Travel Adaptor for China
& Chinese Plug Types
China Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
China uses plug types A, C and I with matching sockets. Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Type I sockets are the most common so our recommendation for international travellers who need one is a type I plug adaptor for maximum compatibility.
China Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type I plug adaptor as that will fit the most commonly found sockets in China. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types A, C and I). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere. Due to the number of different sockets found in China you may also want to seriously consider a universal travel adaptor, which is a single unit capable of plugging in to multiple socket types.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best China travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Chinese type A, C and I sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in China
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Hybrid Sockets
- Official hybrid sockets accept type A and type I plugs
- Unofficial, universal sockets, may accept type A, B, C, E, F, G and I plugs
- Universal sockets often have poor grip so can be unsafe
Hybrid sockets are very common in China.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
China Electrical Supply
China uses plug types A, C and I with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
China - Traveller Notes
For Type I plugs, note that the grounding pin is usually positioned at the top in China, whereas it is at the bottom in Australia and New Zealand.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Chinese socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Chinese mains supply is 220 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - China operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Chinese supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in China. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
China Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II unearthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarised and can only be inserted into the socket one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarised. Unearthed type A sockets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type I
Type I plugs have 3 flat blades in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 10A. The live and neutral blades are 1.6mm thick, 6.35mm in width, spaced 13.7mm apart and 17.3mm long. They are set at 60° to each other in an upside down V. The earth blade is also 6.35mm wide but is 20mm long and offset by 10.3mm. The blades are insulated and there is a 2 blade (unearthed) version with just the 2 V blades.
There is also a 15A version where the earth blade is wider at 9.08mm. A further 20A version has all 3 blades wider at 9.08mm. Lower power plugs will fit higher power sockets but not vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for China
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China uses type A, C and I plugs. Type I are the most commonly used.
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China uses type A, C and I sockets. Type I are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple sockets used in China. For international travellers who need one, a type I adaptor would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found sockets.
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The mains supply in China is 220 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 220 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers who need an adaptor can charge their phone in China using their normal phone charger with a type I plug adaptor, which fits the most common sockets. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Some (but not the most common) sockets in China are compatible with type C plugs so you would be advised to check ahead with your destination to verify what type of sockets are fitted.
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Chinese plug adaptors have 2 flat blades arranged in a 'V'. Earthed versions have a 3rd blade forming a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a China plug adaptor.
