Power Outlets in China

In Shanghai, most hotels and modern apartments actually have 2 types of outlet available. There is the 3 pronged angle pins (Australian style) and the 2 pin that accepts the 2 pronged flat pin (like in the US but without the ground) and the 2 small round pins (European style).

The photo was taken in our lounge room showing how an outlet with the 2 sets of pin configuration appear (yes they put the Australian pins upside down - must have figured that makes sense since we are `Down Under').

Because of the different plugs, most tourists (especially Australians) can travel to Shanghai without the need for travel adaptors. I have a whole bunch of appliances from Australia that I plug straight into the Chinese sockets (phone and camera charger, external HDD etc) with no drama. However travel adaptors are readily available if required.

The only difference is that it is 220V  in China not 240V.

____________________________________________________________________________

Although vietnam airlines have been offering exemplary deals, now asiana airlines as well as ata airlines are bent on competing. The aim is to beat swiss airlines.

Check out their great deals !

____________________________________________________________________________

Comments

[Andrew Chua]

Hi David

I am from Penang Malaysia. Would I have problem using my laptop, camera battery charger plugs in Shanghai?

I will bring a extension plug that looks like it can use the round 2-pin pictured above. It is common in Shanghai?

Will it be a problem to use a 240V appliance in Shanghai having the 220V current?

I will be in Shanghai for Chinaplas 2010.

Thanks!!

[David Tan]

Hi Andrew,

Voltage wise, so far I have never encountered any issues. The gadgets I used in Shanghai are 3 pins too.

The 2 pins ones are common but a multi-adapter would always be useful.

[Bob]

I will be in China in September my computer, cellular phone, computer and camera charges are made for the US where I come from. What kind of adapter will be needed in that trip.

[Neil]

Bob, This info may be too late for your trip but, US appliance have a voltage of 110V at 60Hz... you will have problems if you try them on a 220V outlet. However, if you are using a Laptop or something with a AC adapter, you should look on the adapter to see if it supports 110-240V if it does, then you just need to use a universal plug to change the tip. If it doesn't you'd need a voltage converter too.