You can buy travel plug adapters in Shanghai at electronics markets, large retailers, and online stores, with prices typically ranging from ¥30 to ¥150.
Can you buy travel adapters at the airport?
Yes, you can buy travel adapters at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports, but they are usually priced 2‑3 times higher than city stores.
Airport shops tend to mark up electronics because they know travelers have limited options; a simple ¥50 adapter can jump to ¥120‑¥150. Honestly, you’ll usually find better deals at the electronics markets on Nanjing Road or by ordering ahead on JD.com. If you’re caught without one, though, the airport kiosks are a decent backup.
How do I convert Chinese plug to us?
To use a Chinese plug in the United States, you need a plug adapter that changes the shape from China’s type A/I to the US type A/B, and a step‑down voltage converter if your device isn’t dual‑voltage.
Start by figuring out if your device has the flat‑pin type A plug or the three‑pin type I version. Grab a US‑compatible adapter, then run it through a 220V‑to‑110V converter before you plug into the wall. Most gadgets these days are dual‑voltage, so you often only need the adapter—just double‑check the label to be safe.
No, travel adapters differ by the plug shapes they support and whether they include voltage conversion or surge protection.
Some adapters only handle a single region—think EU‑to‑US—while universal versions can cope with dozens of socket types. You’ll also see differences in built‑in fuses, USB ports, and amp ratings (say, 6 A versus 10 A). Pick one that fits the places you’re heading to and the draw of your gear.
No, the standard EU plug (type C or F) is not identical to China’s plugs, although Chinese type A sockets can accept the Europlug type C.
In China you’ll mostly run into type A sockets (two flat pins) and type I sockets (three flat pins arranged in a triangle), whereas Europe leans on type C or the round‑pin E/F varieties. A Chinese type A outlet will happily take a Europlug, but you can’t plug a Chinese plug into a European socket without an adapter. Bottom line: most European gadgets will need an adapter to work in China.
There are 15 main plug types used worldwide, designated type A through O by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
You’ll find type A and B plugs across North America and Japan, while Europe leans on type C, E, and F. The UK sticks with type G, and Australia, New Zealand plus China use type I. Places like India and South Africa often rely on types D or M. Each variant differs in pin shape, spacing, and the presence of an earth pin—so matching the type to your destination is the quickest way to choose the right adapter.
The best travel adapters combine broad compatibility, solid build quality, and useful extras like USB ports and surge protection.
If you’re shopping in 2026, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter (150+ countries, 6A/10A, dual USB‑C) often tops the lists, alongside the BESTEK 200W Converter Adapter (which adds voltage conversion for devices up to 200W) and the compact Tessan International Adapter (five USB ports, built‑in surge protection). Check for CE, FCC, or RoHS marks to stay safe, and expect to spend anywhere from ¥80 to ¥250 based on the feature set.
What is the difference between a travel adapter and a travel converter?
A travel adapter only changes the plug shape so your device can fit into a foreign socket, while a travel converter alters the voltage (and sometimes frequency) to match your device’s requirements.
An adapter is just a mechanical bridge—it changes the plug shape but leaves the voltage untouched. A converter, on the other hand, actually steps the voltage up or down (and can tweak the frequency) using internal transformers or electronics. Save the converter for non‑dual‑voltage gear like hair dryers or irons; phones, laptops and their chargers usually work fine with just an adapter.
A travel adapter is a portable device that allows the plug of an electrical appliance to connect to a foreign power socket by matching the socket’s hole pattern.
It features slots or movable pins that line up with the foreign outlet, while your device’s plug stays exactly as it is. Most adapters are feather‑light—often under 50 g—and meant for brief trips. Since they don’t touch the voltage, you’ll want to confirm your gear can handle the local supply before you plug in.
Yes, you can use a simple plug adapter to change a China plug (type A or I) to fit Singapore’s type G socket, and the voltage is compatible because both regions use 220‑240 V at 50 Hz.
