Travel Adaptor for South Africa
& South African Plug Types
South Africa Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
South Africa uses plug types C, D, M and N and socket types D, M and N. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Your British (type G) plugs will not fit any of the South African sockets.
Type M sockets are the most common so our recommendation is a UK to type M plug adaptor for maximum compatibility.
-
Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - Yes
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Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to South Africa Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type M plug adaptor as that will fit the most commonly found sockets in South Africa. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types D, M and N). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best UK to South Africa travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G plugs to the South African type D, M and N sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in South Africa
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to South Africa that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
Hybrid Sockets
- Found in hotels and newer buildings
- Accepts both Type M and Type N plugs
- Older buildings may still use only Type M
Hybrid sockets have become common since the introduction of the newer type N plugs.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
South Africa Electrical Supply
South Africa uses plug types C, D, M and N and socket types D, M and N.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
South Africa - Traveller Notes
Grahamstown & Port Elizabeth 250 V; also found in King Williams Town. Type C used for some appliances.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a UK plug into a South African socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The South African mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - South Africa operates at 50 Hz, the same as the UK. Frequency compatibility is therefore not a problem for UK appliances.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the South African supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in South Africa. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
South Africa Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type D
Type D plugs are based on the UK standard prior to 1947 and are almost exclusively used in India and Nepal. The plugs have 3 round pins in a triangular configuration. The live and neutral pins are 5.1mm diameter, 14.9mm long and spaced 19.1mm apart. The earthing pin is 7.1mm in diameter and 20.6mm long with an offset of 22.2mm from the other 2 pins. They are rated at 6A with the type M plugs (rated at 16A and with bigger pins) being used for higher current appliances.
The pins are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Plug Type M
Type M plugs resemble the Indian type D plugs but have larger pins and are rated at 16A. The plug has 3 round pins arranged in a triangle. The live and neutral pins are 7.1mm in diameter, 18.6mm long and spaced 25.4mm apart. The earth pin is 8.7mm in diameter, 28.6mm long and offset by 28.6mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated to prevent electric shock in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
Type M plugs are also used in India, Nepal, Israel and the United Arab Emirates for high current appliances such as air conditioning units.
Plug Type N
Plug type N is available in 3 variants rated at 10A, 16A and 20A. In all 3 variants the plug has 3 round pins arranged in a triangle where the pins are 19mm long, the live and neutral pins are spaced 19mm apart and the earth pin is offset by 3mm. The plugs are polarised and the live and neutral pins are insulated to protect against accidental electrocution in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
The 10A and 20A variants are found in Brazil with the 10A version having pins of 4mm diameter and the 20A one 4.8mm.
The 16A variant is found in South Africa and has a pin diameter of 4.5mm.
This plug looks similar to the type J plug used in Switzerland but the two are incompatible as the earth pin has a smaller offset in the type N plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for South Africa
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South Africa uses type C, D, M and N plugs. Type M are the most commonly used.
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South Africa uses type D, M and N sockets. Type M are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple sockets used in South Africa. A type M adaptor would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found sockets. Adaptors with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. No voltage converter is required for UK appliances.
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British travellers do not need a voltage converter. The South African mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
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To charge your phone in South Africa you can use your normal phone charger with a type M plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
South African plug adaptors have 3 round pins in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a South Africa plug adaptor.
