Hong Kong uses British Type G sockets across the territory
What Voltage Does Hong Kong Use?
The Hong Kong electricity voltage is 220 volts, 50 Hz. This is the standard for all residential and commercial properties across the territory, whether you are renting on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon, or in the New Territories.
Two companies supply power. CLP Power covers Kowloon, the New Territories, and most outlying islands. HK Electric serves Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island. Both deliver the same 220V, 50 Hz supply, so the voltage is identical regardless of where you live.
You may see some international references listing Hong Kong as 230V. That is technically correct in the sense that the International Electrotechnical Commission harmonized the global standard to 230V in 1997, with a tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent. Hong Kong’s actual supply of 220V sits comfortably within that range. In practice, this distinction makes no difference to your appliances. Understanding the Hong Kong electricity voltage before you pack is the single best way to avoid blown fuses on arrival day.
Here is how Hong Kong compares with countries most expats move from:
| Country | Voltage | Frequency | Plug Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 220V | 50 Hz | Type G (British) |
| United Kingdom | 230V | 50 Hz | Type G (British) |
| United States / Canada | 120V | 60 Hz | Type A / B |
| Australia / New Zealand | 230V | 50 Hz | Type I |
| Mainland China | 220V | 50 Hz | Type A / C / I |
| Japan | 100V | 50/60 Hz | Type A / B |
| Singapore | 230V | 50 Hz | Type G (British) |
If you are coming from the UK or Singapore, your appliances already match Hong Kong’s system. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, or Japan, the voltage difference is significant and you will need to plan ahead.
The Hong Kong Plug: Type G (BS 1363)
Hong Kong uses the Type G plug and socket, the same British standard found in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and several other former British territories. The standard is formally known as BS 1363 and has been in use in Hong Kong since the colonial era.
A Type G plug has three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern: one vertical earth pin at the top and two horizontal live and neutral pins below. The plug is physically large compared to other standards and includes a built-in fuse (typically 3A or 13A), which acts as an extra layer of protection for the connected appliance.
Type G sockets usually feature individual switches and safety shutters that only open when the earth pin is inserted first. This design means you cannot accidentally insert a foreign plug into a Hong Kong socket without an adapter.
In some older buildings, particularly those built before the 1970s, you may encounter Type D sockets (the older British round-pin design with three large round pins). These are increasingly rare but still exist in a handful of pre-war buildings in areas like Sheung Wan and Sham Shui Po. If your flat has Type D sockets, a Type D to Type G adapter is cheap and widely available, but it is worth asking the landlord about rewiring before signing the lease. Most landlords will have already upgraded the wiring during renovation.
One important note for expats from Mainland China: although the voltage is the same (220V, 50 Hz), the plug shapes are different. Chinese plugs (typically flat two-pin or angled three-pin) do not fit into Hong Kong’s Type G sockets. You will need an adapter.
Do Your Appliances Work in Hong Kong?
The short answer depends on one number printed somewhere on your device: the voltage rating. Check the small label or engraving on the power brick, the base, or near the plug. It will say something like “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz” or “INPUT: 120V, 60 Hz”.
Dual-voltage devices (100-240V): These work worldwide with nothing more than a plug adapter. Most modern electronics fall into this category, including laptop chargers, smartphone chargers, tablet chargers, camera battery chargers, electric toothbrushes, and electric shavers. If your label says 100-240V, you only need an adapter to change the plug shape.
Single-voltage 110-120V devices: These are common among appliances made for the US, Canadian, and Japanese markets. Plugging a 110V appliance into a 220V socket will, at best, trip a fuse and, at worst, burn out the motor or heating element immediately. Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, some kitchen blenders, and older American coffee machines are the usual culprits. These need a step-down transformer or should be replaced locally.
220-240V devices: Appliances from the UK, Australia, Europe, or Mainland China that are rated for 220-240V will work in Hong Kong with only a plug adapter.
Here is a quick reference for the most common items expats bring:
| Appliance | Typical Rating | What You Need in HK |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop charger | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Phone/tablet charger | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Camera battery charger | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Electric toothbrush charger | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Electric shaver | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Hair dryer (US/Japan) | 110-120V | Transformer required, or buy locally |
| Curling/flat iron (US/Japan) | 110-120V | Transformer required, or buy locally |
| Kitchen blender (US) | 110-120V | Replace locally |
| Coffee machine (US) | 110-120V | Replace locally |
| Rice cooker (Japan) | 100V | Replace locally |
| Gaming console (PS5, Xbox, Switch) | 100-240V | Plug adapter only |
| Desktop PC power supply | 100-240V (most) | Check label, usually adapter only |
| Desk lamp | Varies | Check label |
The general rule: if the device has a power brick (an external box between the plug and the device), it is almost certainly dual-voltage. If the device plugs directly into the wall with a fixed cord and generates heat (dryers, irons, kettles), it is almost certainly single-voltage and designed for your home country’s system.
Adapters vs Transformers: What You Actually Need
These two products solve completely different problems, and confusing them is the most common mistake new arrivals make.
A plug adapter changes the physical shape of the plug so it fits into a Hong Kong Type G socket. It does nothing to the voltage. A US two-pin plug with an adapter will still receive 220V from the socket. This is perfectly fine for dual-voltage devices (100-240V) because they are designed to handle the full range. Adapters are small, light, and cost between HKD 10 and HKD 50.