Singapore runs on the UK‑style type G socket (three rectangular pins), so a Chinese type A or I plug won’t fit without an adapter. The good news is that voltage and frequency line up—both are 220‑240 V at 50 Hz—so you only need a mechanical adapter. Just make sure it’s rated for at least 10 A to cover everyday appliances.
No, European plugs (types C, E, F) and American plugs (types A, B) differ in shape, voltage, and frequency.
The US runs on 110‑120 V at 60 Hz with flat‑pin plugs, whereas most of Europe delivers 220‑240 V at 50 Hz using round‑pin designs. Plenty of gadgets are dual‑voltage these days, but you’ll still need an adapter to make the plugs match. Give the label a quick look before you plug in overseas.
Yes, a plug adapter that converts a European type C/E/F plug to a US type A/B plug will let you use European devices in the United States.
The adapter gives you the flat pins US outlets expect while keeping your European plug attached to the device. Because US voltage sits around 110‑120 V, you’ll want to confirm your gear can handle that lower range—or grab a step‑up converter if it’s built for 220‑240 V. Luckily, a lot of today’s electronics are dual‑voltage, so the adapter often does the job on its own.
Most modern electronics only need an adapter because they are designed to accept a wide range of voltages (typically 100‑240 V).
Most phones, laptops and camera chargers show an input range like “100‑240 V ~ 50/60 Hz” on their bricks, meaning they’ll work with virtually any mains supply without a converter. Only devices locked to a single voltage—think hair dryers or kitchen appliances rated at 120 V only—need a converter. A quick glance at the label usually tells you what you need.
Yes, a travel adapter is safe when it meets recognized safety standards and is used with devices within its rated current and voltage limits.
Spotting CE, FCC or RoHS labels on the packaging is a good sign the adapter meets safety and fire‑resistance standards. Don’t overload it by plugging in several high‑draw gadgets at once—a 10 A unit, for instance, should stay under roughly 1200 W at 120 V or 2200 W at 220 V. And give it a quick visual check for cracks or loose pins before each trip.
No, plug adapters only modify the shape of the plug; they do not alter the voltage or frequency of the electricity supplied.
Inside an adapter, the wiring just links the matching pins—no transformer, no electronics to shift the voltage. So you’ll need to depend on your device’s voltage tolerance or add a separate converter if the mains don’t match. Mixing up adapters and converters happens more often than you’d think, and it can fry your gear.
Yes, if your device’s plug is not type A or I, you will need a power adapter to physically connect to Chinese outlets, and you may also need a voltage converter if the device isn’t dual‑voltage.
Chinese outlets take either the two‑flat‑pin type A or the three‑flat‑pin type I plug, delivering 220 V at 50 Hz. If you’re coming from the US, Japan or much of Asia with a type A plug, you can often just plug right in. UK type G or European C/E/F plugs, meanwhile, will need an adapter. As always, peek at the voltage rating—most laptops and phone chargers are dual‑voltage, so the adapter alone usually does the trick.
No, China does not use the UK’s type G plug as its standard; the country’s official plugs are type A and I.
It’s true that a few older hotels or buildings might sport universal sockets, but the vast majority of mainland China’s wall outlets are built for type A or the three‑pin type I. A UK type G plug simply won’t mate without an adapter, and forcing it can harm the socket. So if your gear sports a UK plug, pack an adapter.
A 220 V plug varies by country, but in China the common 220 V plugs are type A (two flat parallel pins) and type I (three flat pins arranged in a triangle).
Type A pins usually measure about 1.5 mm thick and sit 12.7 mm apart, with no earth pin. Type I throws in a third flat pin for grounding, angled roughly 30 degrees above the pair. Both are specced for 220‑240 V at 50 Hz. Elsewhere you might encounter a round‑pin type C or the UK’s type G, so a quick glance at the local standard saves headaches.
Determine the outlet type used in your destination country by consulting a plug‑type chart or the device’s manual, then purchase an adapter that matches that pattern.
