South Africa uses 4 types of plugs and plug sockets: Type C, Type M, Type N and occasionally type F.
Type M
Type M is the standard plug in South Africa. This is also the most common socket you will find in hotels & guest houses.
If you are travelling from Eswatini, Lesotho, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates your plugs will be compatible with Type M.
Some accommodation establishments only provide this kind of plug, and even South Africans need to travel with their own power adaptors in order to plug in their phone USB adaptors and computer.
If travelling from overseas and want only 1 adaptor, a Type M adaptor and a power strip to plug in multiple devices will be the most versatile option.
Type C
Type C, locally called “Europlug”, has two parallel small round pins. Most electronic devices use this kind of plug. Some hotels will have an Europlug sockets available or a Type M with an adaptor.
Type N
Type N is the new standard in South Africa to slowly replace Type C. Also called “V-Slim”. It has 3 small round pins, with the middle one slights offset. It is safer due to the earthing PIN.
Beware if you are travelling from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Jordan, Madagascar, and Rwanda this plug might look familiar but is not compatible with your plugs due to slights different pin size and hole arrangement!
Many hotels do not provide additional Type C or N, so be prepared with your own.
Type C plugs can be used with Type N sockets.
Type F
"Type F", also called Schuko plug, is commonly seen on power tools. You are unlikely to see this in hotels and other accommodation.
Do you need a travel adaptor when coming to South Africa?
In conclusion, you’ll likely need a travel adaptor to travel and charge your devices comfortably while travelling in South Africa.
Double-check your country’s compatibility by checking this exhaustive country plug list.
Unsure which travel adaptor to buy? See our comparison and recommendation for the best travel adaptor for South Africa?
About Plug Sockets at ilanda Guest House
At ilanda Guest House all our rooms have multiple plug sockets with a combination of Type M, Type C, Type N, Type F and at least 1 socket with double USB connector to charge your phone. If you are using USB-C to USB-C cable you will need your own adaptor or power brick.
If you are travelling to White River, Panorama Route, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport of Kruger National Park staying with us.