How to charge the iPhone 3GS in Taiwan

Instructions on how to recharge your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 3GS using a Type B power plug.

Taiwanese power outlet

If packing for a vacation it is helpful to know if you'll be able to use all your common devices such as cell phones and cameras when you're there. Without knowing which power supply is used you are more likely to bring the wrong charger, leaving you needing to purchase a potentially overpriced power adaptor when you're there. Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often be confusing when planning to visit a foreign country especially for the first time traveller. This guide was specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3GS when you are travelling abroad.If you're visiting Taiwan the following instructions show powering your iPhone 3GS by using the standard types B or A Taiwanese 110 volt 60Hz wall outlets, most Taiwanese will normally use Type B sockets in their power outlets. When travelling anywhere you'll find that most power sockets vary depending on which country you're taking a trip to therefore we suggest that you read our Wiki Connections world power supplies page for a complete list of powering devices in different destinations. If your iPhone 3GS charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Taiwan from another country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts can take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. If you intend on travelling to places such as Taipei City or Chiayi refer to the Taiwanese Wikipedia page [1] for more information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Taiwan

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Taiwan?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3GS in Taiwan.

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

If travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS and visiting more than one country then the best international travel power adapter for Taiwan to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Taiwanese use two different types of wall outlets (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included plugs over. If your model of iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these power chargers plus support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel adapters this means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers for your Taiwanese trip or occupying additional power outlets. By only needing to pack a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for charging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on the plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel on a regular basis we suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this online - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Taiwan

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 the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Taiwan 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 Taiwan using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs and gives the same functionality 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Taiwan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 3GS in Taiwan?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet

Instructions on how to recharge your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. To power your iPhone 3GS from the Taiwanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPhone 3GS.
  2. Start by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  3. Connect one end of the charging 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. Turn on the Taiwanese 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 which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet

Using an Apple 30 pin cable with a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter to recharge the iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS from the Taiwanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically already included with your device).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Plug in 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 Taiwanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is recharging and takes between one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Taiwanese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Taiwanese Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. 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..
  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 B power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. 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..