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China plug type: A complete guide to power plugs in China
Type I plugs are the most common plug type in China, though you may find type A, type C, and type G plugs as well.
Planning a trip to China soon? Make sure you’ll be able to keep your devices charged and avoid unexpected headaches during your trip. Type I is the standard plug type in China, though some older buildings may still have type A plugs.
Follow along to learn all about the most common plug types in China, whether or not you need a travel adapter, and how to stay connected throughout your stay.
A safe way to stay connected
Holafly's eSIM for China includes a VPN, ensuring maximum protection for your connection.
Type I (Three flat pins)
Type I is the most common plug type in China. It has three flat pins: two pins turned at a 30-degree angle, forming a V shape, and a grounding pin in the middle. Some type I plugs don’t have a grounding pin, in which case, it’s just two flat pins forming a V shape.
This is the plug type you’ll most commonly find in public spaces such as libraries, cafes, and airports throughout China.
Type A (Two flat parallel pins)
Type A plugs feature two flat parallel pins, usually with holes at the end of each pin. This plug shape is fairly common in Taiwan and Hong Kong, but has been mostly phased out of mainland China. You may still find it in some older hotels and buildings, but you shouldn’t rely on these plugs as your only power source.
Type C and Type G plugs
Plug type C (European standard) and plug type G (UK standard) are rarely used in China. However, such power sockets can sometimes be found at high-end hotels catering to international travelers, making life easier for their customers.
Type C plugs feature two round pins, while type G plugs have three flat pins — two horizontal flat pins at the bottom and a vertical flat pin at the top.
Standard voltage in China
The standard power supply voltage in mainland China is 220V/50Hz, which is also the standard voltage in Hong Kong. In Taiwan, the standard voltage is 110V/60Hz.
Most chargers, such as the ones for your phone or laptop, are dual-voltage rated appliances rated at 100-240V, which means that you will be able to use them regardless of whether the voltage is 220V or 110V.
That said, you should check the voltage of your devices before plugging them in. If the voltage doesn’t match the standard one in China, you should use a voltage converter to avoid damaging your devices and appliances.
Do I need a plug adapter in China?
A universal plug adapter is an absolute must when traveling in China. First of all, you may find different plugs, such as type I or type A, depending on where in China you travel and even on how old the building of your hotel is. This means that you can’t rely on a single plug type throughout your trip.
Without an adapter, you may not be able to charge and use your phone in China freely. So, even if you have an eSIM, a travel SIM card for China, or even pocket WiFi for China, you won’t be able to access mobile internet in China if you don’t have a reliable way to keep your devices charged.
Get unlimited data and a VPN in China with Holafly
Holafly’s eSIM for China offers a reliable and affordable way to stay connected in China, with prices as low as $1.55/day, depending on the duration of your plan. All travel eSIM plans include unlimited data and a built-in VPN, so you can overcome the Great Firewall of China and browse the web more freely while in the country. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
If you’re planning an extended stay or travel frequently, Holafly Plans offers a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations, including China. Simply pick a plan that suits your needs, use it to stay connected worldwide, and cancel anytime. No cancellation fees or long-term contracts to worry about.
A safe way to stay connected
Holafly's eSIM for China includes a VPN, ensuring maximum protection for your connection.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
