Below is a guide for using power sources and plugs to help tourists safely and conveniently use electronic devices:

 

Voltage and Frequency

 

Standard Voltage: China uniformly uses AC 220 volts, which differs significantly from Japan (100 volts) and Western countries (110-120 volts).

 

Frequency: The national standard is 50 hertz.

 

Precautions:

 

For Japanese/North American appliances: A transformer (220V to 110V) is needed, otherwise, the device may be damaged due to high voltage.

 

Dual-voltage appliances (such as phone and laptop chargers): Typically support 100-240V and can be used directly, only requiring an adapter for the plug.

 

Plug Types

China mainly uses the following two types of plugs:

 


Type A: Two-flat pins (without a grounding pin), commonly found in small devices like phone chargers.

 

Type I: Three-flat pins (in a "pin" shape), often used in high-power appliances (such as electric kettles).

 

Adapter Requirements:

For Japanese/American tourists: Bring an A-type to I-type adapter (Japanese two-flat pins can fit into Chinese A-type sockets, but there's no grounding which may cause instability).

 

For European tourists: Bring a Euro-standard to I-type adapter.

 

Buying Adapters and Transformers

1. Offline Channels:

Digital malls: Such as Tianhe Computer City, Gangting Digital Harbor, etc., electronic markets, prices around 10-30 yuan.

Chain electronics stores: Such as Suning, Gome, JD offline stores, with better quality assurance.

Convenience stores/supermarkets: Basic models of adapters available at some stores like 7-11, FamilyMart.

 

2. Online Purchase: Taobao, JD support pre-order and delivery to hotels.

 

Public Charging Facilities

1. Transportation Hubs:

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: USB ports and I-type sockets are available next to seats in the waiting area.

Guangzhou South Railway Station (high-speed rail): Sockets are provided in the waiting hall and under train seats (adapter required).

Subway: Some new lines (such as Line 18) have USB charging ports in carriages.

 

2. Commercial Places:

Cafes/Fast Food Restaurants: Starbucks, McDonald's, etc., offer free sockets, but in limited quantity.

Shopping Malls: Rest areas in malls like Tianhe City, Taikoo Li have shared power banks (scan to rent).

 

3. Hotels:

City hotels generally provide I-type sockets, and some offer international standard sockets or USB ports.

 

Practical Tips

Preparation: It is recommended to bring a multi-port USB power strip to solve the problem of charging multiple devices.

 

Shared Power Banks: Common street cabinets like "Monster Charging," "Meituan Charging" with a deposit of about 99 yuan (refundable).

 

Emergency: If the device is incompatible with high voltage, contact the hotel front desk to borrow a transformer.

 

Safety Tips:

Avoid using unverified cheap adapters to prevent short circuits or fire risks.

For high-power appliances (hairdryers, curling irons), it is recommended to use the equipment provided by the hotel.