How to charge the iPhone 3GS when staying in Saudi Arabia

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter, charging the iPhone 3GS using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter and charging the iPhone 3GS using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Saudi Arabian power outlet

When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia it's helpful to know if you'll be able to use all your common devices that you'll be bringing with you. By not knowing which wall socket is used you are more likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, therefore leaving you having to buy or borrow a suitable charger when you arrive. Varying complicated combinations of voltages and standards can all be daunting when planning on visiting another country especially for the first time traveller. These instructions were written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3GS when you're visiting abroad.When you're travelling to Saudi Arabia these instructions show powering your iPhone 3GS using their Type G, A, B or D 220 volt 60Hz plug outlets, Type G power outlets are used by most Saudi Arabians. When you are visiting Saudi Arabia from a different country check your iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overheating when charging it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Saudi Arabia

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Saudi Arabia?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Saudi Arabia?

If travelling to more than one country the best travel charger for Saudi Arabia is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Saudi Arabians use four different types of plug sockets (G, A, B and D) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for both types A and G. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the plugs. If your iPhone 3GS is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices. Having a four port charger means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.

We suggest buying a multipurpose power charger like this at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Saudi Arabia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which is useful for visitors of regions with unreliable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Saudi Arabia and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Saudi Arabia using 3 pinned type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This offers practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more generous 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Saudi Arabia. [12] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Saudi Arabia?

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Instructions on how to recharge the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is usually already supplied with the iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type G USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. The plug outlet, technically known as the Type G power outlet [3], can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 3GS using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically already supplied with the iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. The plug outlet, technically known as the Type A power outlet [6], is recognised by the two thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3GS with a Saudi Arabian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3GS using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by 2 thin slots next to each other where the short twin plug outlet blades slide into with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB 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. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which takes roughly one to four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type F power charger to power your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 3GS using a Saudi Arabian power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two adjacent holes and grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the USB power 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. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3GS will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Saudi Arabian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saudi Arabia country Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 A power outlet
  7. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  8. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  9. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  10. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  11. 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..
  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..