PlugsMap Plug types and voltage in every country
EN

Plugs and voltage

China

China uses plug types A, C and I. The most common is type I – the Australian plug.

Type
A · C · I
Voltage
220 V
Frequency
50 Hz

Type A

North American two-prong plug

Two flat parallel blades, no earth – the everyday plug of the USA, Canada, Mexico and Japan.

15 A · ungrounded

Type C

Europlug

Two round pins, no earth – the thin plug that fits sockets in most of Europe, South America and Asia.

2.5 A · ungrounded

Type I

Australian plug · most common

Two flat pins in a V shape plus an earth pin – Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina and the Pacific.

10 A · grounded

Good to know

Sockets usually combine a two-slot opening for type A and C plugs with a three-pin type I opening. The voltage is 220 V everywhere, so American devices that are not dual-voltage need a converter.

Will your plugs fit here?

Where plugs from this country fit

Will my device work?

Read the voltage on the label of your device or its power supply (for example “INPUT 100–240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”) and choose a country – or several, if you are going on a longer trip.

Where you’re going
Voltage on the device label
V
Where your plugs are from

This is not a full safety check – also check the device’s power rating (a converter has to handle it) and the earth connection: plug appliances with a metal casing only into earthed sockets.

Travelling to China

Travelling from China

Frequently asked questions

What plug type is used in China?

China uses plug types A, C and I. The most common is type I – the Australian plug. Sockets usually combine a two-slot opening for type A and C plugs with a three-pin type I opening. The voltage is 220 V everywhere, so American devices that are not dual-voltage need a converter.

What is the voltage in China?

The mains voltage in China is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Devices from countries with 220–240 V work without a converter. Devices from countries with 100–127 V (USA, Canada, Japan) should only be plugged in if the power supply says 100–240 V – a plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage.

Do I need a travel adapter for China?

You need an adapter if your devices have plugs other than types A, C and I. Travellers from Australia can usually manage without one, but not every socket will take their plugs – an adapter to types A and C is worth packing. Only some plugs fit for travellers from Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland and United States. Travellers from United Kingdom need an adapter to type I.

Do I need a voltage converter in China?

Not if you’re coming from Australia, France, Germany, India, Poland and United Kingdom – the voltage is similar. If you bring devices from Canada, Japan and United States, check their rating labels. Phone and laptop chargers usually work on 100–240 V, but hair dryers, straighteners and kettles often do not – and a plug adapter does not change the voltage. A converter for them would need enough power (a hair dryer often draws 1500–2000 W), so a dual-voltage appliance or one bought locally is the better choice.