What Plug Does Hong Kong Use?
View CountryHong Kong uses the Type G (BS 1363) three-rectangular-pin plug and supplies 230 V at 50 Hz. Most travellers need a Type G adapter unless they already have a G plug, and many modern chargers are dual-voltage so a converter is often unnecessary for phones and laptops.
Plug Types
Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Hong Kong?
Most sockets in Hong Kong accept Type G (three rectangular pins). Visitors from the UK & Ireland do not need an adapter. Travellers from Europe, Australia & New Zealand, India, the US & Canada, and Japan do need an adapter. Buy a Type G adapter or a reliable universal adapter that covers Type G plugs. Remember an adapter only changes pin shape, it does not convert voltage, so US, Canadian and Japanese visitors should check their devices before plugging in.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Plug adapter | Voltage converter |
|---|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | Needed | Check your devices |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | Not needed | Not needed |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | Needed | Not needed |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | Needed | Not needed |
| India | Type D/C | Needed | Not needed |
| Japan | Type A/B | Needed | Check your devices |
Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong supplies 230 V at 50 Hz. Many phone, tablet and laptop chargers are dual-voltage 100-240 V and will work with a plug adapter only. Single-voltage appliances, commonly hair dryers and straighteners, may require a voltage converter. According to the table, travellers from the US, Canada and Japan should check their device labels and use a converter if needed. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India generally do not need a converter for typical consumer electronics.
Hong Kong Plugs and Sockets Explained
Type G (BS 1363) is the standard plug in Hong Kong. It has three rectangular pins in a triangular layout, with a longer top pin for the earth and two lower live and neutral pins. The plug is earthed and the sockets are designed for these three-pin plugs. Type G is the primary and widespread plug type across the city, so travel adapters must fit this shape to work with Hong Kong sockets.
Tips for Charging Your Devices in Hong Kong
- Bring a Type G adapter or a universal adapter that covers Type G
- Check device labels for 100-240 V before assuming compatibility
- For hair dryers and straighteners buy dual-voltage models or use a converter rated for the appliance wattage
- Carry a compact multi-USB charger to reduce the number of plug adapters you need
- Pack a spare adapter or spare fuse for Type G plugs if your adapter uses replaceable fuses