Which plug adaptor do I need when travelling from Malawi to Madagascar?

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Summary

The table below summarises the plug types, voltage and frequency of electrical current in both Malawi and Madagascar.

MalawiMadagascar
Plug TypesGC, D, E, J, K
Voltage230V127V, 220V
Frequency of electrical current50Hz50Hz

Plug Adaptors

Malawi uses Plug Type G.

Your Appliance has Plug Type G

In Madagascar there's more than one socket type in use. You may require more than one adaptor.

Socket Type G
(Malawi) to Plug Type C
(Madagascar)

Socket Type G
(Malawi) to Plug Type D
(Madagascar)

Socket Type G
(Malawi) to Plug Type E
(Madagascar)

Socket Type G
(Malawi) to Plug Type J
(Madagascar)

Socket Type G
(Malawi) to Plug Type K
(Madagascar)

Warnings

Voltage

Check if your appliance is compatible with the voltages used in Madagascar

The voltage, 127V, is used in parts of Madagascar but not in Malawi.

Some appliances are compatible with multiple voltages. To find out if your appliance is one of them, check the appliance label and/or instruction booklet. An example appliance label is below.

Appliance label showing a tolerable voltage range of 100 to 240 volts
This appliance is compatible with a range of voltages as it shows two voltage figures with a dash in between them. In this example, the appliance may be plugged into any outlet ranging from 100 to 240V without a voltage transformer, though a socket adaptor would still be needed if the sockets don't match.

See examples of appliance labels

Appliance label showing a voltage of 240 volts
This appliance is only compatible with a single voltage as only one voltage (240V) is printed on the label.
Appliance label showing a tolerable voltage range of 100 to 240 volts
This appliance is compatible with a range of voltages as it shows two voltage figures with a dash in between them. In this example, the appliance may be plugged into any outlet ranging from 100 to 240V without a voltage transformer, though a socket adaptor would still be needed if the sockets don't match.
Appliance label showing two tolerable voltages: 115 volts and 230 volts
This appliance is compatible two voltages as it shows two voltage figures with a slash between them. Appliances displaying labels like this will have a physical switch located on them somewhere, allowing you to switch between the two voltages shown here. In this example, the appliance may be plugged into an outlet of 115V or 240V (provided the switch is in the correct position) without a voltage transformer, though a socket adaptor would still be needed if the sockets don't match.

Is your appliance compatible with the voltages used in Madagascar (127V and 220V)?

If your appliance is not compatible with multiple voltages, and you wish to use it in parts of Madagascar where this voltage is present, you will need a transformer to adjust the voltage input when using your appliance in Madagascar.

Considerations

Voltage

The voltage, 220V, which is also present in Malawi, is not exactly the same to what's used in Madagascar, but the difference is tolerable, so you should not need a transformer when using sockets with this voltage. Be sure to carefully check the voltage before using your appliance in sockets in Madagascar. You may need to ask a local resident, an electrician, or the local government to find out in situations when the power sockets are not labelled with their voltages.

Voltage

The voltage, 230V, which is also present in Malawi, is not exactly the same to what's used in Madagascar, but the difference is tolerable, so you should not need a transformer when using sockets with this voltage. Be sure to carefully check the voltage before using your appliance in sockets in Madagascar. You may need to ask a local resident, an electrician, or the local government to find out in situations when the power sockets are not labelled with their voltages.

Good to know

Frequency of Electrical Current

The frequency found in Malawi and Madagascar is exactly the same (50Hz). Timing devices and appliances that use motors will function as expected under this frequency.

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