ExploPlugs and voltage · Africa
Plug type and voltage in South Africa
South Africa uses plug types D, M and N at 230 V and 50 Hz.
The short answer
Mains power in South Africa is 230 V at 50 Hz. Phone and laptop chargers usually accept 100 to 240 V, so they only need the right plug. Hair dryers, kettles and other single-voltage appliances need a matching voltage or a converter.
Do you need an adapter for South Africa?
It depends where you live. Here is how the plugs and voltage compare from the biggest travel markets.
| Travelling from | Their plugs | Plug | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Type A, B · 120 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| Canada | Type A, B · 120 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| United Kingdom | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| Germany | Type C, F · 230 V | Some plugs fit | Same range |
| Australia | Type I · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| India | Type C, D, M · 230 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
| Japan | Type A, B · 100 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| China | Type A, C, I · 220 V | Some plugs fit | Same range |
| Brazil | Type C, N · 127 or 220 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
| United Arab Emirates | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| Mexico | Type A, B · 120 V | Adapter needed | Different |
A plug "fits" when it goes into the socket without an adapter. Shapes in one family work together, like a two-pin type C plug in a type E or F socket. Earthed devices can lose their earth connection.
Countries with similar plugs
These nearby countries share at least one plug type with South Africa.
Questions
What plug type does South Africa use?
South Africa uses types D, M and N: type D is three large round pins, type M is three very large round pins, type N is three round pins in a hexagon.
What voltage is South Africa?
230 V at 50 Hz.
Do I need an adapter for South Africa from the United States?
Yes: the United States uses types A and B, which do not fit type D, M and N sockets. The voltage differs (120 V there, 230 V in South Africa): dual-voltage chargers are fine, single-voltage appliances need a converter.
Do I need an adapter for South Africa from the UK?
Yes: the UK uses type G, South Africa uses types D, M and N. A type G to local adapter is cheap and easy to find.
Can I use my phone or laptop charger in South Africa?
Most modern phone, laptop and camera chargers accept 100 to 240 V, so they work on 230 V and only need the right plug. Check the small print on the charger. Hair dryers, kettles and shavers are often single-voltage: check them first.
How reliable is this?
The plug data is hand-curated from the Explo app and is a good first answer. Hotels often have universal sockets, and older buildings can differ: confirm before you fly.
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