Charging the mobile phone when planning a trip to Rwanda

Using Type B USB Micro connector and a Type C Europlug power adapter to power any mobile phone with a Rwandan power outlet and powering any mobile phone using a 3 pin Type J power adapter.

Rwandan power outlet

Varying different region codes and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to travel to a new country especially for the first time traveller. These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the mobile phone abroad.This page contains simple instructions which shows how to supply power to the mobile phone when you are visiting Rwanda using the standard Type J or C Rwandan 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. When visiting Rwanda from a different country please check the mobile phone can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your mobile phone is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overheating during charging.

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 a specific mobile phone please visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Rwanda

Can you use any mobile phone in Rwanda?

You can use any mobile phone in Rwanda by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Rwanda?

When travelling with more than just your mobile phone or visiting more than one country then the best travel charger for Rwanda to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Banyarwanda use two different standards of wall outlets (types J and C) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by changing the heads. If your model of mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, and compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack multiple power adapters. By only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Rwanda

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, but for those 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 is necessary for travellers to counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Rwanda 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 power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Rwanda.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half the 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Rwanda. [7] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Rwanda?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet

Using USB Type B cord with a Type C Europlug power charger to charge your mobile phone with a Rwandan power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Rwandan power outlet. The wall outlet, also known as the Europlug or Type C power outlet [2], can be recognised by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the mains power adapter 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 that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on the bottom or along one side of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Rwandan power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet

Charging any mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

Using type B USB Micro cable and a Type J USB charger to charge your mobile phone with a Rwandan power outlet.

  1. To charge any mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type J USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Insert the Type J USB power plug adapter into the Rwandan power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped power outlet (technically called the Type J power outlet [5]) looks like 3 large holes forming a triangular shape.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB power adapter 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 that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the Rwandan power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from a Rwandan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Rwandan Wikipedia web page
  2. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  3. 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..
  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 J power outlet
  6. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  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..