Plug adapter for South Africa from the United Kingdom
What travellers from the United Kingdom need to charge and power their devices in South Africa: plugs, voltage and frequency, with the rest of the trip basics below.
Plug adapter
Needed
Bring a Types M and N adapter (or a universal one that covers both).
Voltage
Same
The United Kingdom 230 V → South Africa 230 V. No converter needed.
Frequency
Same
50 Hz → 50 Hz.
Your plug, their socket
does not fit
In South Africa: Type M is still the most common socket; the newer Type N (SANS 164-2) is replacing it and also accepts Europlugs (Type C).
Your devices in South Africa
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 South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| 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
- South Africa is 2 h ahead of the United Kingdom right now (UTC+2 vs UTC+0).
- Money
- The South African Rand (ZAR): 1 GBP = 22.36 ZAR (ECB reference rates, 2026-10-30). Everyday prices are about 47% of the United Kingdom's.
- Driving
- On the left, as at home.
- Advisories
- US: Level 2 Exercise increased caution. UK: no FCDO warnings. Details
- Next holidays
- 4 Nov Local Government Elections · 16 Dec Day of Reconciliation · 25 Dec Christmas Day All 14
- Calling code
- +27