How to charge the iPhone 5 when planning a trip to Macedonia

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 5 with a Macedonian power outlet with a USB Lightning cable and a double pinned Europlug Type C power charger and how to recharge the iPhone 5 using a Type F power adapter.

Macedonian power outlet

Varying different region codes and sockets can all be confusing when planning on visiting a new country to the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of standards used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 5 in Macedonia. The following step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to charge your iPhone 5 when you are in Macedonia using their standard types F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets. When travelling you'll find power sockets will change regionally so please read our Wikiconnections world power connections guide for a full list of regions and countries. When you are visiting Macedonia from another country please check that your iPhone 5 can accept a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure your 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. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5.

Charging the iPhone 5 in Macedonia

Can the iPhone 5 be used in Macedonia?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 5 in Macedonia by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 5 in Macedonia?

When travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Macedonia is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of plug sockets that Macedonians use (F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 5 is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB travel chargers and additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Only needing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPhone 5 at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers and using only a single power outlet.

If you travel to Macedonia we recommend buying this type of flexible power adapter at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Macedonia

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 5, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary when visiting regions with unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Macedonia 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 portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Macedonia using 3 pin 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 is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Macedonia. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 5 in Macedonia?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5 from a Macedonian power outlet

A guide showing how to power the iPhone 5 with a Macedonian power outlet with a USB Lightning cable and a double pinned Europlug Type C power charger.

  1. If you want to charge your iPhone 5 using a Macedonian power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple normally supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 5).
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Macedonian power outlet. This plug outlet (called a Europlug) can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Lightning charging cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 Lightning connector can be found at bottom of your iPhone 5 under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Macedonian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging which should take around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 5 from a Macedonian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 5 with a Macedonian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone 5 from a Macedonian power outlet using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type F USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 5 from the Macedonian power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple normally supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone 5.
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The recessed round wall outlet (known as the Schuko outlet) can be identified by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5. You can find the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5 situated at the bottom of your iPhone 5.
  4. Turn on the Macedonian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up which takes between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 5 with a Macedonian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Macedonia country Wiki page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..