Plugs, sockets & voltage

Plugs in South Africa: the plug your universal adapter can't do

UK plugsBring a UK adapterChecked 22 October 2026

South Africa mainly uses Type M sockets, three large round pins, at 230V. Most universal travel adapters don't have a Type M option. Newer buildings add Type N and two-pin Type C.

No adapter needed
Bring a UK adapter
Adapter + check voltage

RatingBring a UK adapter

Socket typesM, N, C

Areas covered3 on this page

Buy a Type M adapter before you go, or pick one up at the airport or any supermarket. Many lodges and hotels also have two-pin sockets that take a Europlug. Power cuts ('load shedding') have eased, but lodges may still run on solar, so a power bank is handy.

What you'll find

Most homes and hotelsBring a UK adapter
Type M. Needs a specific Type M adapter.
Newer buildingsBring a UK adapter
Type N, and two-pin Type C for small devices.
Safari lodgesBring a UK adapter
Limited sockets, sometimes solar. Charge when you can.

Sockets you'll find

Type MLarge round · 230V
Type NBrazilian · 127/220V
Type CEuroplug · 220-240V

Type M explained

South Africa's Type M plug has three large round pins in a triangle, much bigger than European pins. Newer buildings increasingly use the slimmer Type N socket, and many lodges have a two-pin Europlug socket as well. A combination of a Type M adapter and a thin-pin Type C adapter covers almost everywhere.

Safari power tips

Tented camps may only charge in the main lodge, or in your tent during set hours.
Bring a power bank for game drives, where your camera and phone get heavy use.
Car chargers work in self-drive hire cars, so pack a USB lead.
Voltage is 230V, the same as the UK.

Before you go

Lesotho and Eswatini use the same Type M sockets.

Stay and do

Ready to book South Africa? Compare places to stay and things to do.

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Questions people ask

Does a universal adapter work in South Africa?

Usually not. Most leave out Type M. Buy a dedicated South African adapter.

What plug does South Africa use?

Mainly Type M, three large round pins, plus the newer Type N and two-pin Type C.

Where can I buy a Type M adapter?

Online before you go, or at South African airports and supermarkets.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.