I will be spending 3 weeks in the Capetown area, and have checked any number of web sites regarding electic outlets/adaptors. I live in France, and can't tell whether the two pin Continental plug will fit. I have an adaptor for a UK 2 pin plug which looks as if it should work. Can anyone help?

The typical SA plug is most similar - but not the same - as the "old" big, 3-round pin UK plug. In other words, not compatible with much of anything. We had to buy a multi-adaptor on arriving, around R20 if memory serves. You will see UK-type 3-square pin outlets, but my UK adaptor wouldn't fit into any of them. Your experience may differ.

Carlux,

Your problem is far from being a unique one as many visitors to South Africa ask the exact same question as you have. Thus I set up the following website quite a while ago which should help you with all you need to know with regard to electrical plug usage in South Africa.

http://www.ilovecapetown.com/saplugs/plugs.htm

Hope this sorts out all for you.

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

Thank I'll have a look. I'm happy to buy an adaptor - just concerned because in the French countryside, where I live, it's not easy for visitors to buy adaptors. Seems as if it's easier in SA

The S.A. 15 amp plug and socket, as shown on Selwyn's site, is EXACTLY the same as a (very) old British plug. Our British colonial heritage. It is the British Standard #546, which describes both a smaller three-prong 5 amp and the 15 amp 15 amp plugs. The latter measures exactly 1 inch between any two pins. The 5 amp version used to also be used in S.A., but it is literally decades since I last saw one.

But as others have said, you can get an adaptor for the UK 3-pin in most hardware and travel stores. A variety of adaptors for the European 2-pin are even more commonly available, in most largish supermarkets. Another idea is to bring a short extension lead (which could also have multiple inputs and so accept multiple appliances), and then buy a (very commonly available) plug in S.A. and change the plug on the extension.

But re-reading your OP more carefully, I realise now that discussion about the UK 3-pin is irrelevant. And as I said, adaptors for the 2-pin are very common. There is one that accepts two 2-pin and a S.A. 3-pin, an alternative one simply converts a single 2-pin, and a more recently available one accepts three 2-pins. All three of these are available in my local "Pick 'n Pay" supermarket.