Travel Adapter for Madagascar: Do You Need One? (Somalia → Madagascar)No Adapter Needed

Traveling from Somalia 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?

Good news: you generally don't need a plug adapter. Both Somalia and Madagascar use Type C outlets, so your existing plugs should fit Madagascar's sockets directly. A universal adapter is still worth keeping in your bag as a backup for future trips.

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. Since Somalia also uses Type C, your plugs already match.

Voltage and frequency in Madagascar

Madagascar runs on 220V at 50Hz, the same as Somalia (220V, 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 your existing plug, 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?

Because Somalia and Madagascar share Type C outlets, you don't need a special adapter for this trip. A universal travel adapter is still a smart, inexpensive backup if you plan to travel elsewhere, and the better ones add USB-C fast charging to free up your charger.

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.