Travel Adapter for Madagascar: Do You Need One? (Bahrain → Madagascar)Adapter Needed

Traveling from Bahrain to Madagascar means crossing into a different electrical system. Here's a complete breakdown of the sockets, voltage, and the right adapter to bring for Madagascar, so nothing you packed ends up useless at the hotel.

Do you need a travel adapter for Madagascar?

Yes, you'll need a travel adapter. Bahrain outlets use Type G plugs, while Madagascar uses Type C/E. Because the two don't overlap, your Bahrain plugs physically won't fit Madagascar's sockets without an adapter. Pick one up before you leave, since airport and hotel prices are usually marked up.

What plugs and sockets does Madagascar use?

Madagascar uses these power plug types: Type C (Europlug): two round pins, ungrounded, and the most widely used plug across Europe; Type E: two round pins with a hole for the grounding pin in the socket, used in France and Belgium. Outlets run at 220V and 50Hz. Coming from Bahrain (Type G), you'll want a Type C/E adapter to match these sockets.

Voltage and frequency in Madagascar

Madagascar runs on 220V at 50Hz, very close to Bahrain (230V, 50Hz). That means voltage isn't a concern here, since your appliances won't be over- or under-powered, so no voltage converter is needed.

Will your devices work in Madagascar?

Phones, tablets, laptops, and camera chargers are nearly always dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Madagascar with just a Type C/E plug adapter, and no converter is required. Even heat-based appliances like hair dryers and straighteners should run fine given the matching 220V supply, though it's always worth a quick label check.

What travel adapter should you buy for Madagascar?

For Madagascar, look for an adapter that converts your Type G plug to Type C/E. A universal travel adapter is the most flexible choice, since it covers Madagascar plus most other destinations and usually adds built-in USB and USB-C ports so you can charge several devices from one socket. If you only ever visit Madagascar, a dedicated Type C/E adapter is smaller and cheaper.

Tips for charging your devices in Madagascar

Many Madagascar hotel bathrooms have a low-wattage "shaver only" socket that is fine for razors and toothbrushes but not for charging phones or running hair dryers. Use the main wall outlets with your adapter for everything else.