When visiting China, most travellers bring along their phone, laptop, camera, or other electronic devices — and some even travel with a drone. To help you travel with them without any issues and avoid unnecessary hassles, we’ve put together this simple guide below.


Power sockets and electricity in China

  • Power outlets and plug types
    China mainly uses the following plug standards:

    • Two flat pins (Type A)
      Type A plugs have two flat, parallel pins and are not grounded. They are commonly used for small electronic devices and will feel familiar to travellers from the US and Japan. Because they are not grounded, they are less suitable for high-power appliances.

    • Three flat pins (Type I)
      Type I plugs have three flat pins arranged in a triangular shape, including a grounding pin. This makes them safer for higher voltage or more sensitive electronics. This standard is similar to what is used in Australia and New Zealand. You’ll often find these outlets in newer buildings and modern areas in China, and they work well for laptops, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances.

    • European two-round-pin plugs (Type C)
      Some places also accept Type C plugs (two round pins), which are common across Europe. Like Type A, they are not grounded and are usually intended for low-power devices. Keep in mind that Type C sockets are not guaranteed everywhere.

  • Travel adapters
    If your devices use different plug types, the easiest solution is to bring a universal travel adapter. It works in China and will be useful for future trips to other countries as well.

  • Voltage
    China uses 220V / 50Hz electricity.

    • Many modern chargers (phones, laptops, cameras) support both 110V and 220V automatically — check the label on your charger to be sure.

    • If your device only supports 110V, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to use it in China. This is especially important for high-wattage appliances such as hair dryers or irons, which often do not support dual voltage.

  • USB charging
    USB charging is widely available in China. Airports, cafés, public transportation, and hotels commonly offer USB charging ports. Most smartphones, tablets, and other modern devices can be charged with a standard USB cable.

(A portable charger powering a smartphone)

Power banks (portable chargers) and spare lithium batteries

  • 3C certification requirement
    In mainland China, power banks without a 3C(CCC) mark are not allowed on flights, even if they have CE certification.
    The 3C certification (China Compulsory Certification) is China’s mandatory safety approval system, similar in purpose to the EU’s CE marking. It applies to products that involve electrical, fire, or mechanical risks.

  • Battery capacity limits
    Airlines in China follow clear rules based on battery energy capacity:

    • ≤ 100Wh: Can be carried on board without airline approval

    • 100Wh – 160Wh: Airline approval required in advance; maximum 2 units per passenger

    • > 160Wh: Strictly prohibited on board

  • How to calculate battery energy (Wh)
    Many travellers are confused by this, but the calculation is straightforward:
    Energy (Wh) = Capacity (Ah) × Voltage (V)
    Most power banks list capacity in mAh, so you’ll need to convert it first:

    • 1Ah = 1000mAh

  • Examples:

    • A 20,000mAh power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7V
      → 20Ah × 3.7V = 74Wh
      → Under 100Wh, allowed on board without approval

    • A 30,000mAh power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7V
      → 30Ah × 3.7V = 111Wh
      → Between 100Wh and 160Wh, airline approval required

  • Carry-on only
    Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage or on your person. They are not allowed in checked baggage.

(A DJI drone)

Bringing and using a drone during your trip (non-commercial)

  • Bringing a drone into China
    Drones themselves are not on the prohibited items list. The main concern is the battery, which must follow the lithium battery rules above. Make sure the battery capacity is below 160Wh and carry it with you in your hand luggage.

  • Buying and registering a drone
    Foreign travellers can legally purchase drones in China. In fact, DJI — the world’s leading drone manufacturer — is a Chinese company.
    However, any drone weighing over 250 grams (about 0.55 lbs) must be registered with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The process is not complicated, but it does require a Chinese phone number, so you’ll need to purchase a local SIM card.

  • Flight restrictions (very important)

    • Most consumer drones are limited to a maximum altitude of 120 meters

    • China clearly defines fly zones and no-fly zones, including:

      • Airport control areas

      • Military zones

      • Other permanently restricted areas

    • You can check where flying is permitted using the drone manufacturer’s app or official platform

Before you leave, take a moment to check your backpack, make sure you’ve packed the right things, and set yourself up for a smooth trip in China.