Charging the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Uruguay

Instructions showing you how to recharge the iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet using a 30-pin connector with a two pin Type C power adapter, how to power the iPhone 3G using a 2 pin Type F power adapter and recharging the iPhone 3G using a Type L USB plug

Uruguayan power outlet

Different region codes and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to visit a foreign country especially for the first time traveller. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used in the world this article shows exactly what to buy in advance to power your iPhone 3G . The following useful guide will show exactly what you'll need to power your iPhone 3G when travelling to Uruguay using the standard Type F, C, I or L Uruguayan 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, a majority of Uruguayans will use the Type F plug outlets. If you are visiting Uruguay from another country ensure that your iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240v supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) check that the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Uruguay

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Uruguay?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Uruguay by using a power adaptor.

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

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPhone 3G then the best travel charger for Uruguay to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four different types of power outlets that Uruguayans use (F, C, I and L) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, plus additional support for more power hungry devices.

This will also allow you to charge more than one device at once without needing to bring seperate travel chargers or occupying additional wall sockets. Because you are only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being suitable for charging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on your flight. Due to their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and e-readers without using up an additional plug socket.

If you travel regularly we suggest searching for this type of flexible travel charger online. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Uruguay

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Uruguay 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 best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Uruguay.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet at almost half 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Uruguay. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Uruguay?

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

Instructions showing you how to recharge the iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet using a 30-pin connector with a two pin Type C power adapter.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should normally supply the cable with the iPhone 3G).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. 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. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the mobile will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is powering up and takes around one to four hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using a 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type F power adapter to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Uruguayan power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually supplied with your iPhone 3G).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet. This recessed round power supply (sometimes called the Schuko plug or Type F power outlet [6]) can be identified by the two round holes 19 mm next to each other along with a pair of two metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains 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 Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the phone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging which typically takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

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

Using a 30-pin Apple connector with a Type L USB charger to charge your iPhone 3G with a Uruguayan power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPhone 3G from a Uruguayan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should normally supply the cable with the iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type L USB power plug adapter into the Uruguayan power outlet. You can identify the squashed hexagon shaped plug supply by the three round holes forming a line for live, neutral and ground pins. You'll find there are two different variations of Type L plug supply, one rated at 10 amps and one for 16 amps. A 10 amp power supply has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of the USB 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. Switch on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3G screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging, typically taking between one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Uruguayan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uruguay country wikipedia page
  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 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..