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best travel adapters for South Africa

South Africa South Africa electrical outlets : do I need a travel adapter?

You're going to travel to South Africa and you don't know if your electric devices (your computer, mobile phone, battery charger...) will be able to work there?

To know if you need a travel plug adapter to go to South Africa, you have to consider 3 things : the shape of the plugs, the voltage and the frequency of the current delivered by electrical outlets in South Africa.

Electrical outlets (sockets) and plugs used in South Africa

Here are the shape of the sockets in South Africa, and the the types of plugs used in South Africa :

electrical outlet socket type D in South Africa
type D
electrical outlet socket type M in South Africa
type M

plug type d  plug type m  

Plug adapter for South Africa

If none of your usual plug is compatible, you should buy a travel adapter to be able to plug your electric devices in South Africa (please visit our selection on Amazon for more details).



best travel adapters for south-africa

Prepare your travel to enjoy your stay in South Africa

What is the type of electrical outlets and current in South Africa?

The type of electrical outlets used in South Africa is type D, M, and N.

The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

How can I charge the battery of my phone or computer in South Africa?

To charge the battery of your phone or computer in South Africa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Check the power voltage: South Africa uses a power voltage of 230V, so make sure that your device supports this voltage range. Most modern electronics such as phones and laptops are designed to work with international voltages, but it's always good to double-check.

2. Get a plug adapter: South Africa uses a unique plug type called "Type M". If your charger has a different plug type, you will need a plug adapter to fit into the South African power outlets.

3. Purchase a voltage converter (if required): If your device doesn't support the South African voltage range, you will need to buy a voltage converter that can convert the 230V to the required voltage. However, most modern electronics, especially smartphones and laptops, are typically designed to handle a wide range of voltages, so a voltage converter may not be necessary.

4. Connect your device to the charger: Once you have the correct plug adapter and voltage requirements sorted, simply plug your charger into the wall socket and connect the other end to your device's charging port.

5. Monitor the charging process: Your device should start charging once connected to a power source. Monitor the charging process to ensure it is working correctly.

It is important to note that South Africa experiences frequent power outages, so it's advisable to have a power bank or an alternative charging method available in case of any power disruptions.

Which power adapter should I buy for South Africa?

When traveling to South Africa, it is important to ensure that you have the correct power adapter to charge your electronic devices. The power outlets in South Africa are type M, which have three round pins in a triangular shape. Therefore, you will need to purchase a power adapter that is compatible with this type of outlet.

You can easily find power adapters specifically designed for South Africa at electronics stores, travel accessory shops, or online retailers. Look for adapters that are labeled as compatible with type M outlets or that explicitly mention South Africa in their product description.

It is advisable to choose a reputable brand and ensure that the power adapter is certified for safety. It is also recommended to check the voltage compatibility of your electronic devices, as South Africa operates on a 230V voltage system.

By purchasing the right power adapter for South Africa, you can conveniently charge your devices and avoid any compatibility or safety issues during your trip.

What are the 20 largest cities in South Africa?

Based on population, the 20 largest cities in South Africa are:

  1. Johannesburg
  2. Cape Town
  3. Durban
  4. Pretoria
  5. Port Elizabeth
  6. Vereeniging
  7. Soweto
  8. East London
  9. Kimberley
  10. Nelspruit
  11. Bloemfontein
  12. Tembisa
  13. Witbank
  14. Paarl
  15. Krugersdorp
  16. Polokwane
  17. Pietermaritzburg
  18. Rustenburg
  19. Benoni
  20. Vereeniging

Please note that the ranking may vary based on different sources and criteria used for measurement.