Detailed Explanation of Voltage and Outlet Types in China

1. Voltage Standards

• Standard voltage in Mainland China: 220V, frequency 50Hz.
  Note: This standard applies to all provinces and cities nationwide (including Hong Kong and Macao which are also 220V, while Taiwan region is 110V, but if you travel to Taiwan, please confirm separately).

2. Socket Types

The main socket types in China are Type A and Type C, with some areas possibly compatible with other types. Below are specific explanations:
- Type A (American two-pin flat plug):
- Characteristics: Two parallel flat pins, no grounding wire.
- Common scenarios: Mostly used for low-power devices (such as mobile phone chargers, laptop power supplies).

• Type C (European two-pin round plug):
• Characteristics: Two round pins, no grounding wire, narrow pin spacing.

• Common scenarios: Widely applicable to most household appliances (such as hairdryers, camera chargers).

• Other possible types you may encounter:

• Type I (Australian three-pin angled plug): Some hotels or new venues may be equipped with this, commonly found in southern regions like Guangdong.
• Multi-functional sockets: High-end hotels or international chain hotels often provide sockets compatible with multiple country plugs.

3. Do You Need a Converter?

• Travelers from the following regions need to carry converters:
• United States, Canada, Japan (voltage 110-120V, plugs Type A/B): Need to confirm whether the device supports 220V input; otherwise, an additional transformer is required.
• Europe (except UK and Ireland): If using Type C plugs, they can be used directly, but attention should be paid to voltage compatibility.

• UK, Ireland, Australia, India, etc. (using three-pin plugs): Need A/C type adapters.

• No converter needed in the following cases:

• The device plug is Type A or Type C, and it indicates support for 100-240V wide voltage (such as mobile phones, camera chargers).
• Some hotels provide USB charging ports or internationally compatible sockets.

4. Practical Suggestions

• Prepare in advance:
• It is recommended to carry a universal converter (supports Type A/C/I plugs), which can be purchased on e-commerce platforms (such as Amazon) or at airport shops.

• Recommended brands: Bull (BULL), Philips (Philips), etc., priced around $5-20.

• Temporary purchase channels:

• Airports, convenience stores (such as 7-11), electronics malls (such as Suning, JD.com) in China.

• Hotel facilities:

• Most four-star hotels and above offer converter lending services (with a deposit), it is suggested to confirm by email in advance.
• Some hotel bathrooms are equipped with 110V sockets (specifically for shavers).

5. Precautions

• Voltage compatibility: Make sure to check if the device label indicates "Input: 100-240V". If it only supports 110V (such as some American electrical appliances), direct connection may damage the device.
• Caution with high-power devices: Hairdryers, curling irons, and other high-power appliances should confirm the socket's load capacity (the maximum current of ordinary Chinese sockets is 10A).
• Safety tips: Avoid using poor-quality converters to prevent short circuits or fire risks.