Travel essentials for South Africa
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Power & adapters
Type M, N, C adapter required
South Africa uses the Type M plug, a large three-round-pin design used in almost no other country, and increasingly Type N. Many universal travel adapters do not include Type M - buy a South Africa-specific adapter before you leave rather than assuming yours covers it.
230V, 50Hz
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water in Cape Town, Johannesburg and other major cities is safe and good quality. In rural areas and some smaller towns it is less reliable - use bottled water there.
Staying connected
Very good in cities and along main routes; variable in game reserves and rural areas.
Data is inexpensive and an eSIM is well worth it, particularly for ride-hailing apps, which are the safest way to move around Johannesburg and Cape Town at night.
Compare South Africa eSIMsHealth risks
- Malaria in Kruger and the northeastern low-veld
- Violent crime - opportunistic robbery is a genuine risk in parts of Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Strong currents and shark activity on some coastlines
- Road trauma, particularly at night and on rural roads
Emergency numbers in South Africa
| All emergencies | 112 from a mobile |
|---|---|
| Police | 10111 |
| Ambulance | 10177 |
| Fire | 10111 |
| Australian consulate | Australian High Commission Pretoria - +27 12 423 6000 |
Tipping and everyday costs
Expected and part of how people are paid: 10-15% in restaurants, R5-R10 for a car guard in a car park, and R100-R200 per day for a safari guide.
What screening will actually let you pack
Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.
More South Africa essentials
Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack
How these comparisons are made
Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.
South Africa travel essentials FAQs
What power adapter do I need for South Africa?
A Type M adapter - a large three-round-pin plug used in almost no other country. Many universal travel adapters do not include it, so buy a South Africa-specific one before you leave rather than assuming yours covers it. The voltage is 230V, the same as Australia.
Planning South Africa?
We will send you the South Africa guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.