What Plug Does Botswana Use?

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Botswana uses the South African BS 546 15A Type M plug with three large round pins in a triangular layout. The supply is 230 V at 50 Hz, so bring a Type M adapter (or a universal adapter that includes Type M pins) and check any 100-120 V appliances before plugging in.

Voltage

230V

Frequency

50 Hz

Plug Types

Type M

primary

220–240V · 16A

Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Botswana?

All the common visitor groups listed need an adapter to fit Botswana sockets: US & Canada, UK & Ireland, Europe, Australia & New Zealand, India and Japan. Buy a Type M (BS 546 15A, South African) adapter or a good universal adapter that explicitly includes Type M pins. Even travellers from the UK or Europe who are used to different plugs must use an adapter to plug into Botswana outlets.

Travelling from	Your plugs	Plug adapter	Voltage converter
US & Canada	Type A/B	Needed	Check your devices
UK & Ireland	Type G	Needed	Not needed
Europe	Type C/F/E	Needed	Not needed
Australia & NZ	Type I	Needed	Not needed
India	Type D/C	Needed	Not needed
Japan	Type A/B	Needed	Check your devices

Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Botswana?

Botswana is 230 V, 50 Hz. Most travellers from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India do not need a voltage converter for modern devices because those regions use 230 V. Visitors from the US, Canada and Japan should check their devices, since many items there are 100-120 V and may need a converter. Dual-voltage chargers (marked 100-240 V) work with just an adapter; single-voltage appliances like many hair dryers and straighteners may need a converter or a travel hair tool.

Botswana Plugs and Sockets Explained

Botswana primarily uses the Type M plug, officially BS 546 15A (South African). It has three large round pins arranged in a triangular pattern, the plug is earthed, and the pins are thicker and more widely spaced than smaller round-pin plugs. Type M is the standard socket you will encounter, so prepare an adapter that fits this large, earthed three-pin configuration.

Tips for Charging Your Devices in Botswana

Bring a Type M adapter or a universal adapter that includes Type M pins
Check device labels for 100-240 V before assuming no converter is needed
Use USB chargers for phones and small electronics where possible
For hair tools, consider a dual-voltage model or a dedicated travel dryer
Keep plug adapters and converters in your hand luggage for easy access

Botswana Plugs FAQ

What plug does Botswana use?

Botswana uses the BS 546 15A Type M plug, a three-pin round configuration, as the primary socket type.

What is the voltage in Botswana?

The voltage in Botswana is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Can I use a US plug in Botswana?

No, you will need an adapter to use US A/B plugs in Botswana; also check your device, as some US appliances are 100-120 V and may require a voltage converter.

Can I use a UK plug in Botswana?

No, UK G plugs will not fit Botswana sockets, so you will need a Type M adapter; travellers from the UK generally do not need a voltage converter because both use 230 V.

Can I use a European plug in Botswana?

No, continental European C/F/E plugs need an adapter to fit Botswana Type M sockets; you generally will not need a voltage converter if your device supports 230 V.