Do I need a voltage converter for China?

Almost certainly not. China is 220V/50Hz, and any charger labeled 'Input 100–240V' — which includes nearly all modern phone, laptop and camera chargers — handles it natively. You only need a plug adapter. A converter is needed solely for single-voltage 110–120V appliances like some US hair dryers.

Which plug adapter do I need for China?

One universal adapter covering Type A (flat two-pin), Type C (round two-pin) and Type I (three angled pins) covers every socket you will meet. Visitors from the US and Japan: your two-pin plugs fit many sockets as-is, but bring an adapter for three-pin devices. UK and Australian visitors: Australian-style plugs fit Type I sockets directly.

Do Chinese hotels have USB ports?

Almost universally, at every level above the most basic. Newer rooms have USB-A or USB-C sockets built into bedside panels and desk outlets. If yours doesn't, the front desk can usually lend a cable or adapter.

Can I charge my laptop on a Chinese high-speed train?

Yes — every seat on high-speed trains (G/D trains) has a 220V outlet, and many have USB ports too. The power is stable enough for laptops; just bring your usual charging brick with an adapter on the plug.

Is the electricity in China the same as Hong Kong?

Voltage is the same 220V/50Hz family, but sockets differ: Hong Kong uses UK-style Type G three rectangular pins. If your trip includes both mainland China and Hong Kong, a two-region adapter or a universal one is required.

Power Plugs in China: Which Adapter You Actually Need (220V, Types A, C, I)

Short answer

China uses 220V/50Hz electricity with three socket types in circulation: Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins) and Type I (three angled pins, the Australian shape). Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V), so you need only a plug adapter, not a converter. A single universal travel adapter covers everything; hotels almost universally provide USB ports or bedside sockets, and convenience stores sell adapters cheaply if you arrive without one.

The socket zoo, and which one you will meet

Type A: two flat parallel pins — the US/Japan shape. Extremely common in hotels; most US, Japanese and Chinese two-pin chargers plug straight in.
Type C: two round pins — the European shape. Also common, especially in newer buildings; most European two-pin chargers plug straight in.
Type I: three flat angled pins — the Australian/Chinese three-pin shape. Used for high-power appliances (kettles, heaters) and many Chinese-built devices.
The catch for visitors: UK (Type G), and three-pin US/EU grounded plugs do not fit without an adapter. Buy one universal adapter before you fly — a few dollars — or grab one at an airport convenience store on arrival.

Voltage: adapter vs converter

China runs 220V at 50Hz. Check the fine print on your charger's brick: 'Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz' means it is dual-voltage — plug adapter only, safe everywhere in China. Nearly every phone, laptop, camera and e-reader charger made this decade qualifies.
Single-voltage appliances — basic hair dryers, curling irons built for 110–120V (US/Japan models) — need a step-down converter, or better, leave them home: hotels above budget level provide in-room hair dryers, and hotel hair dryers are wired for the local voltage.
North American 120V-only devices plugged into 220V without a converter will burn out fast — the adapter only changes the pin shape, not the volts.

The practical packing list

One universal travel adapter (Type A/C/I coverage) per person — this is the whole kit for most travelers.
A short USB-C or multi-port charging cable: hotel rooms almost always have USB sockets or plenty of outlets near the bed, and high-speed trains have outlets at every seat (and often USB ports too).
A power bank, charged before flight day: sightseeing days run long, rental power banks via WeChat/Alipay exist everywhere but need a working account and a return dock.
Forgot everything? Convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson) and hotel front desks usually sell or lend adapters — the front-desk lending shelf is reliable at international chains.

Related guides

Official sources

Guide for Foreign Business People in China (2026 ed.), SAFE — practical living

Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.