Electricity in Shanghai

The electrical current in China is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC) so most American appliances can't be used without a transformer. A universal adapter is especially useful in China as wall outlets come in a bewildering variety of configurations: two- and three-pronged round plugs, as well as two-pronged flat sockets.

Contacts

Steve Kropla's Help for World Travelers (www.kropla.com) has information on electrical and telephone plugs around the world. Walkabout Travel Gear (www.walkabouttravelgear.com) has a good coverage of electricity under "adapters."