South Africa: Plugs & Sockets - Do I need a travel adapter to charge my devices from Saudi Arabia?
⚠️ You need a travel adapter.
⚠️ You might need a voltage converter.
⚠️ Be extra careful because of the difference in frequency.
Country
Voltage
220
230
Frequency
60
50
Plugs & Sockets
❌
✔
Adapter needed

-
3 pins
-
grounded
-
15 A
-
almost always 100 – 127 V
-
socket compatible with plug types A & B
...

- - 220 – 240 V
- 2.5 A, 10 A & 16 A
- 2 pins
- Not grounded
- Compatible with plugs Type C
C

- - 220 – 240 V
- 16 A
- 3 pins
- Grounded
- Compatible with plugs Type M
M

- - 100 – 240 V
- 10 A, 16 A & 20 A
- 3 pins
- Grounded
- Compatible with plugs Type N
N
You need
FAQ
What power sockets are used in South Africa?
South Africa uses sockets (=outlets) Type C, M and N. Plug Type C is rated for 220-240V and 2.5A/10A/16A, featuring two pins and is ungrounded Plug Type M is rated for 220-240V and 16A, featuring three pins and is grounded. Plug Type N is rated for 100-240V and 10A/16A/20A, featuring three pins and is grounded.
What power plugs are used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses sockets (=outlets) Type G. Plug Type G is rated for 220-250V and 13A, featuring three pins and is grounded.
Are plugs from Saudi Arabia and South Africa the same?
None of the plugs typically used in Saudi Arabia are compatible with sockets used in South Africa.
Do I need a plug adapter in South Africa?
You will need a travel adapter for plugs Type G from Saudi Arabia when traveling to South Africa.
What kind of travel adapter do I need for South Africa?
When traveling to South Africa you need the right travel adapter to ensure that your electronic devices can be used without any issues. The adapter needs to be compatible with plug Types C, M and N commonly used in South Africa. We recommend getting a universal travel adapter that fits multiple sockets. Especially, if you travel frequently.
Will my phone charge in South Africa?
If your phone charger is rated for 100-240 V (which is common for many modern devices), it will work in South Africa without needing a voltage converter. However, you need a plug adapter since chargers from Saudi Arabia won't fit sockets Type C, M and N.
Will my laptop charge in South Africa?
Most laptop chargers are designed to handle a range of input voltages (typically 100-240 volts) which makes them compatible with the voltage in South Africa. However, you will need a plug adapter to fit Type C, M and N sockets.
What is the voltage in Saudi Arabia vs South Africa?
The standard voltage in South Africa is 230 V, whereas in Saudi Arabia the voltage supply is 220 V.
Can I use 220 V in South Africa?
The standard voltage in South Africa is 230 V, whereas in Saudi Arabia the voltage supply is 220 V. This means that the electrical voltage requirements for devices are more or less the same. Therefore you should be able to use all of your electronic devices when traveling between South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
What is the frequency in Saudi Arabia vs South Africa?
The standard frequency in South Africa is 50 Hz, whereas in Saudi Arabia the fequency supply is 60 Hz.
Can I use 60 Hz in South Africa?
Generally, most modern chargers for devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets are designed to work with a range of power frequencies from about 45 Hz to 65 Hz. However, for devices that rely on specific timing based on the mains frequency—such as clocks, some medical equipment, and certain audio devices—the correct frequency is crucial. Using these devices with an incorrect frequency can also cause unexpected behavior. Always check your device's specifications for sensitivity to voltage and frequency variations before using it in a different country or with an unverified power source.
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