How to charge the iPhone 4S when planning a trip to Vietnam

A step by step guide showing how to charge your iPhone 4S from a Vietnamese power outlet using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a 3 pinned Type A power charger, charging the iPhone 4S using a Type G USB adapter and charging the iPhone 4S using a Type C power adapter

Vietnamese power outlet

When organizing a vacation to Vietnam it can be useful to know if you'll be able to use your electrical devices such as cell phones and laptop computers when you're there. But, without knowing which plug socket to expect you could end up either weighing your suitcases down with too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong adaptor, thereby leaving you needing to purchase a suitable charger on arrival which might be incompatible. Varying different standards and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country especially if you've never been there before. This guide was written to prepare people wanting to power the iPhone 4S when they are visiting Vietnam.The following step by step guide shows you how to power the iPhone 4S when you're in Vietnam by using their Type G, A or C Vietnamese 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, Type G power outlets will be typically used by a majority of Vietnamese. If travelling to Vietnam from a different region double check the iPhone 4S can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts ensure that the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from overheating when powering up. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Vietnam

Can you use the iPhone 4S in Vietnam?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4S in Vietnam.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Vietnam?

If you are travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Vietnam is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Vietnamese use three different standards of wall outlets (G, A and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for both types A, C and G. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 4S is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with additional support for certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple travel chargers for your trip. By only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 4S at the airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving 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 phones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend buying this type of flexible travel adapter online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Vietnam

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge 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 adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact option for travellers originating from America visiting Vietnam 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 travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Vietnam. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Vietnam?

Powering the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type G power charger to charge the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S using the Vietnamese power outlet you'll need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this cable is normally supplied with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Insert the Type G USB power plug adapter in the Vietnamese power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the charging cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the Vietnamese 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 4S is charging, typically taking around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 4S from a Vietnamese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type A power adapter to charge your iPhone 4S from a Vietnamese power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 4S from the Vietnamese power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple should usually supply the USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 4S.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply (technically known as a Type A power outlet [6]) can be recognised by the 2 slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet blades sit.
  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 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Vietnamese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cell will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4S from a Vietnamese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S using the Vietnamese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], normally supplied with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This power outlet is recognised by the 2 holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the Vietnamese 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 4S is recharging which takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a Vietnamese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Vietnam country page on Wikipedia
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable 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 A power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  9. 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..
  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..