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South Africa Plugs, outlets & travel adapters

South Africa uses Type C, D, M and N sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.

Type C, D, M, N230 V50 Hz

Plugbert's take Type N: the newest plug standard in the world.

Good to know
South Africa is mid-migration from the chunky Type M to the newer Type N. Expect both. Expect confusion.

Do you need a travel adapter for South Africa?

It depends on where your plugs come from.

🇺🇸 From the United States

You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United States (Type A and B) don't fit the Type C, D, M and N sockets in South Africa. A Type C (Europlug) adapter fits 2 of the 4 listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type D (Indian 3-pin) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.

South Africa uses 230 V, much higher than the 120 V in the United States. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. For single-voltage devices, follow the manufacturer's guidance on conversion; using a suitable local device may be simpler.

United States to South Africa in full

🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom

You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type C, D, M and N sockets in South Africa. A Type C (Europlug) adapter fits 2 of the 4 listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type D (Indian 3-pin) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.

No voltage converter needed. Both countries use 230 V.

United Kingdom to South Africa in full

From other countries

🇩🇪GermanyType C🇦🇺AustraliaType C🇨🇦CanadaType C🇮🇳IndiaCheck outlet🇨🇳ChinaType C🇯🇵JapanType C🇫🇷FranceType C🇧🇷BrazilCheck outlet🇨🇭SwitzerlandType C

Somewhere else?

Sockets you'll find in South Africa

Type C

The Europlug

2 round pins · ungrounded

Type D

The Old British

3 round pins in a triangle · grounded

Type M

The Big South African

3 chunky round pins in a triangle · grounded

Type N

The Brazilian

3 round pins, in a hexagonal recess · grounded

Will your devices work in South Africa?

Sockets in South Africa supply 230 V. Find the "input" line on each device or its charger. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Check that the input frequency also covers 50 Hz. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage or frequency. For switchable devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging in.

  • Often rated 100–240 V; confirm on the charger: phone charger, laptop charger, camera battery charger.

  • Check the label first: electric toothbrush, electric shaver, CPAP machine, hair straightener / curler.

  • Usually single voltage: hair dryer, kettle / coffee maker, anything with a heating element.

Decode a device labelAdapters vs converters