The adapters, plugs, wall-mounted sockets and power of China

Preparing Your Electrical Devices for Travel to China

What adapter do I need? Will my computer plug work? What is the voltage? What do the wall outlets look like? Why haven’t we agreed on a universal current and wall outlet design? This can make travel challenging, especially if you’re coming from North America, certain South American countries, or Japan—places that use 110V instead of 220V. However, with a little knowledge and some adapters, you can use your electronic devices without a hitch.

Electronics vs. Electrical Appliances

Before packing, it’s important to understand the difference between electronics (like laptops, digital camera chargers, DVD players) and electrical appliances (like hairdryers and electric shavers). Your electronics may only require an adapter to work. For safety, check the AC power adapter (the large black box that connects your computer to the wall plug). On the back, you’ll see some information. Look for “Input.” If it reads ~100V-240V, you can take it around the world. You will only need a wall plug adapter (details below). If you’re still unsure, check online with the manufacturer.

Your electrical appliances are a different story. If you’re from a country that uses 110V (North America, Japan), your hairdryer, curling iron, or electric shaver will need a converter. A converter is a large device that changes the input from 220V to 110V for your appliances. Without a converter, your device might be damaged or, at worst, cause sparks in the wall outlet.

My advice is to leave items that require a converter at home. Some large, upscale hotels provide 110V plugs in the bathroom, but these are usually marked with a “for electric shavers only” warning (is anyone still using those?). Nowadays, nearly all hotels offer hairdryers, so if you need something else, like a curling iron, look for travel kits that don’t require a converter.

Wall Outlets Accepted in China

Now, let’s look at the actual wall outlets. Refer to the picture in the top right. This is what most wall outlets in China look like. The top outlet uses two-prong plugs. Both prongs must be the same size (Type “A”), though many modern devices with Type “A” plugs have one prong wider than the other. This type is not compatible with Chinese wall outlets and will need an adapter. This outlet can also accept German standard Type “C” or “F” plugs. (If you’re from Europe, all your devices can work—China uses the same voltage.)

The bottom outlet in the picture uses the Type “I” plug common in Australia and New Zealand. (If you’re from Australia/New Zealand and use the same voltage as China, all your devices will work.)

Carrying or Buying Adapters

You can purchase adapters before departure from travel stores or electronics shops. Airports also sell universal adapters, especially in the international departure gate areas. But if you haven’t bought one before leaving, you can easily buy one in China (and it will be much cheaper). Your hotel should also be able to provide you with one for free during your stay.