How to charge the iPhone 3G in Macau

A guide showing you how to power your iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pinned Type G power charger, recharging the iPhone 3G using a three pinned Type D power charger and how to power the iPhone 3G using a two pinned Type F power charger

Macanese power outlet

If planning a trip to Macau it can be useful to know if you can charge your common electronics like cell phones and laptop computers that you'll be bringing along. But, without knowing which wall socket is being used you could end up either over packing with unnecessary spare adaptors or bring the wrong power adaptor, thereby leaving you having to borrow a suitable charger when you're there that might be incompatible. Varying different voltages and region codes can often cause confusion when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. This page has been written to prepare people wanting to power the iPhone 3G abroad.This step by step guide shows you exactly how to charge your iPhone 3G when visiting Macau by using their types G, D, F or M 220 volt 50Hz power outlets, please be aware that Type G power outlets are typically used by a majority of Macanese. When visiting Macau from another country check the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 3G came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged whilst powering it up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Macau

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Macau?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Macau.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Macau?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3G the best travel power adapter for Macau is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Macanese use four different standards of wall outlets (types G, D, F and M) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type G.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the plugs over. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these USB travel chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices. Unlike other travel adapters this means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to pack multiple travel chargers. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets using just a single plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable power adapter like this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Macau

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Macau 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 power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Macau using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs. This gives the same set of features as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Macau. [12] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Macau?

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet

A guide showing you how to power your iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pinned Type G power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G from the Macanese power outlet you will need a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is usually included with the iPhone 3G.
  2. First plug in the Type G USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this power outlet by three vertical slots forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains 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 Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is powering up, typically taking between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Instructions showing how to power your iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet with a USB 30 pin Apple cable and a three pinned Type D power charger.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet you will need to use a Type D USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is usually included with the iPhone 3G).
  2. Start by taking the Type D USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Macanese power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type D power outlet [6]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cable into the mains 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 Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is powering up which takes between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet with a 30 pin cable and a two pinned Type F power charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple should typically include this cable when you buy the iPhone 3G.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the mains 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 Macanese 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 is powering up which should take between 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a 3 pin Type M USB charger to power the iPhone 3G with a Macanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge your iPhone 3G using the Macanese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type M USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include this cable when you buy the iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type M USB power plug adapter into the Macanese power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 large round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the 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 Macanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging which should take around 1 - 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type M power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Macanese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Macau
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  7. Type D USB power plug adapter - Designed for usage in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, the Type D USB power plug adapter offers a practical solution for converting local 3-prong grounded outlets into USB ports, providing reliable charging for a range of USB devices..
  8. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  11. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  12. 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..