Electricity and sockets
An adapter is required: South Africa uses Types C, M and N, which does not accept plugs from the UK.
Sockets at the destination
Mains supply in South Africa: 230 V, 50 Hz, sockets of Types C, M and N. At 230 V the supply matches what UK and European appliances expect, so no converter is needed.
Handy for multi-stop trips: Eswatini and Namibia use the same plug types. Travelling further to Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Kenya means a different adapter. In Africa, 3 of 55 recorded destinations use exactly this combination.
Protective earth
Mixed supply: Type C without earth, Types M and N with earth. Which one is in your room only shows on arrival.
Quick check by home country
| From the UK | adapter for Types C, M and N | Check route → |
|---|---|---|
| From the US | adapter for Types C, M and N | Check route → |
Chargers, laptops and hair dryers work in South Africa as they do in the UK. Check your own device →
Common questions
Yes, you need an adapter for Types C, M and N.
South Africa uses Types C, M and N at 230 V and 50 Hz.
No. At 230 V the supply matches UK and European appliances.
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for South Africa from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →