How to charge the iPad Mini 2 when planning a trip to Uruguay

Using the Apple Lightning connector and a two pinned Type F power adapter to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet, charging the iPad Mini 2 using a Europlug Type C USB charger and how to charge the iPad Mini 2 using a three pinned Type L USB plug

Uruguayan power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never visited before. This guide was written to prevent travellers needing to worry if they can power their iPad Mini 2 abroad.The following step by step instructions will show you exactly how to supply power to your iPad Mini 2 when visiting Uruguay by using their Type F, C, I or L Uruguayan 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, you will find most Uruguayans use Type F plug outlets. If visiting Uruguay from a different country make sure the iPad Mini 2 can accept a 240v supply. If your iPad Mini 2 originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v check your iPad Mini 2 is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from being damaged when powering up. If you intend on staying somewhere like Montevideo or Las Piedras we also recommend referring to the Uruguay wikipedia page [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini 2.

Charging the iPad Mini 2 in Uruguay

Can the iPad Mini 2 be used in Uruguay?

You can use the iPad Mini 2 in Uruguay by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Uruguay?

When travelling to more than one country the best international travel charger for Uruguay is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four standards of power outlets in Uruguay (types F, C, I and L) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by changing the plugs over. If your iPad Mini 2 is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus additional compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring individual power chargers. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPad Mini 2 at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying this type of versatile travel adapter at an electronics retailer, the power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Uruguay

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Uruguay and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Uruguay.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Uruguay. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini 2 in Uruguay?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet

Using a Lightning cable and a double pinned Europlug Type C power charger to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPad Mini 2 using a Uruguayan power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (typically already supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Begin by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Uruguayan power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple power cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad Mini 2 will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes between 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet

Powering the iPad Mini 2 with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the Apple Lightning connector and a two pinned Type F power adapter to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad Mini 2 using the Uruguayan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPad Mini 2.
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter in the Uruguayan power outlet. This circular plug supply can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the charging cable into the mains USB adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector is situated at the base of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad Mini 2 will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 2 with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet

Instructions on how to charge the iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet with a Lightning cable and a three pinned Type L USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge your iPad Mini 2 using a Uruguayan power outlet you'll need to use a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], the USB cable is usually already included with your iPad Mini 2 by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type L USB power plug adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet. You can identify this squashed hexagon shaped plug supply by three large holes forming a line. You'll find there are two different types of Type L power supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. A 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB Lightning power cord into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 2. The iPad Mini 2 lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Mini 2.
  4. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini 2 is charging, typically taking around 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your iPad Mini 2 from a Uruguayan power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uruguay wikipedia page
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. 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.
  10. 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..