How to charge the iPhone when planning a trip to Greece

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone from a Greek power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type C USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone using a 2 pinned Type F power plug.

Greek power outlet

Differing combinations of standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to visit a different country, especially if you've never visited before. This guide was specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone abroad.When visiting Greece these instructions show how to power the iPhone using the standard Type F or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type F power outlets will be typically used by most Greeks. When travelling to Greece from another country check the iPhone can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check that your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged whilst powering it. If you plan on travelling to tourist destinations like Athens or Thessaloniki we also recommend referring to the Greece Wikipedia web page [1] for further information on the location.

This page details the iPhone first generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Greece

Can the iPhone be used in Greece?

You can use the iPhone in Greece by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Greece?

When travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Greece is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of power outlets that Greeks use (types F and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate travel adapters for your Greek trip or occupying additional wall sockets. By only bringing a single international USB travel charger will keep the size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage whilst travelling. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of adapters can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and e-readers without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel to different continents we recommend buying this type of flexible power adapter at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Greece

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Greece and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Greece.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter 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 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 Greece. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Greece?

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

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone from a Greek power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type C USB adapter.

  1. If you want to charge your iPhone using a Greek power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone.
  2. Plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This plug outlet, also called the Europlug, can be identified by two holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Greek power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone from a Greek power outlet

Charging the iPhone from a Greek power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge the iPhone from a Greek power outlet using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type F USB adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone using the Greek power outlet you'll need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple normally supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes, plus a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Greek power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging, typically taking around 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone from a Greek power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greece Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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..