Traveling to China? Here’s What You Need to Know About Power Banks and Electrical Plugs

Carrying Power Banks in China
When traveling in China, there’s an important rule about power banks: for domestic flights, your power bank must have a capacity below 100Wh. If it’s made in China, it should have the CCC (China Compulsory Certification). Power banks made abroad may need CE or FCC certification. These rules don’t apply to trains or international flights. If you’re unsure whether your power bank is certified, it’s safer to leave it at home and buy a certified one in China.

China Uses 220V Electricity
China’s electricity is 220V at 50Hz. Visitors from countries like the U.S. often need a plug adapter since common plug types in China are A, C, and I. Whether you also need a voltage converter depends on your device’s voltage rating.

Key Rule: Check the Voltage Label

• Devices labeled “100-240V” or “AC 100~240V” → These are wide-voltage and can be used safely in China at 220V. No transformer needed, just a plug adapter.
  Examples: Laptop chargers, phone chargers, camera chargers, some shavers.
• Devices labeled for a single voltage (e.g., 110V or 120V) → Plugging them directly into Chinese sockets can damage or burn them. You’ll need a step-down transformer (220V → 110V).
  Examples: Some hair dryers, electric blankets, small kitchen appliances from the U.S. or Japan.
• High-power 110V devices (>1000W) like hair dryers, kettles, or microwaves may still overheat or work inefficiently even with a transformer. It’s better to buy a 220V version or find a local alternative. Most hotels in China provide free hair dryers and electric kettles.

Plug Types
Chinese sockets are mostly flat two- or three-prong, so foreign plugs may need a simple adapter.

Common Chinese Power Plugs:

Common Chinese Sockets: