Charging the iPhone from a power outlet in Bulgaria

Instructions on how to power the iPhone from a Bulgarian power outlet using an Apple USB 30 pin cable and a Type C USB adapter and recharging the iPhone using a Type F power adapter.

Bulgarian power outlet

Varying different voltages and plugs can all lead to confusion when planning to stay in another country especially if you've never been there before. This page contains simple instructions showing what you'll need to power your iPhone in Bulgaria using their standard F or C type Bulgarian 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets. If visiting Bulgaria from a different country please make sure that your iPhone can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v ensure that your device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to stop the device from over-heating whilst powering it.

This page details the iPhone first generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for a full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Bulgaria

Can the iPhone be used in Bulgaria?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone to a Bulgarian power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for the iPhone in Bulgaria?

When you are travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone then the best travel adapter for Bulgaria is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Bulgaria (F and C) and using a power adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the supplied heads. If your model of iPhone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of travel adapters and additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port charger means you can recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring seperate travel adapters or occupying additional wall sockets. Only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone at an airport or on the flight. Due to their versatility these types of adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers with just a single wall outlet.

If you travel often we suggest searching for a flexible power adapter like this at your preferred electronics retailer; the power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

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 iPhone, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power grids. These power adapters are 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 international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Bulgaria using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs. This is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 Bulgaria. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPhone in Bulgaria?

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

Using an Apple USB 30 pin cable and a Type C USB charger to power the iPhone from a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone using the Bulgarian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - usually already included with the iPhone.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Bulgarian power outlet. The plug supply is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the charging cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging taking around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone from a Bulgarian power outlet

Using the USB 30-pin Apple cable and a Type F power adapter to power your iPhone with a Bulgarian power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPhone using the Bulgarian power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple will normally supply this USB cable with the iPhone.
  2. Start by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This recessed round power outlet (sometimes known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up and takes roughly one-four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone from a Bulgarian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about Bulgaria
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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 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..