How to charge the iPhone 3GS when planning a trip to Burkina Faso

Using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Burkinabe power outlet and recharging the iPhone 3GS using a Type E power adapter.

Burkinabe power outlet

Different region codes and plugs can all be daunting when planning on staying in a new country for the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 3GS in Burkina Faso. The following step by step guide shows you how to power your iPhone 3GS when you're visiting Burkina Faso by using their types E or C Burkinabe 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets. If you are travelling to Burkina Faso from a different country ensure that the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3GS was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating whilst powering it up. If you intend on taking a trip to a place like Ouagadougou we also recommend referring to the Burkina Faso country Wiki page [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Burkina Faso

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Burkina Faso?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in Burkina Faso by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Burkina Faso?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3GS then the best travel adapter for Burkina Faso to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Burkinabe use two different standards of wall outlets (E and C) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by changing the plugs over. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB travel chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Only needing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers and using only a single wall outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power charger illustrated here 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 Burkina Faso

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Burkina Faso using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Burkina Faso. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Burkina Faso?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Burkinabe power outlet

Using an Apple USB 30-pin cable and a two pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Burkinabe power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3GS from a Burkinabe power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with your device by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the Burkinabe power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Burkinabe power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Burkinabe power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Burkinabe power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin cable and a two pin Type E USB charger to power the iPhone 3GS with a Burkinabe power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS from a Burkinabe power outlet you will need to buy a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type E USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The recessed round wall supply, sometimes known as a CEE 7/7 plug or Type E power outlet [6], can be identified by two large holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins sit with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Burkinabe power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging which takes around 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Burkinabe power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Burkina Faso country Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..