Charging your iPhone 5S from a power outlet in Malawi

Using the Apple USB Lightning cable and a Type G USB adapter to power the iPhone 5S with a Malawian power outlet.

Malawian power outlet

Varying complicated frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on visiting another country, especially to the first time traveller. These instructions were specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 5S abroad.This step by step guide shows you exactly what you'll need to supply power to the iPhone 5S when you are in Malawi using the standard 230 volt 50Hz G Type Malawian plug outlet, the Malawians will use a 13 amp plug for power outlets. If you are visiting Malawi from a different region please double check your iPhone 5S can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 5S 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 avoid the device from overheating during charging. If you plan on taking a trip to a destination such as Lilongwe or Blantyre we recommend reading the Malawi country wikipedia page [1] for more information. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Malawi

Can you use the iPhone 5S in Malawi?

You can connect the iPhone 5S to a Malawian power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 5S in Malawi?

When you are travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone 5S then the best international travel charger for Malawi to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs. If your iPhone 5S is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of power adapters plus additional support for certain power hungry devices. This will also allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple travel chargers on your Malawian trip or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 5S at an airport or on your flight. Because of their versatility these types of power adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets using only a single power outlet.

We suggest searching for an adaptable power adapter like this at your preferred electronics retailer; the power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Malawi

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 visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Malawi and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America visiting Malawi using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • 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 originating from America 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Malawi. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 5S in Malawi?

Powering the iPhone 5S with a Malawian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

A page showing how to recharge the iPhone 5S from a Malawian power outlet using an Apple USB Lightning connector and a Type G USB charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 5S using a Malawian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], the USB cable is typically supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type G USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Malawian power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by the 3 rectangular slots in a triangular configuration.
  3. Connect one end of the USB charging cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector is situated at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Malawian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes around one-four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5S with a Malawian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malawi country wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  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. 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..