Travel adapter from Colombia 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 Colombia and South Africa, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Colombia, you will need a travel adapter for South Africa. Colombia uses Type A/Type B plugs, and South Africa uses Type C/Type M/Type N, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (110 V at home vs 230 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not. 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.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

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

Colombia (home)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

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

Colombia 110 V

South Africa 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Colombia 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