Cape Verde Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Cape Verde, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded) and Type F (CEE 7/4 (Schuko), two round pins with grounding clips on sides, 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 Cape Verde.
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Cape Verde uses:
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Cape Verde
The Cape Verde power plug landscape is straightforward for travelers, since the country relies on the same two-pin plug standards found across much of continental Europe. Cape Verde uses Type C and Type F plugs, both of which connect to AC power plugs and sockets designed to operate on a 230V, 50Hz electrical system. Visitors arriving from regions with different plug shapes, such as North America or the UK, will need a travel adaptor to use their devices safely.
Type C, the compact two-pin Europlug, is ideal for low-power gadgets like phone chargers, camera batteries, and laptop adapters, but it is rated for only 2.5A and is not suitable for high-drain appliances. Type F, the grounded Schuko plug, handles higher loads up to 16A and is the standard choice for larger appliances such as kettles, hair dryers, or washing machines where grounding is required for safety.
Do All Sockets in Cape Verde Look the Same?
Not exactly. While Type C and Type F plugs share the same round-pin design principle, Type F sockets are recessed and include side grounding clips, whereas Type C plugs are ungrounded and simply slot into a shallower wall socket. Because Type C plugs fit into Type F sockets (though without a grounding connection), most modern Cape Verdean outlets are built to accept both plug types interchangeably.
- Type C: two round 4mm pins, ungrounded, best for small electronics
- Type F: two round 4.8mm pins with grounding clips, ideal for high-power appliances
- Both operate on Cape Verde's 230V, 50Hz supply
Electrical Standards in Cape Verde: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
Cape Verde's electrical standard is 230 volts at 50Hz, matching the vast majority of European, African, and Asian countries. This makes it easy for travelers from those regions to use their existing electronics without any conversion equipment, provided they carry the correct plug shape.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
For travelers from countries that also run on 220-240V systems, a voltage converter is unnecessary in Cape Verde—only a simple plug adapter is needed to match the pin shape. However, visitors coming from 110-120V countries, such as the United States or Canada, should check whether their device is dual-voltage before plugging in, since using single-voltage 120V appliances without a converter can cause damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your home country uses a different plug shape than Type C or Type F. A basic travel adaptor that converts your plug pins to fit Cape Verde's round two-pin sockets is usually all that's required.
Pack a travel adaptor compatible with Type C or Type F sockets, since these are the standard AC power plugs and sockets used throughout the country. If you're bringing high-power appliances, look for a Type F adaptor since it supports grounded, higher-amperage connections.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle Cape Verde's 230V, 50Hz supply without any converter. You'll just need a Type C or Type F plug adapter to physically fit the wall socket.
Some are and some aren't. Type F sockets used in Cape Verde are grounded and rated for 16A, while Type C sockets are ungrounded and limited to low-power devices up to 2.5A.
