How to charge the iPad Air from a power outlet in Bulgaria

Using the Lightning Apple connector with a two pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter to recharge the iPad Air from a Bulgarian power outlet and charging the iPad Air using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB charger.

Bulgarian power outlet

Different combinations of voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPad Air in Bulgaria. This page has been specifically written to assist travellers wanting to charge their iPad Air when they are staying abroad.This page contains simple instructions which shows exactly how to power the iPad Air in Bulgaria by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. When you are visiting Bulgaria from a different country double check your iPad Air can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPad Air originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure that the iPad Air is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overheating when powering up. If you intend to stay at a Bulgarian destination like Sofia or Plovdiv we suggest referring to the wikipedia.org page about Bulgaria [1] for further information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Air.

Charging the iPad Air in Bulgaria

Can you use the iPad Air in Bulgaria?

Yes, you can use the iPad Air in Bulgaria.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Air in Bulgaria?

When you are travelling to multiple countries the best travel adapter for Bulgaria to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Bulgarians use two different types of plug sockets (F and C) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your model of iPad Air can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to buy individual power chargers or using up additional power outlets. By only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Bulgaria

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 Air, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Bulgaria 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 power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Bulgaria 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 travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 Bulgaria. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Air in Bulgaria?

Powering the iPad Air with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using an Apple Lightning cable with a 2 pinned Europlug Type C USB charger to power your iPad Air from a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Air from the Bulgarian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should usually supply the USB cable with your iPad Air.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Bulgarian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 holes next to each other where the two pins slide into.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Switch on the Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Air with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Bulgarian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPad Air with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a Lightning Apple connector and a Schuko Type F USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPad Air using a Bulgarian power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], this cable is typically included with your device.
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm apart from each other where the two pins slide into along with grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB Apple Lightning power cord into the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Air.
  4. Turn on the Bulgarian 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 Air is recharging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPad Air from a Bulgarian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Bulgaria
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  7. 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..
  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..