This is the travel plug you need for South Africa

Della Ganas

Updated: 08 September 2025 ·

This is the travel plug you need for South Africa

There are various socket types in South Africa. To have access to electricity everywhere, you need a universal adapter.
There are various socket types in South Africa. To have access to electricity everywhere, you need a universal adapter.

In South Africa, socket types C, D, M, and N are commonly used. To ensure your charging cable fits, be sure to take a travel plug or adapter with you on vacation!

South Africa is always worth a visit and promises plenty of adventures. Every trip to South Africa should include a safari where you can watch the 'Big Five' of the continent in the wild. To remember elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and rhinos after your vacation, taking photos is a must.

Make sure your smartphone or camera battery is sufficiently charged for this. To avoid unpleasant surprises, inform yourself in advance about a suitable travel adapter. Not all electrical devices are compatible with sockets in South Africa. On the contrary, there is no international standard, making a suitable adapter essential for long-distance travel.

Which travel adapter is required?

Socket types are not standardized worldwide, which is why there are many different shapes. Additionally, voltage or frequency may differ. South Africa has a large variety of socket types. If you are lucky, your accommodation may have a type C socket. This socket type is common in Germany alongside type F, so you won't need an adapter for it.

However, do not rely on having such a socket in your accommodation. In South Africa, socket types M, D, and N are also present. The shape of the socket can vary by region. Unlike the socket shape, the mains voltage and frequency in South Africa are the same as in Germany. Therefore, a simple plug adapter without a voltage converter is generally sufficient.

A Universal Adapter for South Africa?

Due to the variety of socket types, investing in a universal adapter is worthwhile when staying in South Africa. While slightly more expensive than a simple plug, it has the advantage of fitting many socket types.

With a universal plug, you are well-equipped not just in South Africa, but it can be used for vacations in other countries as well. It is suitable for vacation countries with different mains voltage or frequency. The universal adapter is compatible with around 150 countries and is a travel equipment basic, especially for frequent travelers.

Further tips for the right travel plug in South Africa

It's best to get a suitable adapter before your trip. This way, you are always supplied with power at the destination airport and won't have to frantically search for a suitable shop in an emergency. Travel adapters with an integrated USB port are particularly practical.

Nowadays, many electronic devices come standard with a USB port. If you want to avoid using an additional plug in between, buy a universal adapter with a USB port right away. These are a bit more expensive than other universal adapters, but the investment is worth it. Equipped like this, your South Africa adventure can begin.