Everything that matters, at a glance.
Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type M in one tidy table.
Type M was originally a British 15A plug standard (BS 546). While Britain has moved to Type G, Type M remains in use in South Africa and other former British territories for high-power circuits.
Type M features grounding and large pin spacing for safety. The substantial pin size makes it suitable for high-current applications. Some modern South African outlets accept both Type M and Type D.
Type M outlets are specifically for Type M plugs due to the large pin size. In South Africa, Type D outlets are common for lower-power devices. Some adapters allow Type C plugs to fit Type M outlets.
9 countries use Type M.
Mostly across Southern Africa and Parts of South Asia. Click any country for the full guide — voltage, adapters, and travel essentials for that destination.
Routes to and from Type M countries.
Country-to-country adapter guides for the most common trips involving Type M destinations.
Other plug types worth a look.
Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.
Adapters travelers actually pack for Type M.
Three picks tested against Type M outlets — universal options that also work in 150+ other countries.
45W Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter with PD&QC Fast Charging(2 USB-A & 3 USB-C Ports) - Worldwide Travel Essentials, International Power Adapter for UK/US/AU
Compact universal adapter with 4 USB ports and 1 USB-C. Works in US, EU, UK, AU.
Universal Travel Adapter Kit – 2 USA sockets, USB-A, USBC, 1x PD 35W USB-C and USBC Cable, Surge Protected, Plugs for EU, UK, China, AU, Japan - for Laptop, Phone, Camera-ETL Tested
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Will my devices work? Run the check.
Type M runs at 220-240V, 50Hz. See exactly which of your devices plug in safely and which need a converter.
Every plug type, in one place. All 15.
Type A through Type O — what they look like, where they're used, which countries share them. The full reference our visitors come back to most.
Keep going. Explore further.
The other guides on PlugHopper that travelers find most useful when they're planning a trip.
Side-by-side database with shape, voltage, countries.
Why some chargers blow up and others don't — the dual-voltage rule.
The 30-second test that tells you which devices need which.
How the world ended up split between 110V and 240V.
Tested picks from universal kits to single-route adapters.
110V vs 230V and what it means for your devices.
What is the Type M plug?+
Type M is a larger version of Type D, with the same triangular pin arrangement but bigger pins. It's primarily used in South Africa for high-power appliances and is also found in some other African and Asian countries.
Which countries use Type M?+
Type M is used in South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho and across Southern Africa, Parts of South Asia. See the full list below.
Is the Type M plug grounded?+
Yes. Type M has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.
Do I need a voltage converter for Type M countries?+
Type M countries operate at 220-240V, 50Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.
Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type M?+
Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type M countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.
Going somewhere that uses Type M? Pluggy packs the rest.
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