Do You Need a Travel Adapter for South Africa?
South Africa uses Type C, Type M, Type N sockets at 230 V, 50 Hz.
South Africa is mid-transition. The large three-round-pin Type M (SANS 164-1) is still the most common socket. The compact Type N (SANS 164-2, the 'ZA plug') has been required in every new installation since January 2018 and is the intended replacement; Type N sockets also accept Type C Europlugs. Expect a mix of both, and carry a Type M adapter to be safe.
Check your own plug
Verdict by where you are travelling from
From United States: You need a Type C adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type C plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.com)
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From United Kingdom: You need a Type C or M or N adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.co.uk)
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From Europe: No adapter needed for your devices.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Your Type C plug fits South Africa's Type C socket.
230 V is within what this device expects. Your Type C plug fits South Africa's Type C socket.
From Australia: You need a Type C or M or N adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type I plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type I plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.com.au)
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From Canada: You need a Type C adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type C plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.ca)
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From Japan: You need a Type C adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Single-voltage device (100 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type C plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.co.jp)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Device by device: 230 V in South Africa
| Device | Voltage | Plug | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone, laptop or USB charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Camera battery charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Hair dryer or straightener | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
| Electric shaver | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
| CPAP machine | Dual voltage: fine | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Kettle or other appliance | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type C/M/N adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
Not sure which your device is? Read the INPUT line on the label.
Frequently asked questions
What plug does South Africa use?
South Africa uses Type C, Type M, Type N sockets. Type C: two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart. Type M: three large round pins in a triangle (bs 546 15 a). Type N: two round pins and a round earth pin (iec 60906-1).
What is the voltage in South Africa?
South Africa runs on 230 V at 50 Hz.
Can I charge my iPhone or laptop in South Africa?
Yes. Phones, laptops and USB chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V) so the voltage is fine anywhere; you just need a plug adapter for South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets unless your own plug is one of those types.
Do I need a voltage converter for South Africa?
Only for single-voltage 110–120 V appliances (typically hair dryers, straighteners and kettles bought in North America or Japan). Anything marked INPUT 100–240 V just needs a plug adapter.
Other countries in Africa
Socket types: Type C Type M Type N · Voltage by country · How this data was verified