Domestic electricity supply voltage varies between countries. Over 30 countries (including those in North America) use a voltage of 110V~130V, while another 120 countries (including most of Europe), use a voltage of 220V~230V. The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC (Hong Kong is 220V; Taiwan is 110V), while the supply voltage of Japan is 100V, 50/60HZ.

If you visit China and wish to bring electric devices for use during your stay, a transformer, which can be bought in China for CNY100-200, is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available.

As the shape of a socket varies between countries, a portable plug adaptor may also be necessary. It can be purchased from stores (such as Franzus) or electronics stores (i.e. RadioShack, Best Buy) in your local countries. Also you can buy it in China.

Electricity Voltage

The following information refers to the electricity voltage of some countries:

Argentina 220V/50HZ Barbados 115V/50HZ Belgium 220V/50HZ

Brazil 127-220V/60HZ Britain 240V/50HZ Burma 230V/50HZ

Canada 120V/60HZ Cuba 120V/60HZ Denmark 220V/50HZ

Egypt 220V/50HZ Finland 220V/50HZ France 220V/50HZ

Germany 230V/50HZ Hungary 220V/50HZ Italy 220V/50HZ

Malaysia 240V/50HZ Mexico 120V/60HZ Netherlands 220V/50HZ

Portugal 220V/50HZ South Africa 220V/50HZ South Korea 220V/60HZ

Spain 127V, 220V/50HZ Sri Lanka 230V/50HZ Togo 220V/50HZ

Vietnam 120V, 50HZ Uganda 240V/50HZ U.S.A. 120V/60HZ

Standards of Sockets

At present, there are five main standards of sockets in the world, including the standards of Europe, America, Britain, South Africa and China. Hereunder are the related pictures for your reference:

-European standard

This type of sockets (also called German-standard) is widely used in European countries. Plugs fit very well into such sockets, making it difficult for plugs to work loose by accident, which helps to increase safety.

-American standard

This is an American-standard socket, which is widely used in the USA, Japan, Canada and other countries.

-British standard

The British-standard socket is mainly used in Britain, Singapore and many other countries. Hong Kong also uses such a socket.

-South African standard

This is a South African-standard socket, widely used in Africa and India. The upper hole is bigger than the two lower.

-Chinese standard

Such a socket is common in China, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries.