How to charge the iPhone 3G when planning a trip to Tobago

A step-by-step guide showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a 3 pinned Type B power plug.

Tobagonian power outlet

Complicated combinations of standards and sockets can often be confusing when planning on travelling to another country especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of sockets being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 3G . These instructions were specifically written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 3G when you are going to Tobago.If you're going to Tobago this page has instructions showing how to supply power to your iPhone 3G by using the standard Type B or A 115 volt 60Hz plug outlets, a majority of Tobagonians normally use the Type B plugs in their power outlets. If the iPhone 3G slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when travelling to Tobago from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check the iPhone 3G is a dual voltage device (you'll find these are usually indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Tobago

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Tobago?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Tobago.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Tobago?

When you are travelling with more than your iPhone 3G and visiting multiple countries then the best travel charger for Tobago to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Tobagonians use (types B and A) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port adapter means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to bring seperate power chargers or using up additional power outlets. Only needing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers and using only a single wall outlet.

We suggest searching for this type of versatile travel charger at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Tobago

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3G, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Tobago 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 power converter for travellers originating from America going to Tobago.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs. This offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Tobago. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Tobago?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet

A step-by-step guide showing how to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet by using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3G using a Tobagonian power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G).
  2. First plug the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Tobagonian power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two thin adjacent slots.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the USB mains 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 Tobagonian 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 mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet

Charging the iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions showing how to power your iPhone 3G with a Tobagonian power outlet by using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type B power adapter.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 3G using a Tobagonian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Tobagonian power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircular hole below for the grounded pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the mains USB 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. Turn on the Tobagonian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging which typically takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Tobagonian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tobago Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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..