China uses Types A and I plugs, 220V at 50Hz. Travelling from the UK you need a plug adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are usually rated 100-240V, so they only need the right plug.
| Plug type | Types A and I |
| Type A | two flat parallel pins |
| Type I | two flat angled pins, often with an earth pin |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Travelling from | Home plug | Adapter | Voltage converter |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Type G, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| United States | Types A and B, 120V | Not needed for Type A | Needed for single-voltage appliances |
| India | Types C, D and M, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| United Arab Emirates | Type G, 230V | Needed | Not needed |
| Australia | Type I, 230V | Not needed for Type I | Not needed |
| Canada | Types A and B, 120V | Not needed for Type A | Needed for single-voltage appliances |
Source: Mains electricity by country (IEC plug letters), checked 2026-10-16. Hotels may also have other sockets.
Types A and I: Type A has two flat parallel pins; Type I has two flat angled pins, often with an earth pin.
220V at 50Hz.
Yes. United Kingdom uses Type G and China uses Types A and I, so you need an adapter.
Not always. Both use Type A, so United States plugs of that type fit. The voltage differs (120V vs 220V), so single-voltage appliances need a converter.
Yes. India uses Types C, D and M and China uses Types A and I, so you need an adapter.
Yes. United Arab Emirates uses Type G and China uses Types A and I, so you need an adapter.
Not always. Both use Type I, so Australia plugs of that type fit.
Not always. Both use Type A, so Canada plugs of that type fit. The voltage differs (120V vs 220V), so single-voltage appliances need a converter.