Travel essentials for China

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

No adapter needed

Good news for Australians: China's Type I socket is the same shape as Australia's, so your plugs generally fit without an adapter. Sockets often accept multiple pin types. Voltage is 220V, close enough to Australia's 230V.

220V, 50Hz

Tap water

Not safe to drink

Don't drink the tap water. Boiled water is provided everywhere — hot water dispensers are standard in hotels, trains and airports.

Staying connected

Excellent everywhere, including on high-speed rail and in the metro.

This is the key decision for a China trip. A local SIM sits behind the Great Firewall. An international roaming eSIM usually routes your traffic through a gateway outside China, which means Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail keep working. Check the provider explicitly states this before you buy.

Compare China eSIMs

Health risks

Air pollution in northern cities in winter
Extreme summer heat
Food and water-borne illness outside major restaurants

Emergency numbers in China

All emergencies	110 police / 120 ambulance
Police	110
Ambulance	120
Fire	119
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Beijing — +86 10 5140 4111

Tipping and everyday costs

Not customary and sometimes refused. High-end hotels and tour guides catering to foreigners are the exception.

More China essentials

Entry requirements Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Connectivity Instant data, no physical SIM required. Travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover from Australian insurers. Money & payments Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Airport transfer Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead. Trip checklist Tick off every essential before you fly.

China travel essentials FAQs

Do I need a power adapter for China?

Usually not. Chinese sockets commonly use the Type I plug, the same shape as Australia's, and often accept several pin types. Voltage is 220V, close enough to Australia's 230V.