Take Australia, for instance—you’ll want a type I adapter—while the UK calls for type G. Plenty of stores now flag the supported countries right on the packaging, which makes picking one a breeze. If you’re on the road a lot, a universal adapter that handles dozens of sockets is often the handiest option.
There is no single “best” plug; the ideal plug type depends on the region’s electrical standards and the safety features you value.
Some engineers like the UK type G because its built‑in fuse and shutters add an extra safety layer, whereas others gravitate toward the tiny Europlug type C for low‑power gear. When you’re traveling, a universal adapter that can swallow multiple plug types tends to be the most practical pick. Look for solid construction, clear amp/voltage ratings, and those safety stamps.
Type I plugs are used primarily in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Argentina, and China.
The type I layout sports three flat pins arranged in a triangle and is rated for either 10 A or 15 A at 220‑240 V. Australia and New Zealand require it for every domestic plug, while China pairs it with the legacy type A. A few South American nations—Argentina being a prime example—have also taken on type I for their 220 V grids. Knowing this makes adapter shopping a lot smoother when you’re headed to those spots.
Several manufacturers consistently receive high marks for reliability, safety, and feature set, including Epicka, BESTEK, Tessan, and Skross.
Epicka’s universal adapter gets kudos for its broad country reach and those handy USB‑C ports; BESTEK lines blend adaptation with voltage conversion for heavy‑draw gear; Tessan leans into compact builds packed with USB ports and surge protection; Skross, meanwhile, is the go‑to for rugged, travel‑ready units that frequent flyers swear by. As always, check for CE, FCC or RoHS marks and skim recent user reviews on trusted retail sites.
There are dozens of distinct travel adapter designs, but they can be grouped into roughly five categories based on functionality.
You’ll run into single‑region adapters (think US‑to‑EU), multi‑region models that hit a handful of countries, universal units trying to cover the globe, adapter‑converter combos that also shift voltage, and specialized versions sporting USB ports or surge protection. Inside each bucket you’ll see differences in pin layout, current rating (say, 6 A, 10 A or 16 A), and extras like shutters or fuses. Sure, there are well over a hundred distinct SKUs, but thinking in terms of these functions makes the choice a lot clearer.
As of 2026, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is frequently cited as the top choice for a all‑in‑one solution.
Epicka’s version covers plugs from more than 150 countries, throws in two USB‑C plus two USB‑A ports, rates at 6 A/10 A with surge protection, and sports CE and FCC badges. Fans praise its sturdy feel, clear labels, and wallet‑friendly price (think ¥120‑¥180). The BESTEK 200W Converter Adapter and the Tessan International Adapter are solid alternatives, yet Epicka usually edges them out in independent reviews for versatility and plain‑old ease of use.
Yes, you need an adapter whenever the plug shape of your device does not match the outlet shape of the country you are visiting.
Even when the voltage lines up, a plug that doesn’t match the socket simply won’t go in without an adapter. Picture a US type A plug trying to squeeze into a UK type G outlet—or a European type C plug attempting to work in a Chinese type I socket—it just won’t happen. Give both the plug type and voltage rating a look; if they clash, a converter might join the adapter in your travel kit.
A universal adapter is a single device that mechanically adapts to many different outlet types, allowing you to use your plugs in numerous countries without swapping separate adapters.
A universal adapter normally slides or retracts its pins—or swaps in interchangeable modules—to mimic type A, B, C, G, I, L and a handful of others. Most of these units also toss in USB ports so you can charge phones and tablets straight away. They’re prized for the sheer convenience they offer, especially when you’re hopping between regions on one trip.
To use an international plug adapter, first set it to match the destination outlet type, then insert your device’s plug into the adapter, and finally plug the adapter into the wall socket.
Many universal adapters sport a dial or button to pick the region; you line up the internal pins so they poke out in the right pattern. Seat your device’s plug firmly into the adapter’s socket, making sure the contact is solid. Then push the adapter into the wall outlet with gentle pressure until it’s fully seated. As a rule, confirm the adapter can handle your device’s draw and that the outlet is live before you power anything up.
