Travel Adaptor for Tanzania
& Tanzanian Plug Types
Tanzania Plug Types & Sockets
Including: Zanzibar
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
Tanzania uses plug types D and G with matching sockets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Your British (type G) plugs will fit the most common (but not all) of the Tanzanian sockets.
Type G sockets are the most common so you should not need a plug adaptor.
-
Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - No ! (Most sockets)
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Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to Tanzania Plug Adaptors
Our Adaptor Recommendation
You should not need a plug adaptor as the most common sockets are the same type G as the British ones. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types D and G). 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.
Our recommendations for the best UK to Tanzania travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G plugs to the Tanzanian type D and G sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in Tanzania
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.
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
Tanzania Electrical Supply
Tanzania uses plug types D and G with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a UK plug into a Tanzanian socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Tanzanian mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - Tanzania 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 Tanzanian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Tanzania. 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.
Tanzania Plug Type Specifications
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 G
Type G plugs have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 13A. The live and neutral pins are 4mm x 6.35mm, 17.7mm long and spaced 22.2mm apart. The earth pin is 4mm x 8mm, 22.7mm long and offset by 22.2mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated and the plugs individually fused. The sockets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) earth pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for Tanzania
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Tanzania uses type D and G plugs. Type G are the most commonly used.
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Tanzania uses type D and G sockets. Type G are the most commonly used.
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British travellers should not need a plug adaptor as the most common sockets are the same type G as found in the UK. No voltage converter is required for UK appliances.
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British travellers do not need a voltage converter. The Tanzanian mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
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As British travellers don't need a plug adaptor you should be able to use your normal charging equipment.