Power plugs in China
China uses Type A and C and I power outlets, running at 220V / 50Hz.
Three-pin Type I (slanted prongs) is most common. Many hotels also have Type A. Bring an adapter that handles I, A, and C.
What the plugs look like
Type A
Two flat parallel pins (US/Japan, ungrounded)
Type C
Two round pins (Europe ungrounded, ungrounded version of E/F)
Type I
Two or three slanted pins (Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina)
Do you need an adapter? (from your home country)
Look up your home country below. The verdict tells you whether you need a plug adapter, a voltage converter, both, or nothing.
From United States (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From United Kingdom (Type G, 230V):
Different plug AND different voltage (230V → 220V). Adapter required. Voltage converter required for hair dryers, curling irons, and old non-dual-voltage devices.
From Germany (Type C/F, 230V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (230V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From France (Type E, 230V):
Different plug AND different voltage (230V → 220V). Adapter required. Voltage converter required for hair dryers, curling irons, and old non-dual-voltage devices.
From Australia (Type I, 230V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (230V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From Japan (Type A/B, 100V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (100V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From Canada (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
Quick check on your device: look for the input rating — usually printed on the power brick. If it says "100-240V" you only need a plug adapter (no converter). If it says "120V" or "230V" only, you need a converter for the other voltage.
What to buy
- Universal travel adapter — covers Types A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one unit ($15-30). Best for one-bag travelers crossing multiple regions. Look for one with built-in USB-C PD for phone fast-charging.
- Single-country adapter — $5-10 if you're only going to China and home. Smaller, lighter, less to fuss with.
- Voltage converter (step-down) — only if you're bringing a US-only 120V hair dryer, curling iron, or appliance. Modern laptops, phones, cameras, and shavers don't need one.
- Multi-outlet strip from home — let one adapter charge 5 devices. Saves bringing 5 adapters.