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Saudi Arabia
Electrical outlets and plug types

Travelers from South Africa need a power plug adapter and may need a voltage converter in Saudi Arabia.

Country of residence

Your destination
Voltage110 / 220 V
Frequency60 Hz
from🇿🇦 South Africa
to🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Outlet type APlug type A
A
Outlet type BPlug type B
B
Outlet type CPlug type C
C
Outlet type GPlug type G
G

In Saudi Arabia, they use power outlets and plugs of type A, type B, type C and type G. The voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz.

Travel adapter neededYou will need an adapter for type A, B, C and G power outlets in Saudi Arabia
Voltage converter needed Consider getting a voltage converter.
Frequency converter needed Be cautious with some devices due to the frequency difference.

Do power plugs from South Africa fit into Saudi Arabia outlets?

In Saudi Arabia, type A, B, C and G power outlets are used, while in South Africa, you use plugs D, M and N. If you're traveling to Saudi Arabia, you'll need a power adapter for types A, B, C and G, as your power plugs won't fit the sockets there.

sockets from🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
plugs from🇿🇦 South Africa
Outlet type A
A
Plug type not compatiblePlug type D
D
Plug type not compatiblePlug type M
M
Plug type not compatiblePlug type N
N
Socket type not compatible

Your plugs D, M and N do not match outlet type A.

Outlet type B
B
Plug type not compatiblePlug type D
D
Plug type not compatiblePlug type M
M
Plug type not compatiblePlug type N
N
Socket type not compatible

Your plugs D, M and N do not match outlet type B.

Outlet type C
C
Plug type not compatiblePlug type D
D
Plug type not compatiblePlug type M
M
Plug type not compatiblePlug type N
N
Socket type not compatible

Your plugs D, M and N do not match outlet type C.

Outlet type G
G
Plug type not compatiblePlug type D
D
Plug type not compatiblePlug type M
M
Plug type not compatiblePlug type N
N
Socket type not compatible

Your plugs D, M and N do not match outlet type G.

Power adapter for Saudi Arabia needed?

Since you'll need a travel adapter for Saudi Arabia when coming from South Africa, we suggest opting for a universal power adapter that works in many countries and will also prepare you for future trips.

We recommend getting a universal travel (plug) adapter that covers the most popular countries.
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Make sure to get a power adapter for outlets of type A, B, C and G. If you often go abroad, consider getting an all-in-one adapter (most adapters even have additional charging ports for USB-A and USB-C). Since you also need an international power (voltage) converter to keep your devices protected (more info further down), getting a combo power adapter/converter might be the best solution.

Do I need a voltage converter for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia uses both 110 V and 220 V, with a frequency of 60 Hz. This means voltage levels can vary depending on your location, even between different accommodations. In South Africa, your devices are typically designed for a 230 V electrical system. To ensure you don’t damage your devices, always check the local voltage before use, and if it’s 110 V, use a converter. Additionally, be aware that Saudi Arabia's 60 Hz frequency differs from South Africa's 50 Hz, which could impact the performance of some devices.

Origin🇿🇦 South Africa
Destination🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Voltage230 V
Frequency50 Hz
Frequency
Voltage110 / 220 V
Frequency60 Hz
A voltage converter might be required, as Saudi Arabia's voltage levels vary and may not match your electronics.
Look for a voltage converter that can adjust the frequency as well.

A voltage converter keeps your electrical devices from Saudi Arabia running properly by adjusting the power to the right voltage. Without it, your devices could overheat or get damaged from the wrong power supply. Since you need a travel adapter as well, a combo power (voltage) converter with adapter features might be a good choice.

You may need a voltage converter for Saudi Arabia if you live in South Africa
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Please note: If your voltage converter can't switch the frequency, it’s safer not to use your electronics. Proceeding without caution could lead to issues, especially with devices that rely on precise timing or motors, like hair dryers, electric razors, kitchen appliances, and health-related equipment such as blood pressure monitors. These kinds of electronics are more vulnerable to damage or malfunction when the frequency is off. If you choose to use them anyway, be extremely cautious and always check the specifications first.

To confirm, check if your devices require a voltage converter by looking at the 'INPUT' label, typically found on the power adapter or charger. If the label shows "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz," the device is built to handle different voltage and frequency ranges, meaning you’ll only need a plug adapter for the outlets in Saudi Arabia. This is typical for devices such as notebooks, smartphones, digital cameras, and also for tablets, e-readers, and some battery chargers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my South African hair dryer in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia's 110 V regions you will need a voltage converter as your hair dryer is designed for Saudi Arabia's 230 V. Even where Saudi Arabia's outlets deliver 220 V, you may still encounter issues due to the difference in frequency (50 Hz in South Africa vs. 60 Hz in Saudi Arabia). The hair dryer could run slower or heat unevenly.

Can I use my South African laptop or smartphone in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, most laptops and smartphones support a wide voltage range (100-240V), so you can use them in Saudi Arabia without a voltage converter. Since both countries use the same frequency (60 Hz), there’s no issue.

Can I use my South African curling iron or hair straightener in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia's 110 V regions you will need a voltage converter to prevent malfunction as your curling iron / hair straightener is designed for Saudi Arabia's 230 V. Even in regions where Saudi Arabia's outlets deliver 220 V, the difference in frequency (60 Hz in Saudi Arabia vs. 50 Hz in South Africa) may cause it to heat unevenly or work differently.

If I live in South Africa, do I need a power plug adapter in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, when traveling from South Africa, you will need a power adapter for type A, B, C and G power outlets in Saudi Arabia.

Do I need a voltage converter for Saudi Arabia when traveling from South Africa?

In Saudi Arabia's 110 V regions you will need a voltage converter, since your South Africa's device will typically support 230 V. In regions where 220 is used, you won’t need a converter, but the frequency difference (60 Hz vs. 50 Hz) might affect performance.

Traveling to more countries?

See if your power plugs from South Africa fit into the sockets of other destinations and whether you need a voltage converter.

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