Electricity:

Electricity voltage varies between countries. Over 30 countries (including those in North America) use a voltage of 110V~130V, while another 120 countries (including most of Europe), use a voltage of 220V~230V. The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC (Hong Kong is 200V; Taiwan is 110V).

If you travel to China and wish to bring electric devices for use during your stay, a transformer, which can be bought in China for 100-200 Yuan, is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in the main portion of the guest room, only 220V sockets are available.

As the shape of plugs also varies between countries, a portable plug converter may also be necessary. These can be purchased from travel stores (such as Franzus) or electronics stores (i.e. RadioShack, Best Buy) in your local countries.