering any mobile phone using a double pinned Type F USB adapter

North Korean power outlet

Varying different standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially for the first time traveller. This page has been specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the mobile phone abroad.When planning a trip to North Korea these useful instructions show how to power your mobile phone by using their types F, A or C 220 volt 60Hz power outlets. If travelling to North Korea from a different country please ensure your mobile phone can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v double check the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you are planning on visiting a North Korean city such as Pyongyang refer to the wikipedia web page about North Korea [1] for further details on visiting the location.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For a specific mobile phone please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in North Korea

Can you use any mobile phone in North Korea?

You can connect any mobile phone to a North Korean power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging any mobile phone in North Korea?

When travelling to multiple countries then the best international travel adapter for North Korea to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. North Koreans use three different standards of plug sockets (types F, A and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types A and C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the heads. If your type of mobile phone supports Fast Charge (note that not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these travel chargers along with support for more power demanding devices.

Having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple power chargers on your North Korean trip or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when you return home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel adapter at your preferred electronics retailer - the power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for North Korea

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids. These power adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, 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 power adapter for travellers originating from America going to North Korea using 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 travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting North Korea. [9] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging any mobile phone in North Korea?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

A guide on how to charge any mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet by using Type B Micro USB cable and a three pinned Type A power adapter.

  1. In order to power any mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the North Korean power outlet. This unearthed plug outlet (called the Type A power outlet [2]) can be recognised by 2 thin adjacent slots where the live and neutral blades go.
  3. Then connect one end of the Type B USB cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the side or bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the North Korean power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

Instructions showing you how to power your mobile phone with a North Korean power outlet with USB Type B cord with a Type C Europlug power charger.

  1. To charge your mobile phone using the North Korean power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note that you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone for charging with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the North Korean power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

Using Type B USB cable and a Type F USB charger to power any mobile phone with a North Korean power outlet.

  1. In order to power any mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [8] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the North Korean power outlet. The circular plug supply (sometimes called a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two large adjacent holes where the twin pins go along with a pair of thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the Micro USB type B cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port can normally be found either on the bottom or side of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the North Korean power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your mobile phone from a North Korean power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about North Korea
  2. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  3. 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..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  9. 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..