ExploPlugs and voltage · Asia
Plug type and voltage in China
China uses plug types A, C and I at 220 V and 50 Hz.
The short answer
Mains power in China is 220 V at 50 Hz. Phone and laptop chargers usually accept 100 to 240 V, so they only need the right plug. Hair dryers, kettles and other single-voltage appliances need a matching voltage or a converter.
Do you need an adapter for China?
It depends where you live. Here is how the plugs and voltage compare from the biggest travel markets.
| Travelling from | Their plugs | Plug | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Type A, B · 120 V | Some plugs fit | Different |
| Canada | Type A, B · 120 V | Some plugs fit | Different |
| United Kingdom | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| Germany | Type C, F · 230 V | Some plugs fit | Same range |
| Australia | Type I · 230 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
| India | Type C, D, M · 230 V | Some plugs fit | Same range |
| Japan | Type A, B · 100 V | Some plugs fit | Different |
| Brazil | Type C, N · 127 or 220 V | Some plugs fit | Same range |
| South Africa | Type D, M, N · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| United Arab Emirates | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| Mexico | Type A, B · 120 V | Some plugs fit | Different |
A plug "fits" when it goes into the socket without an adapter. Shapes in one family work together, like a two-pin type C plug in a type E or F socket. Earthed devices can lose their earth connection.
Countries with similar plugs
These nearby countries share at least one plug type with China.
Questions
What plug type does China use?
China uses types A, C and I: type A is two flat pins, type C is two round pins, type I is two angled flat pins and an earth pin.
What voltage is China?
220 V at 50 Hz.
Do I need an adapter for China from the United States?
Some of them: the United States uses types A and B and only part of that fits. The voltage differs (120 V there, 220 V in China): dual-voltage chargers are fine, single-voltage appliances need a converter.
Do I need an adapter for China from the UK?
Yes: the UK uses type G, China uses types A, C and I. A type G to local adapter is cheap and easy to find.
Can I use my phone or laptop charger in China?
Most modern phone, laptop and camera chargers accept 100 to 240 V, so they work on 220 V and only need the right plug. Check the small print on the charger. Hair dryers, kettles and shavers are often single-voltage: check them first.
How reliable is this?
The plug data is hand-curated from the Explo app and is a good first answer. Hotels often have universal sockets, and older buildings can differ: confirm before you fly.
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