The Chinese electricity system runs on a 220V, 50Hz alternating current. Plugs are usually two pronged, either flat pinned as in the US or round as in Europe. There are also three-pronged, angled, pinned plugs in the Australian style. International travel adapter plugs are readily available at most travel stores in the West, but not in China. Most hotels are equipped with hair dryers.

US appliances run on 110V alternating current. For a US appliance to run in China, you will need a transformer to reduce the 220V current to 110V. Some hotel bathrooms have 110V outlets for electric shavers. Most laptop adapters and mobile phone chargers function across the entire 110V to 240V range (check the label) and do not require transformers (though you may require an adapter plug as noted above).

In Hong Kong and Macau, electric sockets follow the British standard of three rectangular pins in a triangle configuration.

Note that since August 2025 all power banks must carry the Chinese CCC certification to be allowed on board domestic flights. Non-compliant batteries will be confiscated and are also not allowed in check-in luggage. Those who wish to travel with power banks are advised to look for the CCC compliance logo in advance, or consider to purchase a battery after arrival into China.