China runs on 220V / 50Hz and uses three plug types: Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type I (three angled flat pins). Most phones, laptops, and camera chargers are already dual-voltage, so for those you only need a cheap plug adapter — not a bulky voltage converter. The one thing that catches first-timers is high-power devices (hairdryers, straighteners) and the rules on carrying power banks onto planes. Buy one universal adapter before you fly; you will not want to hunt for one at midnight in a hotel lobby.
Type C (two round pins) is the most common socket you will see in hotel rooms and airports. Type A (two flat pins, no ground) fits the same wall plates in many newer hotels, so a U.S.-style two-prong plug often drops straight in. Type I (three flat pins in a triangular layout) shows up in some newer buildings and is the standard in Hong Kong and Macau — if your trip includes those, your adapter needs to cover it. A single universal adapter that handles A/C/I covers every case.
Almost certainly not, for electronics. Check the tiny print on your charger: if it says “Input 100–240V” (it almost always does on phones, laptops, tablets, camera batteries, electric toothbrushes), the device handles China’s 220V natively and a plain adapter is enough. A converter (not an adapter) is only for single-voltage appliances — and the honest answer is: don’t bring those. A 110V hair dryer plugged through a converter is a fire risk and a hassle. Buy a dual-voltage travel dryer or use the one in your hotel room.
Phone / laptop / tablet / camera battery: dual-voltage, adapter only. No converter.
Electric toothbrush / razor: most modern ones are dual-voltage — check the base. Adapter only if so.
Hairdryer / straightener / curling iron: usually single-voltage. Leave it, use the hotel’s, or buy a cheap dual-voltage one on arrival. Do not rely on a converter.
CPAP machine: check the brick — many are 100–240V and need only an adapter; some aren’t. Confirm before you pack, because you can’t improvise this one at the gate.
Power bank: see the flying rules below — the limit is about the battery, not the wall socket.
In hotel rooms you’ll typically find Type A/C plates, often with a built-in USB-A or USB-C port — so your phone cable may not need the adapter at all if you have a USB-C lead. On high-speed trains every seat has a low outlet (Type A/C) at foot or armrest level; this is the one place a two-pin plug is genuinely handy. Airport waiting areas and some cafés have the same. The practical takeaway: carry one small adapter, and you are covered in every room, train, and lounge you’ll use.
You carry power banks in hand luggage, never checked — that rule is about the battery, not China specifically, but it applies on every leg. Under IATA/ICAO rules a bank up to 100 Wh needs no approval, 100–160 Wh needs airline approval and is capped at two per person, and anything over 160 Wh is banned. China domestic flights add one more rule since 2025-06-28: the bank must carry a clear 3C mark — no 3C, a blurred mark, or a recalled model is refused at security. Sources: CAAC via CCTV News (2026-07-11) and Guangming Net (2026-08-05). Keep the bank in your cabin bag regardless.
One universal travel adapter covering Type A/C/I with a built-in USB-C port is the only thing most travelers need. Skip the converter unless you have a confirmed single-voltage appliance. If you want a specific pick, see the recommendation below — and buy it before you leave home so it’s in your bag on day one.
1) Read the “100–240V” label on every charger. 2) Pack one universal A/C/I adapter. 3) Keep the power bank in cabin baggage. 4) Don’t bring single-voltage heat appliances. That’s it — China’s sockets are less of a problem than the travel guides make them sound.
Plug standards and airline battery rules get updated; verify the current specifics against the official notice before you travel.
Practical first-trip China guides — visas, VPN, eSIM, Alipay, trains, and city routes.