Plug adapter for South Africa from the United States
What travellers from the United States 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
Higher: 230 V
The United States 120 V → South Africa 230 V. Devices made for 110–120 V only need a step-down converter.
Frequency
Different
60 Hz → 50 Hz. Chargers don't mind; mains-timed clocks and some motors may run fast or slow.
Your plug, their socket
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 | Check the label: single-voltage ones need a converter |
| Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons | single voltage | Will burn out on 230 V: buy a dual-voltage model or use the hotel's |
| Kettles, irons, travel cookers | single voltage, high power | Leave at home: converters for these are heavy and costly |
| Plug-in clocks, timers, some fans | 60 Hz | May run fast or slow on 50 Hz |
A plug adapter does not change voltage. Plugging a 120 V-only appliance into 230 V through an adapter will destroy it within seconds and can start a fire.
The rest of the trip basics
- Time
- South Africa is 7 h ahead of the United States right now (UTC+2 vs UTC−5, capitals).
- Money
- The South African Rand (ZAR): 1 USD = 16.69 ZAR (ECB reference rates, 2026-10-30). Everyday prices are about 43% of the United States'.
- Driving
- Switch sides: South Africa drives on the left (the United States drives on the right). Look right first when crossing.
- 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