South Africa Plug Type & Travel Adapters
Type M, Type N, Type C, and Type D • 230 volts • 50 Hz
South Africa uses mains electricity supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. The main plug type travelers should expect is the large three-round-pin Type M, which remains common in hotels, guesthouses, safari lodges, homes, and older buildings. Type N is the newer South African standard and is increasingly found in new and renovated properties, often alongside Type M.
Two-pin Type C Europlugs can fit many Type N sockets and may also work in some hotel outlets. Type D is a legacy plug type that can still be found in older installations but is now uncommon. Devices should also be checked for 100–240V compatibility; equipment that is not dual voltage will require a voltage converter.
Universal travel adapters do not include South Africa's large Type M plug. Travelers need a separate Type M adapter.
Power Plug and Travel Adapter Types Used in South Africa
Click images for adapter details
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Plug types are listed because they are encountered in at least some installations. Presence may be partial, legacy, mixed, or situational. A travel adapter, also spelled travel adaptor, changes plug fit only; a voltage converter, sometimes searched as a voltage convertor, is needed only for devices that are not dual voltage. No plug type is excluded due to limited or declining use.
