Shanghai is one of the most thrilling cities in Asia to visit, but it also has one of the more unusual power socket situations you'll encounter. The city uses multiple plug types, some of which look familiar and some of which don't, and getting caught out without the right adapter can put a damper on an otherwise smooth arrival. This guide covers everything you need to know: which plug types are in use, how the voltage lines up with Singapore, whether an adapter alone will do the job, and where to grab one if you've forgotten to pack it.

We've also put together hotel picks across three of Shanghai's most popular areas at the end, all bookable through Traveloka Singapore.

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Shanghai and China as a whole officially uses three plug types, and what makes it particularly interesting is that many Chinese sockets are multi-fit: designed to accept more than one plug shape in the same outlet. Here's what you'll come across:

Two flat parallel pins, no earth connection. The same plug is used across North America, Japan, and parts of Latin America. Commonly found in Chinese hotels and apartments, particularly in sockets designed to accept multiple plug types.

Two round pins, no earth connection, the standard across continental Europe and widely used in Asia. Also frequently found in Shanghai's multi-fit sockets alongside Type A.

Two or three flat angled pins, the same plug used in Australia and New Zealand. This is China's own national standard and the one most uniquely associated with Chinese sockets. The three-pin version (with an earth pin) is the grounded variant; the two-pin version is more common in everyday use. If you're travelling from Australia, you may find your plugs fit directly, though the angled orientation can differ slightly, so test carefully.

Singaporean travellers use Type G, three flat pins in a triangular layout, which is not natively compatible with Chinese sockets. You'll need a plug adapter. The good news: many hotel rooms in Shanghai, especially in international properties, have multi-fit sockets that accept Type A or C plugs, so a simple Type A or C adapter (rather than a full universal adapter) can work in a pinch. That said, a universal travel adapter is the safest bet since socket availability varies by property and room age.

Shanghai operates on 220V at 50Hz, while Singapore uses 230V at 50Hz. The small difference in voltage is negligible, so Singaporean travellers can safely use their everyday electronics without worrying about compatibility.

Whether you're charging your smartphone, laptop, camera, power bank, or other personal devices, they'll work just as they do at home. Most modern chargers are designed to support a wide input range of 100V-240V, making them suitable for use in Shanghai without a voltage converter.

Before packing specialised appliances such as hair styling tools or electric shavers, it's still worth checking the voltage rating on the device label. If your appliance only supports a lower voltage, you may need a voltage converter to use it safely.

If you're travelling from Singapore, you'll need a travel adapter but not a voltage converter.

Although Shanghai's electricity supply is 220V at 50Hz, which is fully compatible with Singapore's 230V at 50Hz, the plug types are different. Singapore uses Type G plugs, while Shanghai commonly uses Type A, Type C, and Type I sockets. This means your devices will work safely, but you'll need a travel adapter to plug them in.

For the most convenient experience, pack a universal travel adapter that supports multiple plug types. While many hotels use Type A or Type I sockets, some accommodations and older buildings may have Type C outlets. A universal adapter ensures you're prepared wherever you stay.

Before packing specialised appliances such as hair styling tools or electric shavers, it's also worth checking the voltage rating on the device label. Most modern chargers support 100V-240V, so they only require a travel adapter when used in Shanghai.

Shanghai is one of the easiest cities in the world to find an adapter once you're on the ground. Options include:

Both of Shanghai's main airports have electronics and travel accessory shops in the arrivals and departures halls. Expect airport-level pricing, but they're reliable and well-stocked, particularly useful if you arrive and realise you've left your adapter at home.

Shanghai is famous for its electronics markets. The Xujiahui Electronics Market near Xujiahui station and the shops along Nanjing Road East carry a huge range of adapters, converters, and multi-port chargers at very competitive prices. These are the best spots if you want variety and value.

FamilyMart, Lawson, and 711 branches, which are genuinely everywhere in central Shanghai, often stock basic travel adapters, particularly in areas with high tourist foot traffic. Not the widest selection, but fast and convenient for a quick fix.

Ole' and City Super (upscale supermarkets popular with expats) and department stores like Raffles City and iapm Mall carry travel adapters in their electronics or household sections. These are good options if you're already near a shopping mall and want to grab one alongside other shopping.

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Given that Shanghai uses three plug types and socket configurations vary between buildings, a universal adapter that handles Type A, C, and I will save you from being caught out in an older apartment or boutique hotel with non-standard sockets.

Before buying an adapter on arrival, check the sockets in your hotel room. Many mid-range and upscale hotels in Shanghai have multi-fit sockets that accept Type A and Type C plugs directly, which means your European or North American chargers might work as-is.

Even though Singapore and Shanghai run on compatible voltages, it's worth building the habit of checking device labels before plugging in, especially if you're travelling with appliances picked up in other countries. Look for "100–240V" or "220–240V" to confirm compatibility.

Hotel rooms in Shanghai, including in international properties, sometimes have fewer accessible sockets than you'd expect given the age of the building's wiring. A compact multi-port USB adapter or travel power strip is a simple fix, and given how cheap electronics are in Shanghai, you can easily pick one up there if you forget.

Here are solid picks across three of Shanghai's most visited neighbourhoods, all bookable through Traveloka Singapore.

Staying along or near the Bund gives you some of the most iconic views in Asia, with the Pudong skyline across the river and easy access to the city's historic waterfront, Old Town, and Yu Garden. It's the natural base for first-time visitors.

Hotel recommendations: Holiday Inn SHANGHAI NANJING ROAD by IHG, Conrad Shanghai, Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, and Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai.

Jing'an is Shanghai's most polished neighbourhood for day-to-day city life, upscale shopping, excellent restaurants, the buzz of Nanjing West Road, and easy metro access to everywhere else. A great base if you're not on your first visit and want to be in the thick of things without the tourist crowds.

Hotel recommendations: Atour Hotel  Jing'an Temple Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Jing An Shangri-La, Yumian³ Hotel, and CitiGO Hotel, West Nanjing Road.

Pudong is Shanghai's financial district and home to its most recognisable skyline, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower are all here. It's quieter than the west bank in the evenings but unbeatable for proximity to the towers and Pudong Airport connections.

Hotel recommendations: Novotel Shanghai Clover, J Hotel, Shanghai Tower, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai, and Grand Hyatt Shanghai.

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Book a flight to Shanghai from Singapore and arrange an airport transfer from Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport through the Traveloka app. Check Traveloka promotions for the latest Shanghai flight and hotel deals, and explore car rental options if you're planning to venture beyond the city to Suzhou, Hangzhou, or the surrounding region.

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