Electricity in China

Do I need an adapter, a converter or both?
How to charge my phone, tablets and cameras in China?
How to charge your devices in China

Electricity in China is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. This is twice the standard voltage than in North America and some Latin American countries which run on 110V 60Hz.


electricity in china: chinese wall socket

The British type socket is also found throughout China and is the prevalent type in Hong Kong.

So when bringing electrical appliances to China, or devices that require recharging, such as your photo and video cameras, rechargeable batteries, iPads, Nintendos, Sony PSPs, and the like, you need to determine what kind of voltage your devices function under, and whether you will be needing a converter.

If your device's electrical plug has a different shape than the one above, you may need an electrical adapter.

Electricity in China: Electrical Converters

Electricity in China: Travel Converter



You can get a converter easily and inexpensively at any electronics shop like Best Buy or at the airport shops which normally carry them. But before you rush to get a converter also consider the following:



    Electricity in China: Dual Voltage


    Input: 100-240 V AC; 50/60 Hz

    That tells you the voltage the device will take. If it says 110V but there is no mention of 220V or 240V, your device is not dual voltage and you will need an electricity converter in China.

Electricity in China: Electric Adapters

Electricity in China: Dual Voltage

Now that you determined whether you have the right voltage to use your devices in China, in order to plug them into the Chinese electrical outlets (sockets) you will need an electric adapter, which is simply a connector that matches the shape of your plug with the Chinese electrical socket.



In any case, I would definitely bring a Travel Adapter Set with me just in case, they are inexpensive and that will keep from having everyone in the family fighting for the one outlet in the room to charge their devices!

When buying a travel adapter SET pay attention that it includes the one with the V-shape that will fit the Chinese socket as pictured above. Most of the Universal sets will include it but double check, sometimes the sets are only US to Europe or US to UK adapters.

Some sets also include the converter, some only the adapters, so make sure you buy what you need.

Australians should have no problem with electricity in China since the Australian plug works well with the Chinese socket, it is the same shape only upside-down and Australian voltage is also the same.

If you are traveling to Hong Kong, you will see the British style socket in use:

Electricity in China: British socket


If you have a lot of devices that use USB chargers, choose an adapter or converter set with USB charging ports so you don't have to carry around the extra charging units.

Buy Adapter Sets, USB Chargers, etc

Find More Converters and Adapters for North American Plugs to Chinese Sockets
Find Converters and Adapters for UK Plugs to Chinese Sockets
Find Converters and Adapters for European Plugs to Chinese Sockets

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