Mainland China - power plugs / adapters?

[Isochronous]

Heard from a friend of mine that they use the same as Australia, and wikipedia seems to agree - AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Can anyone confirm that this is correct, i.e. I don't need to buy adapters before I go?

 

[NM]

Heard from a friend of mine that they use the same as Australia, and wikipedia seems to agree - AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Can anyone confirm that this is correct, i.e. I don't need to buy adapters before I go?

Mainland China and Australia plugs are very similar and generally interchangeable. China pins tend to be a little thinner, but I have always found them to be compatible. Note however that Hong Kong uses UK style plugs. I am not sure what is used in other SAR's like Macau. I would carry both Aussie and UK plugs to be sure.

 

[seanpodge]

You should be able to get away without an adapter in most situations. The plug is like the Australian plug but upside down. The Chinese pins are a millimetre or two off compared to the Australian ones so you may have to be a little forceful when plugging in, but after that it's fine. Voltage is close enough.

Many sockets have two different socket types for different plugs, usually the two flat parallel pin type from the US (e.g. the electric beard trimmer I bought recently in New York can be charged in a Chinese socket without an adapter). Here is an example from my apartment here in China of what I'm talking about:



A very handy Chinese idea (I believe) is the multi plug power board one can get in most small shops, supermarkets, hardware shops, et cetera for about A$5-10. I haven't tried with all plugs, but it looks like it could take just about anything you could throw at it (even possibly those UK/Irish behemoths) and get some juice flowing through it. (Pictured below).



Could be a good idea for people who buy electronics from overseas with all different plugs if you get one with the Australian style plug on the lead (the one pictured does).

 

[harvyk]

No adapter required when I went to China. I did take both a UK style adapter (for HKG), plus a US style adapter just to be sure, but never needed it, could use AU style plugs everywhere.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Mainland China and Australia plugs are very similar and generally interchangeable. China pins tend to be a little thinner, but I have always found them to be compatible. Note however that Hong Kong uses UK style plugs. I am not sure what is used in other SAR's like Macau. I would carry both Aussie and UK plugs to be sure.

Macau is same as HK.