NO matter you are visiting China on a business trip or to quench your tourist thirst, you cannot imagine your trip without your smartphones, cameras, and laptops. But are the adaptors or chargers of these electronics enough? Or do you need to carry extra accessories for these portable technologies?
This article helps those travelers who are visiting China for the very first time and does not know much about their electricity supply, power plugs, and sockets. The readers will find interesting facts and information about sockets and plugs used in China.
What Type of Plugs & Sockets Are Used in China?
The plugs and sockets used in China are similar to Australian plugs and sockets. There are 4 different types socket outlets in China, known as type A, C, F, and I. the type A outlet has two flat holes, the type C, and F has two round holes while the type I outlet has 3 flat holes.
In China, three different types of plugs are used which are categorized on the basis of structure and shape of pins.
- The two flat pin common plug – can be fit in type A socket outlets.
- The two round pins plugs – can be fit in both type C & F sockets.
- The three-pronged plugs with angled of pins – can only be fixed in type I.
The standard Chinese plugs and sockets are GB 2099.1-2008 and GB 1002-2008. The plugs manufactured in China fits loosely in Australian sockets but the Australian thick and round plugs do not fit in Chinese sockets. The power sockets in China are installed upside-down, keeping the two pins upper and the earthed three pin sockets at lower.
So when you are packing your luggage make sure that your devices have the same plugs. But if your electronic devices’ adaptors and chargers have the different structure, then don’t stress out. You can avoid the inconvenience by buying portable two-pronged plug adaptors either from your native country or from China.
What Power Voltage is used in China?
In China generally, a 220V, 50 Hz, AC power voltage is used as a standard. But the frequency of power voltage in Taiwan and Hong Kong is different from mainland China. I Taiwan 110V and in Hong Kong 200V power voltage is used. Now if you visiting any area of China make sure that you are carrying electronics which use 110/220 volts of electricity.
What Should You Do If Your Electronics Use More Voltage?
If you are carrying devices which use more electricity voltage than standard voltage frequency used in China then you need to get yourselves some converters. These converters are used to convert the input voltage is more or less frequency voltage. For example, if the input voltage is 220V the converter will convert it into 120V for your devices. This precaution is required to avoid the hazards and risks of short-circuits and device damages.
A Little Piece of Advice:
Some new hotels including some old 5-star hotels in China offer free portable adaptors and converters to their foreign visitors so that they can easily re-charge & use their electronic devices. In addition, some new hotels have foreign standards sockets installed in their lobbies and rooms.
If you have forgotten to carry the adapters and converters and realized it after reaching China then you can still get these from China airport or other shops.
Friendly Reminder For your China Trip:
Now if you have a complete knowledge of the power voltage, sockets, and plugs used in China. So when you start packing your luggage make sure that:
- You have a two-pronged plug or a two-pronged adaptor.
- Your laptops and other electronic devices use 110V to 220V.
- If the electronic devise use voltage frequency other than 110 or 220V take converters with yourself.
- If you forget to take converters and adaptors with yourself don’t hesitate to ask your hotel management whether they provide the adaptors or converters or not.
These are some basic trip advises and precautions which can save you from inconvenience and discomfort during your trip to China. Moreover with these things checked and confirmed you can save your time, energy and money in China.