South Africa uses Types C, M and N plugs, 230V at 50Hz. Travelling from the UK you need a plug adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are usually rated 100-240V, so they only need the right plug.
| Plug type | Types C, M and N |
| Type C | two round pins (Europlug) |
| Type M | three large round pins (South African type) |
| Type N | three round pins, compact (Brazilian type) |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Travelling from | Home plug | Adapter | Voltage converter |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Type G, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| United States | Types A and B, 120V | Needed | Needed for single-voltage appliances |
| India | Types C, D and M, 230V | Not needed for Type C and M | Not needed |
| United Arab Emirates | Type G, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| Australia | Type I, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| Canada | Types A and B, 120V | Needed | Needed for single-voltage appliances |
Source: Mains electricity by country (IEC plug letters), checked 2026-10-16. Hotels may also have other sockets.
Types C, M and N: Type C has two round pins (Europlug); Type M has three large round pins (South African type); Type N has three round pins, compact (Brazilian type).
230V at 50Hz.
Yes. United Kingdom uses Type G and South Africa uses Types C, M and N, so you need an adapter.
Yes. United States uses Types A and B and South Africa uses Types C, M and N, so you need an adapter.
Not always. Both use Types C and M, so India plugs of that type fit.
Yes. United Arab Emirates uses Type G and South Africa uses Types C, M and N, so you need an adapter.
Yes. Australia uses Type I and South Africa uses Types C, M and N, so you need an adapter.
Yes. Canada uses Types A and B and South Africa uses Types C, M and N, so you need an adapter.