Plug adapter for Germany from South Africa
What travellers from South Africa need to charge and power their devices in Germany: plugs, voltage and frequency, with the rest of the trip basics below.
Plug adapter
Needed
Bring a Types C and F adapter (or a universal one that covers both).
Voltage
Same
South Africa 230 V → Germany 230 V. No converter needed.
Frequency
Same
50 Hz → 50 Hz.
Your plug, their socket
does not fit
does not fit
Your devices in Germany
Look for the “INPUT” line on the charger or label. A range such as 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz means the device adapts by itself and needs only a plug adapter.
| Device | Usually | In Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet and laptop chargers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Camera and power-bank chargers, e-readers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Electric shavers, toothbrushes | often 100–240 V; check | Works with the adapter |
| Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons | single voltage | Works with the adapter |
| Kettles, irons, travel cookers | single voltage, high power | Works with the adapter |
The rest of the trip basics
- Time
- Germany is 1 h behind of South Africa right now (UTC+1 vs UTC+2).
- Money
- The Euro (EUR): 1 ZAR = 0.05363 EUR (ECB reference rates, 2026-10-30). Everyday prices are about 188% of South Africa's.
- Driving
- Switch sides: Germany drives on the right (South Africa drives on the left). Look left first when crossing.
- Advisories
- US: Level 2 Exercise increased caution. UK: no FCDO warnings. Details
- Next holidays
- 25 Dec Christmas Day · 26 Dec Second Day of Christmas · 1 Jan New Year's Day All 9
- Calling code
- +49