Power Plugs and Sockets in China - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to China 🇨🇳 from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, then IT DEPENDS.
In China, the plug types used are A, C and I. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Puerto Rico, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Puerto Rico is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz.
Type A
Type C
Type I
✅ Your devices from Puerto Rico of type A will be valid and will work without an adapter.
⚠️ Your devices from Puerto Rico of type B will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In China they use 220 V while in Puerto Rico you have 120 V.
What are the plugs like in China?
In China, the predominant plug types are A, C and I. If you are coming from Puerto Rico, then your devices are of type A or B.
In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.
In China, the majority of recessed outlets support both Type A and I simultaneously. Some outlets support both Type A and C (the slots in the outlets are flat in the center and round on the sides, allowing for the use of both types). Type I outlets are similar to Type A and C.
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to China?
It is important to know that in China the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Puerto Rico, the electrical voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60Hz.
Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in China. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in China.
- What are the plugs like in China?
- Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to China?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in China?
- Can I plug in my laptop charger in China?
- Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in China?
- How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
- What happens if I connect a 120 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?
- What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to China.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in China?
If you are travelling from Puerto Rico to China, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you may need an adapter in China to charge your iPhone or Android.
Can I plug in my laptop charger in China?
If you are travelling from Puerto Rico to China, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Puerto Rico and China have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in China.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in China?
The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Puerto Rico and China, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in China.
However, since the plugs in China and Puerto Rico are not fully compatible, we recommend that you acquire a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer with peace of mind.
How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?
To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in China with a different voltage than your device.
However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to China from Puerto Rico and there is not full compatibility, you may still need a plug adapter.
What happens if I connect a 120 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 120 V device from Puerto Rico to a 220 V socket in China without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to China, make sure you have a voltage adapter.
What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?
When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in China without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.
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