What plug type and voltage does China use?

Voltage & Plug Types Explained

Voltage: 220V at 50Hz. This is the same as most of Europe, UK, Australia, and Asia. Different from US/Canada/Japan (110–120V, 60Hz).

Type A (2 flat parallel pins): Used in US, Canada, Japan, Mexico. Fits in Chinese sockets but may be loose — Chinese sockets are designed to accept both Type A and Type C in the same 2-pin hole.

Type C (2 round pins): Used in most of Europe, Russia, Middle East, South America. Fits in Chinese 2-pin sockets.

Type I (3 flat pins in triangular arrangement): The official Chinese standard (GB 1002-2008), also used in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina. This is the most common 3-pin socket in China.

Type G (UK 3 rectangular pins): Does NOT fit in Chinese sockets. Requires an adapter. If you're from UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, bring an adapter.

Universal sockets: Many hotels and newer buildings have 'universal' sockets that accept multiple plug types (A, C, I, G). But don't rely on this — bring an adapter.

What Works & What Doesn't

WORKS (dual-voltage 100–240V): Phone chargers, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, camera chargers, power banks, USB devices, electric toothbrushes, shavers. Check the label: if it says '100-240V' or '110-240V', it works with just a plug adapter (no voltage converter needed).

MAY NOT WORK (single-voltage 110V): Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, electric razors (older models), some small appliances from US/Canada/Japan. If the label says only '120V' or '110V', plugging into 220V will destroy the device (and may cause a fire).

Solution for hair tools: Bring a dual-voltage hair dryer/straightener (look for '125/250V' switch), or buy a cheap one in China (¥50–150 at supermarkets or Taobao). Hotels usually provide hair dryers.

Voltage converters: Heavy, expensive, and often unreliable. NOT recommended for travel. Better to buy dual-voltage devices or purchase locally.

Power banks: Allowed in carry-on (max 100Wh / ~27,000mAh). Cannot be checked. China has power banks available everywhere (¥50–200). Shared power banks (共享充电宝) available at cafes, restaurants, metro stations — scan QR to rent.

USB charging: Most hotels have USB ports built into wall sockets or bedside lamps. Airports and cafes have USB charging stations. You can charge phones/tablets via USB without a plug adapter.

Adapter Recommendations & Tips

Best adapter: Universal travel adapter with Type A/C/I/G support and 2–4 USB ports. Brands: Anker, Ceptics, Bonazza. ¥80–200. One adapter can charge multiple devices via USB.

For UK travelers: Type G to Type I adapter (or universal). Bring 2 adapters if you have multiple devices.

For US travelers: Your Type A plugs fit in Chinese 2-pin sockets, but 3-pin Type A (grounded) won't fit. Bring a Type A to Type I adapter for grounded devices (laptop chargers with 3-pin plugs).

Power strip: Bring a small power strip (with your home country sockets) + one adapter. This lets you plug in 4–6 devices from one wall socket. Essential for travelers with many devices.

Hotel sockets: Usually located on desk, bedside, and bathroom. Some hotels have international sockets. Check before unpacking — if sockets are limited, use a power strip.

Safety: Chinese electrical safety standards are good. Avoid cheap, unbranded adapters — they may overheat. Don't overload sockets with high-wattage devices (hair dryer + kettle + laptop at once).

Buy in China: If you forget an adapter, buy one at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), electronics market, or Taobao. ¥10–30 for basic adapters.