Plan · Preparation
China electrical outlets, voltages, and adapters
China uses 220V at 50Hz and has three socket types — A, C, and I — often combined into a single multi-format socket. Here is what you need to know before you pack.
Voltage and frequency
Mainland China: 220 volts, 50 hertz.
This is the same voltage and frequency as most of Europe, Australia, and the UK. It differs from North America (120V, 60Hz) and Japan (100V, 50/60Hz). The frequency (Hz) difference between 50Hz and 60Hz rarely matters for modern electronics.
Hong Kong uses 220V at 50Hz as well, but predominantly uses the UK Type G (three rectangular pin) sockets — different from mainland China. Macau uses primarily Type G and Type F sockets.
Plug types used in China
China uses three plug types, and the sockets in most modern hotels and public buildings are combination sockets that accept all three:
Type A — flat two-pin (ungrounded)
Two flat parallel pins, identical to US/Canadian and some Japanese plugs. Very common in China; often fits directly into the combination sockets without an adapter. Most North American phone chargers and electronics use Type A. Note: Chinese Type A sockets are usually ungrounded (no earth pin). North American Type B plugs with a ground pin will not fit a two-slot Type A socket.
Type C — round two-pin (Europlug)
Two round parallel pins, the standard "Europlug" used across continental Europe. Accepted in the combination sockets found in most modern Chinese hotels and public buildings. European electronics will often work directly in the combination socket — check pin diameter, as some Schuko (Type E/F) plugs with thicker pins need a slimmer C-type adapter.
Type I — angled flat three-pin
Three flat pins arranged in a triangular pattern, the standard socket used in Australia and New Zealand. This is China's own legacy plug type, and Australian plugs fit directly. The pins are arranged at an angle — do not confuse with UK Type G (rectangular pins in an L-shape), which does not fit Chinese sockets without an adapter.
What adapters to bring
Travelling from North America (US, Canada)
Your standard two-flat-pin (Type A) plugs will often fit directly into Chinese combination sockets. However, three-pin grounded plugs (Type B, the large plug with a round earth pin) will not fit. A universal adapter is recommended if you carry Type B devices. More critically: North American appliances are built for 120V. Any appliance that is not dual-voltage (does not say 100–240V on the charger) will need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter.
Travelling from the UK
UK Type G plugs (three large rectangular pins) do not fit Chinese sockets. You need an adapter from Type G to the appropriate Chinese type. A UK-to-China adapter or a universal adapter covers this. The 220V/230V voltage difference is within tolerance for all modern dual-voltage appliances.
Travelling from Europe
Standard Schuko and Europlug devices fit into Chinese combination sockets if the pins are slim enough (Type C profile). Thicker Schuko pins may need a Type C slim-pin adapter. Most laptop chargers and phone chargers shipped with European round pins work directly. The voltage is compatible.
Travelling from Australia / New Zealand
Type I plugs (angled flat pins) fit Chinese sockets directly — no adapter needed for standard Australian devices. Voltage and frequency are also compatible.
Dual-voltage vs single-voltage appliances
Check the label on any appliance you intend to bring. If it reads:
- 100–240V (or 110–240V): dual voltage — works worldwide with only a plug adapter.
- 120V only or 110V only: single voltage — a voltage converter is required in China (220V).
Modern devices that are typically dual voltage and do not need a converter:
- Laptop chargers
- Phone and tablet chargers
- Camera battery chargers
- Electric toothbrush chargers (most modern models)
Devices that may be single voltage and require a converter:
- Hair dryers purchased in North America for the North American market
- Some hair straighteners / curling irons (especially older models)
- Some electric shavers not designed for international use
- Small appliances (travel kettles designed only for 120V)
Many travellers find it easier to buy a small travel hair dryer designed for dual voltage (¥40–80 in Chinese shops) than to bring a voltage converter, which is heavy.
USB charging: the practical reality
Since most modern devices charge via USB (through a charger block), and USB charger blocks are almost universally dual voltage, the plug adapter is the only thing most travellers actually need. The shift to USB-C charging has made this even simpler — many hotels also have USB-A ports built into bedside sockets.
A compact GaN USB-C multi-port charger (100W models are now very small and light) eliminates most adapter complexity — you just need a Type A or C adapter on the charger block itself, and everything connects via cable.
Hotel provision
Most four-star and above hotels in mainland China have combination sockets that accept Type A, C, and I directly. Many also have USB-A ports beside the bed. Front desks at international hotels can usually provide a universal adapter on request. Budget guesthouses and hostels may have only older Type I sockets — worth checking.
Do not assume your room will have enough sockets. A small travel power strip (without surge protector built-in, since some hotel sockets do not accept surge-protected strips) gives you extra outlets from a single adapter connection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter for China?
It depends on where you come from. North American travellers with flat-two-pin plugs (Type A) will find that Type A sockets exist in China and their plugs will often fit — though this varies by socket. European travellers with round-pin Schuko plugs (Type C/E/F) need an adapter. UK travellers with three rectangular pin plugs (Type G) need an adapter. Australian/New Zealand travellers with angled flat pins (Type I) usually find their plugs fit directly as China's Type I sockets share that configuration. A universal adapter covering A, C, and I is the safest solution.
Will my laptop and phone chargers work in China?
Almost certainly yes. Modern laptops, phones, tablets, and camera chargers are almost universally built to handle 100–240V at 50–60Hz — called dual voltage or universal voltage. Check the small print on the brick of your charger — if it says '100–240V', you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. The only devices that typically need a voltage converter are old hair dryers, electric shavers not designed for dual voltage, and some older small appliances.
What adapter works in China?
A universal travel adapter that covers Type A (flat two-pin), Type C (round two-pin), and Type I (angled flat three-pin) covers all Chinese socket variants. Adapters marketed as 'China travel adapter' or 'Asia multi-adapter' typically include these. Many hotels in China provide a universal adapter at the front desk or in the room for guests.
Is the voltage in China safe for UK appliances?
China runs on 220V, which is close to the UK's 230V — the difference is within tolerance for most dual-voltage appliances. A UK traveller needs a plug adapter (Type G to whatever sockets their device needs), but most modern UK appliances will work without a voltage converter.
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