Travel Plug Guide: What to Pack This Holiday Season

As the year winds down and South Africans prepare to travel (whether for long-awaited holidays, family reunions, or a much-needed change of scenery), there’s one item that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: the travel plug.

It’s actually a small thing, but when your baby’s bottle warmer won’t switch on in a Paris hotel room, or your breast pump won’t charge in a New York Airbnb, it becomes a very big thing. For families travelling with young children, the stakes are higher. You’re not just packing for convenience, you’re packing for continuity, safety and sanity.

This guide is here to help you get this right.

First Things First, Don’t Just Buy the Cheapest Plug

For more insight, we spoke to Garron Zlotnick, who is the owner and managing director (MD) at Alphacell, a South African company that supplies batteries, lighting and household electronics with a focus on reliable power solutions. Zlotnick shared that one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming all travel plugs are the same. “Don’t just go for the cheapest option because you don’t want to be stuck overseas when the plug breaks,” he says. He further explained that while budget options exist, they’re not always built to last, especially when powering essential baby gear or medical devices.

Know Your Destination and Its Plug Type

Different countries use different plug types and voltages. South Africans are used to Type M plugs (three thick round pins), but most of the world doesn’t use them. Here’s a quick breakdown of common destinations:

• United Kingdom (UK): Type G (three rectangular pins)
• Europe and Israel: Type C and E/F (two round pins)
• United States of America (USA) and Canada: Type A/B (flat pins, 110V)
• Australia and China: Type I (angled flat pins)

South Africa uses 230V at 50Hz. If you’re travelling to a country with 110V (like the USA or Japan), you’ll need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter. This is especially important for devices that don’t have built-in voltage compatibility. Check the label on your baby monitor or steriliser before you pack.

ALSO READ: “Our essential tips for travelling with kids overseas”

Universal vs Country-Specific Adapters

Universal adapters are popular for a reason: they’re compact, versatile and often come with USB ports. While this is the case, not all are created equal. “There are products where you can slide in and out various options for various countries, but the quality of those is obviously not the greatest,” Zlotnick explains.

Alphacell’s main recommendation? A five-way international plug that includes modular components for the UK, Europe, USA, Australia/China and South Africa. It comes in a pouch to keep everything together, and each piece clicks securely into place.

“You can plug the Australian plug into the wall and your South African plug onto the adapter,” he adds. That kind of flexibility matters when you’re juggling chargers, baby gear and limited luggage space.

Safety First: Look for Shutters

One non-negotiable feature is the shutters, Zlotnick says:

“Every plug should have shutters (plastic covers) that only open when a proper plug is inserted.”

This prevents children from sticking objects into sockets and reduces the risk of electric shock. It’s a small detail with big implications, especially for families travelling with toddlers.

Packing Tips for Families

• Label your plugs: Use washi tape or a marker to label which adapter goes with which country.
• Pack a power bank: For long flights or layovers, especially if your child’s white noise machine or tablet is a lifeline.
• Bring a multi-plug: One adapter plus a small multi-plug means multiple devices charged at once.
• Test before you go: Plug everything in at home to make sure it works with your adapter.
• Don’t forget the converter: Especially for heat-based devices like bottle warmers or hair dryers.

A Quick Note on the G20 Summit in South Africa

With South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this November, the country is welcoming a wave of international visitors. If you’re one of them, make sure your travel adapter supports South Africa’s plug types (Type C, D, M, and N) and 230V voltage. The SA Visitor plug is a reliable option for multiple formats, including South African sockets.

ALSO READ: All new CoCoMelon Live: sing-a-long to travel the world with a special 3-city stop in South Africa

Final Thought

In the rush of packing, it’s easy to overlook the small things, but travel plugs aren’t small when they’re the bridge between your home and the world.

Whether you’re heading abroad or hosting guests from around the world, don’t leave your plug planning to the last minute. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about care. It’s also about making sure your child’s comfort isn’t compromised by a missing adapter and that your devices work when you need them most.

CHECK OUT: How to Prep for School Holidays Without Losing Your Mind