The standard power voltage in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau is 220 Volts AC with a frequency of 50 Hz, while in Taiwan, electronic devices typically operate on a power supply voltage of 110V/60Hz.
The electrical current in China is similar to what you’ll find in most of Europe and Australia. However, this is different from the 110V 60Hz voltage used in the United States and Canada. While some comments on this article have suggested that the voltage in the US can range from 110-120V, it’s important to note that the difference in frequency is the more significant factor.
Although there are various plug types used in China, the electrical current remains the same at 220V and 50Hz. Here are the most commonly found electrical outlet types in China.
Is an Outlet Adaptor Needed in China?
When traveling to different countries, you might need a portable plug adapter because the sockets and voltage can be different. You can find them at local stores like Franzus or electronics stores such as RadioShack and Best Buy, or even in China.
The good news is that chargers for most electronic devices like cell phones, tablets, and cameras can handle a wide range of power voltage from 110 to 240 volts, so you don’t have to worry about frying your devices.
If you’re staying in a hotel in China, most 3-star or above hotels will have electrical outlets with both 110V and 220V in the bathrooms, but in the guest rooms, you’ll probably only find 220V sockets. So it’s always a good idea to bring a portable plug adapter just in case.
What Power Sockets Are Used in China?
In Mainland China, two types of sockets are commonly used: type A and type I. Type A sockets can also accommodate plugs of type C or F, which are frequently used in many European countries.
| Type A (220V) | The outlets commonly used in China have two holes that are the same size and shape. Plugs that fit this socket are commonly used in countries like the US, Mexico, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Colombia, Thailand, Vietnam, Panama, and more. However, it’s important to note that there is a type of two-blade plug with one end larger than the other, which cannot be used in China without an adapter. |
| Type I (220V) | Electronic devices with this plug shape are used in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Fiji. While the blade at the top may be omitted, the plug can still operate safely in Mainland China. |
| Type C & F (220V) | The type of socket commonly found in many European countries, including Russia, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Finland, France, Sweden, and Spain, is also prevalent in South Korea. |
Sockets in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
The sockets used in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are different from those in Mainland China. Hong Kong mostly uses British Standard outlets, also known as type G. If you’re traveling from countries like the UK, Ireland, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, Nigeria, or Uganda, you can charge most electronic devices without an adapter in Hong Kong.
In Macau, the universal socket types are C or F, while in Taiwan, the plug shapes of type B are compatible with the outlets there.
| Hong Kong | Type G |
| Macau | Type C & F |
| Taiwan | Type B |
Do I Need a Power Converter for China?
Here’s some great news for charging your gadgets like phones, laptops, and cameras while you’re in China! Most modern electronic chargers are suitable for both 110V and 220V, so you don’t have to worry about buying any special adapter or power converter for your trip.
But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, right? So, check out the small print on your charger’s plug to make sure it says “110V~240V” or something similar. It’s super important because using a charger that’s designed only for 110V in China can be really dangerous.
If your charger is only rated for 110V, you might need to get a travel power converter, which usually costs between $20 to $50. The best ones are compact, can change plug types, and come with a surge protector. If you’re bringing old electronics or something sensitive, a power converter might be your only option.
Oh, and for the ladies planning to bring hair dryers, curling irons or straighteners to China, you need to pay attention to the transformer wattage, okay?
Electricity Voltage around the World
Approximately 30 countries, mainly in North America, utilize a voltage range of 110V – 230V. The subsequent list provides information on the electricity voltage utilized in various countries worldwide for your convenience.
| Argentina | 220V/50HZ | Australia | 240V/50HZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 230V/50HZ | Brazil | 110-220V/60HZ |
| Britain | 230V/50HZ | Burma | 230V/50HZ |
| Canada | 120V/60HZ | Cuba | 120V/60HZ |
| Denmark | 230V/50HZ | Egypt | 220V/50HZ |
| Finland | 230V/50HZ | France | 230V/50HZ |
| Germany | 230V/50HZ | Greece | 230V/50HZ |
| Hungary | 230V/50HZ | India | 230V/50HZ |
| Indonesia | 220V/50HZ | Italy | 230V/50HZ |
| Japan | 100V/50-60HZ | Malaysia | 240V/50HZ |
| Mexico | 127V/60HZ | Netherlands | 230V/50HZ |
| New Zealand | 240V/50HZ | Portugal | 230V/50HZ |
| Russia | 220V/50HZ | Saudi Arabia | 127V-220V/60HZ |
| Singapore | 230V/50HZ | South Africa | 220V/50HZ |
| South Korea | 220V/60HZ | Spain | 230V/50HZ |
| Sri Lanka | 230V/50HZ | Sweden | 230V/50HZ |
| Switzerland | 230V/50HZ | Thailand | 220V/50HZ |
| Turkey | 220V/50HZ | Vietnam | 220V/50HZ |
| U.S.A. | 120V/60HZ |
FAQ: About power plugs in China
No, US and Chinese plugs are not the same. The electrical sockets and plugs used in the United States have a different shape and size compared to those used in China.
In the US, the standard voltage is 120V and the electrical sockets have two flat parallel pins, whereas in China, the standard voltage is 220V and the electrical sockets have two or three pins of different sizes and shapes. Therefore, if you are planning to use an electronic device that is designed for use in the US in China, you will need to use a suitable plug adapter or voltage converter.
No, China does not use the same plugs as the UK. The electrical sockets and plugs used in China are different from those used in the UK. In China, the standard voltage is 220V and the electrical sockets have two or three pins of different sizes and shapes.
On the other hand, in the UK, the standard voltage is 230V and the electrical sockets have three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Therefore, if you plan to use an electronic device designed for use in the UK in China, you will need to use a suitable plug adapter or voltage converter to ensure that it can be safely and correctly connected to the local electrical supply.
The type of adapter you need for China depends on the type of plug on your electronic device. In China, electrical sockets are generally designed to accept plugs with two or three pins of different shapes and sizes.
