Charging your iPhone from a power outlet in Switzerland

Using the Apple 30-pin connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger to recharge the iPhone from a Swiss power outlet and how to charge the iPhone using a Type J USB charger.

Swiss power outlet

When packing for a trip to Switzerland it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to charge your common electrical devices when you're there. However, by not knowing which plug socket to expect you are likely to bring the wrong power charger, therefore leaving you needing to buy a potentially expensive adaptor on arrival which might not be compatible. Different frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially to the first time traveller. This step-by-step guide will show exactly how to supply power to your iPhone when staying in Switzerland by using their standard types J or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please note Type J wall outlets are normally used by a majority of Swiss. When travelling to Switzerland from a different region ensure the iPhone can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check your iPhone 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 up. If you're planning on travelling to a Swiss destination such as Zürich we recommend referring to the Swiss Wikipedia web page [1] for more details.

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 the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Switzerland

Can you use the iPhone in Switzerland?

You can connect the iPhone to a Swiss power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone in Switzerland?

When travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone then the best international travel charger for Switzerland to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Swiss use two different standards of wall outlets (types J and C) and bringing 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 it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by changing the heads over. If your type of iPhone can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of travel adapters and additional support for more power hungry devices. Having a four port adapter will also allow you to power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Only packing a single USB travel charger will keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand luggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

We recommend searching for an adaptable power adapter like this online; the multipurpose power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Switzerland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Switzerland using type B American 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 from America using type B plugs. This gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone in Switzerland?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Swiss power outlet

Using the Apple 30-pin connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger to recharge the iPhone from a Swiss power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone from the Swiss power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally already supplied with your device by Apple.
  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 two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger 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 Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up which takes between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Swiss power outlet

Charging the iPhone from a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

A guide on how to charge your iPhone from a Swiss power outlet by using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type J power adapter.

  1. To power the iPhone using the Swiss power outlet you'll need a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple usually supply the cable when you buy the iPhone).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type J USB power plug adapter into the Swiss power outlet. You can recognise this squashed hexagon shaped wall supply by the 3 large circular holes in a flattened triangular configuration.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the 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. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone from a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swiss Wikipedia web page
  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 J power outlet
  7. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  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..