A voltage transformer (sometimes called a converter) physically changes the electrical output from 220V down to 110V (or vice versa). You need one of these only if your appliance is rated for 110-120V and you want to keep using it in Hong Kong. Transformers are heavier, bulkier, more expensive (HKD 200 to HKD 500 or more), and limited by wattage. A transformer rated for 100 watts will not safely power a 1,500-watt hair dryer.
Before buying a transformer, check the wattage of the appliance. Hair dryers draw 1,200 to 2,000 watts. A transformer capable of handling that load is heavy and expensive enough that buying a new 220V hair dryer in Hong Kong almost always makes more sense.
How to read your appliance label:
Look for a small printed label, engraving, or sticker near the power cord connection. It will show:
- INPUT: the voltage range and frequency (e.g., “100-240V, 50/60 Hz” or “120V, 60 Hz”)
- Wattage (W) or Amps (A): how much power the device draws
If the voltage range includes 220V or 240V, you need only an adapter. If the voltage is fixed at 100V, 110V, or 120V, you need a transformer or a local replacement.
One practical tip: if you are moving from the US and plan to set up utilities in your new flat, buy a high-quality UK-plug power strip before you fly. Plug the power strip into one adapter, and then plug all your dual-voltage devices (laptops, chargers, monitors) into the strip with their original plugs. This saves you from needing a separate adapter for every device.
Where to Buy Adapters and Transformers in Hong Kong
You will not struggle to find adapters in Hong Kong. They are sold almost everywhere.
Fortress and Broadway are Hong Kong’s two main electronics retail chains, with branches in most shopping malls. Both carry a full range of plug adapters (HKD 30 to 150) and basic voltage converters. Fortress also stocks universal travel adapters and multi-country power strips. If you want something reliable on day one, either chain will have what you need.
7-Eleven and convenience stores sell basic UK-to-universal adapters for around HKD 35. The quality is acceptable for temporary use, though not ideal for long-term daily use.
Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po is the budget option. This open-air electronics market has stalls selling every conceivable adapter and converter. Basic plug adapters start from HKD 5 to 10. You can also find step-down transformers here at lower prices than retail chains, though the build quality varies. Inspect before you buy.
HKTVmall and online retailers deliver adapters and converters to your door, usually within one to two days. This is convenient if you have already settled in and realise you need more adapters. The EMSD recommends purchasing electrical products that carry recognised safety marks.
Airport arrivals hall: A few electronics kiosks in the Hong Kong International Airport arrivals area sell adapters at a premium. If you land without one and need to charge your phone immediately, this works as an emergency option. Expect to pay HKD 50 to 80 for a basic adapter.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Packing the wrong appliances wastes luggage space and creates safety risks. Here is a practical breakdown.
Bring these:
- Laptop and its charger (dual-voltage, works with adapter only)
- Phone and tablet chargers (dual-voltage)
- Camera and charging accessories (dual-voltage)
- A universal travel adapter or a pack of US/EU-to-Type-G adapters
- A UK-plug power strip or extension cord (eliminates the need for multiple adapters)
- Dual-voltage grooming tools if you already own them (check the label)
- Gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox, Switch are all dual-voltage)
Leave behind or replace locally:
- US or Japanese hair dryers (110V, high wattage, not worth a transformer)
- American kitchen appliances: blenders, stand mixers, coffee makers, toasters (110V, high wattage)
- Japanese rice cookers (100V)
- Older desk lamps with fixed 110V bulbs
- Any appliance where the label says only “110V” or “120V” and draws more than 200 watts
For expats from Mainland China: Your appliances run on the same 220V, 50 Hz system. Bring everything, but pack a handful of Chinese-to-Type-G plug adapters. You can also buy these cheaply at any electronics stall in Hong Kong.
For expats from the UK and Singapore: Your plugs and voltage are identical to Hong Kong’s. Bring everything. You will not need any adapters at all.
Consider bringing a quality surge protector, especially if you are renting in an older building. Hong Kong’s modern buildings have excellent wiring, but pre-renovation flats in older districts can have less consistent power delivery. A surge protector adds a layer of safety for expensive electronics. Once you have settled in, you may also want to sort out your home broadband and SIM card to get fully connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hong Kong 110V or 220V?
The Hong Kong electricity voltage is 220V, 50 Hz. This is the same voltage as Mainland China, the UK (230V nominal, but within the same tolerance range), and most of Europe. It is significantly higher than the 110-120V used in the US, Canada, and Japan.
Can I use my US laptop in Hong Kong?
Yes. Virtually all laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V). Check the small print on the power brick to confirm. You only need a plug adapter to fit the Type G socket.
Is the Hong Kong plug the same as the UK plug?
Yes. Hong Kong uses the BS 1363 Type G plug, which is identical to the standard used in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. If your appliances have UK plugs, they will fit directly into Hong Kong sockets with no adapter needed.
Do I need a voltage converter for my iPhone charger?
No. Apple chargers (and virtually all smartphone chargers from Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and others) are rated for 100-240V. You need only a plug adapter.
Where is the cheapest place to buy an adapter in Hong Kong?
Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po has the lowest prices, starting from HKD 5 for a basic adapter. For convenience, 7-Eleven sells them for around HKD 35, and Fortress carries a wider range from HKD 30 to 150.
