How to charge the mobile phone when staying in Colombia

Using USB Micro Type B connector and a Type A power charger to power your mobile phone from a Colombian power outlet and how to recharge any mobile phone using a Type B USB charger.

Colombian power outlet

Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially to the first time traveller. These instructions were specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your mobile phone when you are staying abroad.If you are travelling to Colombia the following instructions show charging your mobile phone using the standard types B or A Colombian 110 volt 60Hz wall outlets. Most power supplies change depending on which region you're taking a trip to therefore please read the WikiConnections global power connections list where you'll find a complete list of powering devices in different destinations. If your mobile phone charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Colombia from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use. If you are planning to stay at a Colombian place such as Bogotá or Medellín we suggest referring to the Colombia page on wikipedia.org [1] for more indepth details prior to travelling to the area.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Colombia

Can the mobile phone be used in Colombia?

You can connect any mobile phone to a Colombian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Colombia?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel adapter for Colombia to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Colombians use two different standards of wall outlets (B and A) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, along with additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.

For those travelling regularly we recommend searching for a versatile travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Colombia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 America visiting Colombia 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 travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Colombia. [7] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging any mobile phone in Colombia?

Powering any mobile phone with a Colombian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using USB type B cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge any mobile phone from a Colombian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the mobile phone from the Colombian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Colombian power outlet. This unearthed power supply (called a Type A power outlet [2]) can be identified by the two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Type B micro USB cord into the power 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 which came with your mobile phone to charge with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the bottom or side of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Colombian 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 take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Colombian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Colombian power outlet

Instructions on how to recharge your mobile phone from a Colombian power outlet with USB type B cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to any mobile phone using a Colombian power outlet you will need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Colombian power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB Micro Type B connector into the USB power 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 (note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the bottom or side of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Colombian power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Colombian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Colombia page on wikipedia.org
  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 B power outlet
  6. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  7. 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..