What Plug Does Madagascar Use?
View CountryMadagascar uses Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type E (CEE 7/5 French) sockets, and the country runs on 230V at 50 Hz. Most travellers will only need a plug adapter for Type C or E; make sure your charger supports 230V or bring a converter for single-voltage appliances.
Plug Types
Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Madagascar?
If you are coming from Europe or India you generally do not need an adapter, because your plugs (C, F, E and D) will fit. Travellers from the US and Canada, the UK and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and Japan will need an adapter to use Malagasy sockets. Buy an adapter that accepts Type C and Type E plugs, or a compact universal adapter that covers European-style sockets, so your plug fits the primary Type C outlets and the common Type E earthed 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 | Not needed | Not needed |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | Needed | Not needed |
| India | Type D/C | Not needed | Not needed |
| Japan | Type A/B | Needed | Check your devices |
Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Madagascar?
Madagascar is 230V at 50 Hz. If your device is rated 100-240V (many phone and laptop chargers, and USB chargers) you do not need a converter, only an adapter. Single-voltage appliances such as some hair dryers, straighteners or older devices may need a voltage converter. According to the table, travellers from the US, Canada and Japan should check their device voltage; travellers from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India will generally not need a converter.
Madagascar Plugs and Sockets Explained
Type C is the primary plug: two round pins, slim and unearthed, commonly known as the Europlug. Type E is common: two round pins plus a female earth contact in the socket that accepts a male earth pin on plugs, so it is earthed. Both types work on 230V, 50 Hz. Type C will fit many modern sockets, but where you find a Type E socket you may need a plug with the earth connection or an adapter that supports Type E.
Tips for Charging Your Devices in Madagascar
- Check the voltage on your device or charger label before plugging in
- Bring an adapter that covers Type C and Type E, or a small universal adapter
- Use dual-voltage chargers (100-240V) for phones and laptops to avoid converters
- Take a compact power strip with surge protection to charge several devices from one adapter
- For hairdryers or straighteners, verify if they are dual-voltage or plan to buy/use a travel converter