How to charge your iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Bulgaria

A guide on how to power your iPhone 3GS with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB charger and how to charge the iPhone 3GS using a two pin Type F USB adapter.

Bulgarian power outlet

Various combinations of voltages and region codes can all be daunting when planning to visit a different country especially for the first time traveller. These guidelines were written to prepare people wanting to charge the iPhone 3GS abroad.This page has instructions showing exactly what you'll need to supply power to your iPhone 3GS when you are in Bulgaria by using the F or C type 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. When travelling to Bulgaria from another country please check that your iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3GS originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v check your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from overheating whilst powering it up. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Bulgaria

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Bulgaria?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Bulgarian power outlet.

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

When you are travelling to multiple countries the best international travel power adapter for Bulgaria is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Bulgarians use (types F and C) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port charger means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel chargers for your trip. Only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPhone 3GS at an airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers and using just a single plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we recommend buying a versatile travel adapter like this online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Bulgaria

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Bulgaria using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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. This 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 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Bulgaria. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Bulgaria?

Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Bulgarian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

A guide on how to power your iPhone 3GS with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3GS using a Bulgarian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3GS.
  2. First you'll need to plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Bulgarian power outlet. The power supply is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cord into the bottom of 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 Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3GS will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which typically takes between 1-4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3GS from a Bulgarian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

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

A guide on how to power the iPhone 3GS with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a 2 pinned Type F USB charger.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 3GS using the Bulgarian power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with the iPhone 3GS).
  2. Insert the Type F USB power plug adapter in the Bulgarian power outlet. The sunken round wall supply, sometimes known as the Schuko outlet or Type F power outlet [6], can be recognised by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm apart from each other where the twin plug outlet pins go and thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains USB 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 Bulgarian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Bulgarian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bulgaria Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 F power outlet
  7. 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..
  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..