Botswana Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Botswana, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type D (BS 546, three large round pins in triangular pattern, grounded) and Type G (BS 1363, three rectangular pins in triangular pattern, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 230V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Botswana.
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Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Botswana uses:
What Plug Type Does Botswana Use?
A Botswana power plug typically comes in one of two forms: Type D or Type G. Type D, based on the old British BS 546 standard, has three large round pins arranged in a triangle, with a larger grounding pin and two smaller live/neutral pins, rated at 5A for 220-240V. Type G, based on BS 1363, is the familiar British three-rectangular-pin plug rated at 13A, featuring an internal fuse and a longer earth pin that opens the socket's protective shutters. Because both types appear in Botswana, travelers should check the sockets at their specific accommodation before arrival.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Botswana runs on 230V at 50Hz, which matches the electrical standard used across the UK, Europe, and much of Africa and Asia. Visitors from these regions can use their appliances without a voltage converter, needing only a plug adapter if their plug top differs in shape. However, travelers from North America, parts of South America, and Japan, where voltage is typically 110-120V, will need a voltage converter for devices that are not dual-voltage, in addition to a physical adapter.
Understanding Botswana's Power Plugs and Sockets
Botswana's mixed use of Type D and Type G plugs reflects its historical ties to British electrical standards. Type G sockets are widely recognized for their safety, thanks to shuttered outlets and built-in cartridge fuses that protect individual appliances, while Type D remains common for lower-power devices. When packing a travel adaptor for Botswana, it's worth confirming which type is installed at your destination, since the two plug shapes are not interchangeable.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Both plug types used in Botswana are grounded, offering an added layer of safety for appliances like computers and air conditioners. On a Type D plug, the grounding pin is noticeably larger in diameter than the live and neutral pins, ensuring it makes contact first. Type G plugs use a longer rectangular earth pin at the top of the triangular arrangement, which also serves to open the socket's internal safety shutters before the live and neutral pins connect.
- A travel adaptor compatible with Type D and/or Type G sockets
- A voltage converter only if bringing non-dual-voltage 110-120V appliances
- Awareness that Type G plugs include an internal fuse rated for the connected appliance
- Confirmation of the plug type at your specific accommodation before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most visitors will need a travel adapter since Botswana uses both Type D and Type G plugs, which differ from many other countries' standards. Check which plug type your accommodation uses so you bring the correct adapter shape.
Botswana operates on 230V at 50Hz, consistent with the UK, Europe, and many other African and Asian countries. Travelers from regions using 110-120V should bring a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices.
Pack a travel adaptor suited to Type D or Type G sockets, since both are used in Botswana. If your devices aren't dual-voltage and you're coming from a 110-120V country, also bring a voltage converter.
Botswana uses both Type D and Type G plugs. Type D features three round pins with a larger grounding pin, while Type G has three rectangular pins, an internal fuse, and a longer earth pin for added safety.
