Charging the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Chile

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Chilean power outlet with a 30 pin connector and a 2 pin Type C USB charger and charging the iPhone 3G using a 3 pin Type L power plug.

Chilean power outlet

Different combinations of standards and voltages can all be confusing when planning on visiting a new country especially for the first time traveller. If you're visiting Chile the following useful instructions show how to power the iPhone 3G by using their types L or C 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, please be aware Type L power outlets are typically used by most Chileans. If you are travelling to Chile from a different country please make sure that your iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 3G was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from overloading during charging. If you intend on taking a trip to a place like Santiago or Antofagasta we recommend reading the Wikipedia web page about Chile [1] for further information. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Chile

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Chile?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3G to a Chilean power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Chile?

When travelling to multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Chile is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Chile (L and C) and using a power adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 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 3G supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, and compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. This will allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers on your Chilean trip or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on the flight. Because of their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying this type of flexible travel charger online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Chile

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 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 useful for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Chile 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 Chile.
  • 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 originating from the US using type B plugs. This gives practically the same set of features as 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 Chile. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Chile?

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

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone 3G from a Chilean power outlet with a 30 pin connector and a 2 pin Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPhone 3G from a Chilean power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally supply the USB cable with the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Chilean power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two round adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  3. Then connect 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 Chilean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging, typically taking between one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Chilean power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Chilean power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Instructions showing how to power your iPhone 3G with a Chilean power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a three pinned Type L power adapter.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G using a Chilean power outlet you'll need a Type L USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with the iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type L USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This flattened hexagon shaped power outlet (called the Type L power outlet [6]) looks like 3 large round holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth. Note there are two types of Type L power supply, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm thick round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick pins which are spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the USB mains charger 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 Chilean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the cellphone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Chilean power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Chile
  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 L power outlet
  7. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  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..