Power Plugs and Sockets in Ethiopia - Do You Need an Adapter?

In Ethiopia, the plug types used are C, E, F and L. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Botswana, the plug types used are D, G and M. The voltage in Botswana is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type C

Type E

Type F

Type L

What are the plugs like in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, the predominant plug types are C, E, F and L. If you are coming from Botswana, then your devices are of type D, G or M.

For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Ethiopia are not compatible with the devices from Botswana and you will not be able to use your devices.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Ethiopia?

It is important to know that in Ethiopia the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Botswana, the electrical voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from Botswana in Ethiopia.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Ethiopia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Ethiopia.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Ethiopia?

If you are travelling from Botswana to Ethiopia, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you will need an adapter in Ethiopia to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Ethiopia?

If you are travelling from Botswana to Ethiopia, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Botswana and Ethiopia have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Ethiopia.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Ethiopia?

Yes, with respect to voltage and frequency, you will be able to use devices such as your hair dryer or hair straightener in Ethiopia without any problems.

However, since the plugs in Ethiopia and Botswana are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.

What happens if I connect a 230 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?

Fortunately, most devices can operate with a small voltage difference. Therefore, you will not have any problem connecting a 230 V device to a 220 V socket in Ethiopia without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.