HomeUK → South Africa
Do I need an adapter from the UK to South Africa?
You need a Type M or N adapter for South Africa.
United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz → South Africa: Type C/M/N, 230 V, 50 Hz.
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 M/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 M/N 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 M/N adapter.
230 V is in the same range as at home, so it works whether or not it is dual voltage. Type G plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type M/N adapter.
230 V is in the same range as at home, so it works whether or not it is dual voltage. Type G plugs do not fit South Africa's Type C/M/N sockets. Pack a Type M/N 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 M/N adapter.
What to buy for South Africa (on amazon.co.uk)
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Why
Plug shape. The UK uses Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). Sockets in South Africa are Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart), Type M (three large round pins in a triangle (BS 546 15 A)) and Type N (two round pins and a round earth pin (IEC 60906-1)). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. The UK is 230 V; South Africa is 230 V. Same voltage family, so everything you own will run. Adapter or converter?
Frequency. The UK is 50 Hz; South Africa is 50 Hz. No change to worry about.
South Africa: 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.
United Kingdom: The UK uses the fused three-rectangular-pin Type G plug (BS 1363) everywhere. The only exception is the shaver socket found in hotel bathrooms: a two-pin BS 4573 outlet, often switchable between 115 V and 230 V, limited to about 200 mA. It will run an electric shaver or toothbrush charger but nothing more powerful. Types D and M survive only for stage lighting and remotely switched lights.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from the UK to South Africa?
Yes. UK plugs are Type G and sockets in South Africa are Types C, M or N, so you need a Type M or N adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from the UK to South Africa?
No. Both are in the same voltage range (230 V and 230 V), so single-voltage appliances work.
Will my UK phone charger work in South Africa?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type M or N plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, South Africa to the UK?
You need a Type G adapter for the United Kingdom. Full guide to the UK.