We are visiting Shanghai, Xian and Beijing and will cruise the Yangtze. What type of electrical plugs are prevelant in these areas that we will need to bring to be able to connect and use our electrical appliances. I have seen references to parallel blades, slanted blades, and round blades. Please help because I need my coffee in the morning!

We leave in the morning for ChinaTibet/Bali. For our trip the literature from the travel company advises us to bring 2 and three pin sockets. My 2001 National Geographic Traveler states: "China's electrical current is 220V, 50 cycle A/C. Plugs come in a variety of shapes (usually two or three flat or round pins), so a conversion plug is useful." <BR> Hope this helps. Katie

In the hotels I used in Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing, electrical sockets have round holes. If it's true that there are others, you can buy a set of 3 or 4 adapters for world-wide use. <BR>If you use instant coffee, you can use the hot water provided in the hotel rooms. Some of the hotels we stayed have percolators or water heaters.

Just returned from 21 day trip to China with Grand Circle Travel.In the hotels the provided water was hot enough for coffee. Only time I used my adapter plug (2 round pins) was on the ship during the Yangtze cruise.

Sounds like we my be taking the same trip. My friend who is from China tells me the most common are three prong round and the three flat with the top two slanted. <BR>Enjoy your trip

You might also want to take a small roll of tape. Some of the plugs you run into may be old or just worn and the appliance cord will tend to fall out. <BR>Have a wonderful trip, <BR>Carol