Vape Guide
How to Choose Nicotine Strength in South Africa: The Complete Guide
Choosing the wrong nicotine strength is the number one reason new vapers quit before giving vaping a real chance. Too low, and the cravings don't stop. Too high, and it's unpleasant enough to put you off entirely. This guide covers exactly what you need to get it right from day one.
If you're on a disposable or pod system in South Africa, you're almost certainly using salt nic (nicotine salt) — not freebase. Salt nic is smoother at high concentrations and absorbs faster, which is why it's the standard for switching smokers.
The two types of nicotine
Freebase Nicotine
- Original vape nicotine format
- Harsher at high concentrations
- Used in sub-ohm/DTL devices and bottled e-liquids
- Typical strength: 3–18mg
- Slower absorption than salt nic
Nicotine Salt (Salt Nic)
- Smoother at 20–50mg concentrations
- Absorbs faster — closer to cigarette delivery
- Standard for disposables and pod systems
- Typical strengths: 20mg, 35mg, 50mg
- What almost all SA disposable vapes use
Match your smoking habit
| Cigarettes per day | Recommended strength | Device type |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 (light smoker) | 10–20mg salt nic | Disposable or pod |
| 10 (half a pack) | 20–35mg salt nic | Disposable or pod |
| 20 (full pack) | 50mg salt nic | Disposable or pod |
| 20+ (heavy smoker) | 50mg salt nic | Pod system recommended |
| Social / occasional | 10–20mg salt nic | Disposable |
| Already vaping, want less nic | Step down 10mg at a time | Any |
Signs you've chosen the wrong strength
Diagnostic guide
- Cravings persist between sessions → strength too low, go up
- Still reaching for cigarettes → strength too low, go up
- Vaping constantly without satisfaction → strength too low, go up
- Headache or dizziness after vaping → strength too high, go down
- Nausea, especially when chain-vaping → strength too high, go down
- Harsh, burning throat sensation → likely freebase at too-high strength; switch to salt nic
- Jittery or anxious feeling → strength too high, stop and wait for it to clear
Understanding the numbers
| Strength | Who it's for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 20mg (2%) | Light-to-moderate smokers switching to vaping. Anyone sensitive to nicotine or who gets headaches easily. | Smooth and manageable. Satisfies most lighter smokers. Bewolk offers 20mg on all flavours. |
| 35mg | The middle ground — useful if 20mg leaves you unsatisfied but 50mg feels too strong. | Not all brands offer 35mg. Ask in-store what's available at this level. |
| 50mg (5%) | Full pack-a-day smokers. The most common SA disposable strength. | Satisfies cravings faster. Fewer puffs needed — can make the device last longer. Most SA disposables are 50mg. |
Does your device affect nicotine delivery?
Yes — significantly. A high-powered sub-ohm device delivers nicotine much faster than a tight MTL pod. If you switch from a disposable at 50mg to a sub-ohm device at 50mg, you'll likely feel too much too fast. The same number on the label doesn't mean the same experience.
| Device type | Appropriate nicotine |
|---|---|
| Disposable vapes & pod systems (MTL) | Salt nic 20–50mg |
| Sub-ohm / DTL devices | Freebase 3–6mg (uses bottled e-liquid) |
Moving from a disposable to a pod system? Keep the same salt nic strength. Moving to a sub-ohm device? Come talk to us in-store before choosing your e-liquid — the switch in device type means the switch in nicotine format too.
How to step down nicotine over time
Many vapers use vaping as a stepping stone to reducing nicotine dependence. Here's how to do it without relapsing:
Step down one level at a time: 50mg → 35mg → 20mg → 10mg → 0mg. Stay at each level for at least 4–6 weeks before dropping. Skipping levels usually leads to going back up. The first few days at a lower strength often mean more frequent vaping — this settles within a week. Don't compensate by switching to a higher-power device.
Frequently asked questions
What nicotine strength should a beginner start with in South Africa?
Match your daily cigarette habit to the table above. Most ex-smokers who smoked a full pack start at 50mg salt nic on a disposable or pod system. Light smokers (fewer than 10 a day) should start at 20mg. When in doubt, come into any Krem branch — we'll ask how much you smoked and point you to the right strength in under five minutes.
Is 50mg nicotine too strong?
Not for a pack-a-day smoker using a pod or disposable device. At 50mg salt nic on an MTL device, the delivery is smooth enough to be manageable. It only becomes too strong if you chain-vape constantly or use it on a high-power DTL device — in those cases, drop to 20mg or switch to freebase liquid.
What's the difference between 20mg and 50mg nicotine?
50mg delivers more than twice the nicotine per puff compared to 20mg. The salt nic formulation keeps the throat hit smooth at both levels, but 50mg satisfies cravings faster and more completely for heavier smokers. For lighter smokers, 50mg can cause headaches or nausea if vaped frequently.
Can I buy different nicotine strengths at Krem?
Yes. We stock multiple strengths across our disposable range and e-liquid range. Our staff at all 4 Cape Town branches (Pinelands, Kuils River, Plumstead, Lansdowne) can help you choose the right one. Shop online at kremvape.co.za for the full range.
Is lower nicotine better for you?
Lower nicotine means less dependence over time, but for someone switching from cigarettes, starting too low makes the transition harder and increases the risk of returning to smoking. Start at the right level for your current habit, then reduce gradually if reducing nicotine dependence is your goal. Don't start low to "be safe" — it backfires for most people.
For adult use only (18+). Contains nicotine — an addictive substance. Not intended for non-smokers or persons who have not previously used tobacco or nicotine products.
