How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Syria

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet, recharging the iPhone 3G using a 2 pinned Type E power plug and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a 3 pinned Type L power plug

Syrian power outlet

Varying different combinations of frequencies and standards can often be daunting when planning on staying in another country to the first time traveller. This guide was specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3G when you're in Syria.These instructions will show you exactly how to charge your iPhone 3G when you're visiting Syria by using their E, C or L type Syrian 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets. When travelling to Syria from another country please check that your iPhone 3G can be used with a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 3G was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged during charging. If you plan on staying in a city such as Aleppo please read the wikipedia entry about Syria [1] for more information. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Syria

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Syria?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Syria by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Syria?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3G and visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Syria is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Syrians use three different standards of wall outlets (E, C and L) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times by using one of these power adapters, and support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Because you are only needing to bring a single international travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for an adaptable travel adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Syria

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Syria and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Syria.
  • 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 the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Syria. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Syria?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is normally included with the iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Begin by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The plug supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the 2 adjacent holes.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the USB mains 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. Switch on the Syrian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up which takes roughly 1-4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type E power charger to charge the iPhone 3G with a Syrian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPhone 3G from the Syrian power outlet you will need a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include the cable with your iPhone 3G).
  2. Start by taking the Type E USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. This sunken circular plug supply (called the Type E power outlet [6] or CEE 7/7 outlet) can be recognised by the two large round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go with a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular shape.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power 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 Syrian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Syrian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Syrian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type L power charger to recharge the iPhone 3G with a Syrian power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using a Syrian power outlet you'll need to use a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. First plug in the Type L USB power plug adapter in the Syrian power outlet. You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped plug supply by three large round holes in a line for live, neutral and ground pins. Note that there are two variations of Type L wall supply rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power 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. Turn on the Syrian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging which should take around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Syrian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Syria
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  10. 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..