South Africa power converters - Do I need a power converter for South Africa?

What does a power converter for South Africa do?

A power converter for South Africa enables you to use a 100-120 volt electrical device with a 230 volt South African power outlet.


What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet in South Africa, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a South African power outlet to work with a non-230 volt device. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for South Africa?

If you are visiting South Africa from another country ensure that your device will accept a 230 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance or device isn't compatible with 230 volts. See our list of world power outlets guide to see which voltage is used in your country.
  • You won't need a power converter if you are already using either a 230 volt appliance or one that is dual voltage.
  • Normally devices which are designed to use a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) and then used with 230 volts run a risk of damage to your device, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse.
  • You don't need a converter if you wish to charge a smaller electrical device such as a tablet or mobile phone as these are typically designed for international use and support dual voltage, however you should always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • If powering appliances which draw more power or generate heat (such as hair dryers or clothes irons) then you will need to use a more expensive higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow it to be used with a 230 volt South African power outlet.
  • Buying a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance could be more cost effective and practical than bringing a heavier high wattage power converter just to use your existing domestic appliance in South Africa.
  • For more information read our comprehensive guides on using clothes irons, curling wands, flat irons and blow dryers in South African power outlets which includes advice for affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [4] [5] [AD]

Will I need a power converter for South Africa if I'm visiting from America?

The voltage from a wall outlet in South Africa is different to a 110 volt US outlet so you will need to use a step down power converter if your charger or appliance doesn't support dual voltage. [4] [AD]

What converter do I need for South Africa?

If you wish to use any 100-120 volt appliance in South Africa you need to use a step down power converter[4] [AD]

What is the difference between a converter and a power transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a converter and a power transformer?



How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt South African power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for South Africa before plugging that into a South African power outlet.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 230 volt South African power outlet. [4] [AD]

What voltage does South Africa use?

South Africa uses 230 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]
How to tell the voltage of my device

Dual voltage hair dryer

How to tell the voltage of my device

The easiest way to see if your appliance is either single or dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the existing charger or on the appliance itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord plugs into. This location will depend on the make or model of your appliance and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box.

  • Single voltage devices might have a specific number - such as 110V.
  • Single voltage devices could also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
  • Dual voltage devices will normally say a large range separated with a slash - such as 110/240V.


  1. Wikipedia - South Africa Wikipedia page.
  2. - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. Power converter - A step up step down power converter converts 110-120 volts up to 220-240 volts and 220-240 volts down to 110-120 Volts, between $110 to $120
  5. Heavy duty power converter - A 5000 watt heavy duty step up and step down power converter used to convert voltages for domestic appliances, power tools, televisions, heating appliances and motors, priced at between $160 to $170.