China plug type, A and I at 220 V

Which plugs China uses

China uses type A and type I plugs, at 220 V and 50 Hz. Type A is the same plug as in the United States, and type I the same as in Australia.

Do I need an adapter?

It depends on the plugs in your country.

• The UK uses type G. Bring a type I adapter.
• Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland use other types (C, F and J). Bring a type I adapter.
• The United States and Canada use types A and B. A type A plug fits in China. Type B needs an adapter.
• Australia uses type I, so your plugs fit without an adapter.

Will my devices work at 220 V?

In the UK, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland the mains runs at 230 V, close to China, so your devices work with the adapter. In the United States and Canada it runs at 120 V and 60 Hz. Check the label on each charger. If it says 100-240 V, it accepts China's 220 V. If it only says 110 or 120 V, like some hair dryers or straighteners, do not plug it in without a converter.

Hong Kong and Macau use different plugs

If your trip includes Hong Kong or Macau, they use types G, D and M. In Hong Kong the most common is type G, the UK plug, so bring that adapter too.

Sockets in older buildings

Since the Chinese standard GB/T 1002-2021, type C sockets, the plug used in Spain and the Netherlands, are no longer installed, although some remain in older buildings. Do not count on them and bring the adapter.

Which adapter to bring

A type I adapter fits Chinese sockets. A universal one also works if it includes type I. If you go to Hong Kong or Macau, make sure it also has type G.