Travel adapter from Brazil to South Africa — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses Type C and Type M and Type N plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Brazil and South Africa, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

No adapter needed

You will not need a plug adapter — Brazil and South Africa share at least one common plug shape (Type C, Type N). The mains frequency is also different (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). This rarely matters for electronics but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Frequency differs (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). Rarely an issue for most electronics, but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Brazil (home)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type N Two round pins + round ground 127–230V

South Africa (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type M Three large round pins 220–240V Type N Two round pins + round ground 127–230V

Electrical specifications in South Africa

Voltage

Brazil 127/220 V

South Africa 230 V

Match

Frequency

Brazil 60 Hz

South Africa 50 Hz

Differs

More about plugs in South Africa

In South Africa, the standard power plug is Type C and Type M and Type N. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in South Africa can be one of 3 different shapes — Type C, Type M, Type N, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full South Africa plug guide