China Electricity
From ChinaTravelGuide
The electricity in mainland China is 220V, 50HZ while Hong Kong is 200V/220V and Taiwan is 110V. Over 30 countries including Japan and those in North America use a voltage of 110V~130V. If you are from one of those countries, you will need a voltage converter to operate your devices that do not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz.
There are three main types of voltage converter: Resistor-network converters, transformer, and a combo converter that includes both. Resistor-network converters support high-wattage appliances like hair dryers and irons (somewhere in the range of 50-1600 Watts). But they can only be used for short periods of time and are not ideal for digital devices.
Transformers have a much lower maximum Watt rating, usually 50 or 100 Watts. They can be bought in China for about 100-200 Yuan. Transformers can better for low-wattage devices like battery chargers, laptop computers, cameras and camcorders, and other small devices. However, they are heavy because of large iron rods and lots of copper wire inside it.
The resistor network and transformer combo usually come with a switch that switches between the two modes. If you absolutely need to operate both high-wattage appliances and low-wattage devices, this is the type to buy.
In addition, the plug shapes, plug holes, plug sizes and sockets you are used to in your country may be different from those in China. Refer to Electricity around the world for a complete list of voltage, frequency, and plug/socket specs for different countries. China uses A, I, G types of plug/socket (see images).
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If your device plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter besides the voltage converter. It can be purchased from electronics or travel stores in your local country.
