China Power Plug Guide: What to Bring to Power Up Your Gadgets

Traveloka SG
4 min read

Planning a trip to China? In 2026, China is emerging as one of the best travel destinations in Asia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country's rich culture at the Great Wall of China or on a culinary adventure in Chengdu. Don't forget to visit Chongqing and see the beauty of the province. But before planning your trip, one question arises. What kind of power plug is used in China?

This is one simple thing that travelers around the world usually miss. So, before packing your clothes, don’t forget to check whether your chargers, laptop, camera, or other electronic devices are compatible with China’s power plug.

The good news is that preparing for this isn’t difficult as long as you know the type of plug. Let's learn more about this, shall we?

Types of Power Plugs Used in China

Curious to know if your country's power plug is the same as China's? 

China uses three different types of power plugs: Type A, Type C, and Type I. This can be a bit confusing for many travelers, as not all countries use this combination of plug types.

The most common types of plugs are:

Type A, which has two flat, parallel prongs. Its shape is similar to the plugs used in the United States and Japan.
Type C has two round pins and is widely used in various European countries.
Type I has three flat pins arranged in a V-shape with one grounding pin. This type is the most common modern standard found in China.

But, hold on. You might not need to buy a new plug. What's interesting is that many electrical outlets in hotels, apartments, and office buildings in China feature a multifunctional design.

A single outlet can often accommodate more than one type of plug, allowing some international chargers to be used directly without an adapter. However, not all locations have the same type of outlets, so bringing a travel adapter remains the safest option.

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Comparison of the China Power Plug and Other Countries

The electrical systems in China differ from those in Europe and the United States, so travelers need to ensure that the electronic devices they bring are compatible. Here's what you need to know:

In China, the most commonly used plugs are Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three prongs at an angle).

Europe generally uses Type C (Europlug) with two round pins for low-power devices and Type F (Schuko) with two round pins and a grounding clip on the side for higher-power devices.

In the United States, the plugs used are Type A, with two flat, parallel pins, and Type B, which has an additional round grounding pin.

When it comes to electricity, China uses 220V at 50Hz, which is nearly identical to Europe’s 230V at 50Hz, so most devices from Europe can be used without any voltage issues. In contrast, the United States uses 120V at 60Hz, so travelers from the U.S. may need both an adapter and a voltage converter if their devices do not support 220V.

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Where to Buy Travel Adapter in China

You can easily buy a travel adapter in China. Look for an electronic store in an airport or a big supermarket.

Large Supermarkets: Stores like Carrefour, RT-Mart, or Walmart have dedicated electronics aisles that sell various types of plugs at affordable prices.
Malls: Major retail chains like Suning or Five Star offer a very comprehensive selection of high-quality electronic devices.
Online Shopping Apps: Online shopping is big in China. Jingdong and Taobao are two of the most popular apps. If you already have a Chinese phone number or a digital payment account like Alipay, shopping online is the cheapest option.
Airport: Shops inside airport terminals will certainly have a travel adapter, but the prices will be significantly higher than normal market prices.

Tips for Choosing a Universal Travel Adapter

If you don’t already own a universal travel adapter, it’s best to choose a product specifically designed for international travel. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing one.

1. Make Sure It’s Compatible with Various International Plug Types

Choose a universal travel adapter that supports various international plug types, such as Types A, C, G, and I. That way, you can use it not only when visiting China but also in other countries like Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European nations. One adapter to rule them all.

2. Choose One with USB-A and USB-C Ports

These days, most travelers carry more than one electronic device, such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, cameras, and earbuds. Therefore, choose an adapter equipped with both USB-A and USB-C ports so you can charge multiple devices at once without having to bring multiple chargers.

3. Choose a Compact and Portable Design

Chance is, you’ll be taking your travel adapter in and out of your bag frequently during your trip. Therefore, choose a product that’s compact and easy to store. Models that are foldable or have retractable pins are also more practical because they don’t take up much space in your suitcase or carry-on bag.

China Travel Destinations 

Can’t decide where to go in China? These are China’s top destinations, ranging from cosmopolitan Shanghai to futuristic Chongqing and historic Beijing. 

Shanghai Highlights

Shanghai boasts the most modern appeal of any city in China. Impressive, modern buildings can be found almost everywhere. Travelers can visit The Bund to take in the skyline or head to Shanghai Disneyland, a theme park featuring the largest castle in the Disney network. It’s perfect for a family vacation in China with kids.

Chongqing Highlights

Chongqing is rapidly rising as one of China’s most popular destinations. Offering futuristic, cyberpunk-style architecture, travelers can explore many viral attractions such as the Liziba monorail track that passes through apartment buildings, admire the illuminated beauty ofHongya Cave at night, and try the viral “motorcycle experience” photo trend.

Beijing Highlights

It’s safe to say that Beijing is the most-visited destination in China. This comes as no surprise, as the city is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. In addition to historical attractions, visitors can also explore Universal Studios Beijing, a theme park featuring world-class rides like Kung Fu Panda.

Start Planning Your China Adventure

Don't let low battery gadgets ruin your holiday in China. With some checks and re-checks about China power plug, you can enjoy your holiday smoothly. Buy an international travel adapter and check your powerbank's type. In addition to an adapter, a powerbank can also be a lifesaver for your gadgets.

With these simple preparations, you can enjoy your trip to China without worrying about running out of battery power in the middle of the day. So, before you leave, make sure to pack your travel adapter in your suitcase so all your electronic devices are ready to accompany you on your adventure from Beijing to Shanghai.

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In This Article

• Types of Power Plugs Used in China
• Comparison of the China Power Plug and Other Countries
• Where to Buy Travel Adapter in China
• Tips for Choosing a Universal Travel Adapter
• 1. Make Sure It’s Compatible with Various International Plug Types
• 2. Choose One with USB-A and USB-C Ports
• 3. Choose a Compact and Portable Design
• China Travel Destinations 
• Shanghai Highlights
• Chongqing Highlights
• Beijing Highlights
• Start Planning Your China Adventure

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