Hong Kong Plug Type & Voltage 2027: Adapters & Appliances
Kenji Farre, Director · Nov 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Hong Kong uses the British-style 3-pin rectangular plug (BS 1363, 13A), often called Type G, on a 220V, 50Hz supply. CLP Power's supply rules set single-phase voltage at 220V plus or minus 6% and frequency at 50Hz plus or minus 2%. UK plugs fit directly. Visitors and movers from the US, Canada, Japan and most of Europe need a plug adapter, and any appliance rated only for around 110 to 120V needs a step-down transformer or it will be damaged. Older flats may also have round-pin 5A or 15A sockets (BS 546).
This guide covers what plugs and sockets you'll find, which appliances work, what to buy, and the safety rules the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) sets for adapters and extension leads. It's aimed at people moving here, not just packing for a week. For other day-one questions, see our guides to Hong Kong phone numbers and drinking tap water in Hong Kong.
What Plug Type Does Hong Kong Use?
The standard socket in Hong Kong is the 13A, 3-pin rectangular socket built to British Standard BS 1363. It's the same plug used in the UK, Ireland, Singapore and Malaysia, and travel guides call it Type G.
Under the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, the EMSD's outline says household products sold in Hong Kong should come with either a 3-pin rectangular 13A plug to BS 1363 or a 3-pin round 5A or 15A plug to BS 546.
| Plug or socket | Standard | Where you'll see it |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin rectangular, 13A | BS 1363 (Type G) | Almost every socket in modern flats and offices |
| 3-pin round, 5A | BS 546 | Older flats, some lamps and small appliances |
| 3-pin round, 15A | BS 546 | Older flats, air conditioners and water heaters |
| 2-pin shaver socket | BS 4573 / EN 50075 | Bathrooms, for shavers and electric toothbrushes only |
Source: EMSD outline of the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation; EMSD Household Electrical Safety Handbook.
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What Voltage Is Hong Kong: 220V or 230V?
Hong Kong is 220V. CLP Power's supply rules give 220V single-phase with a tolerance of plus or minus 6%, and 380V three-phase. Frequency is 50Hz, plus or minus 2%.
The UK nominally runs at 230V. In practice, UK appliances rated 220V to 240V work fine in Hong Kong, which is why UK movers rarely need to think about this.
Will My Appliances Work in Hong Kong?
Look at the label or power brick. You're looking for the input voltage range.
| Label says | What you need in Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz | Plug adapter only |
| 220 to 240V, 50Hz | Nothing (UK plug) or plug adapter |
| 110 to 120V only | Step-down transformer, or leave it behind |
| 60Hz only | May run incorrectly; check with the maker |
Devices That Usually Work With Just an Adapter
Phones, laptops, tablets, camera chargers and most modern electric toothbrushes are dual voltage. The charger handles 100 to 240V, so a plug adapter is all you need.
Devices That Usually Don't
Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles, coffee machines, rice cookers and other heating appliances from North America or Japan are typically single voltage. The EMSD's household safety handbook says appliances rated below 200V AC must not be connected directly to the 220V household supply.
You can use a step-down transformer, but high-power appliances need a big, heavy transformer, and it's usually cheaper to buy a local one. Hong Kong has plenty of electrical shops, and second-hand appliances are easy to find on local marketplaces.
Clocks, Timers and Motors
Some devices use the mains frequency to keep time or set motor speed. A North American clock or turntable designed for 60Hz may run slow on Hong Kong's 50Hz supply even with a transformer.
Moving From the US, Canada or Japan
This is where most problems happen. A few rules from people who've been through it:
- Bring your electronics, leave your heaters. Laptops, monitors with universal power supplies, and phones are fine. Kitchen appliances and hair tools usually aren't.
- Check TVs and games consoles. Most modern ones have universal power supplies, but check the label.
- Don't rely on cheap travel converters for anything high-power. They're not designed for daily use.
- Buy locally for anything that heats. It's safer and you get a local warranty.
Our first 30 days checklist for moving to Hong Kong covers what else to sort out when you arrive, and our guide to international movers explains what's worth shipping.
Moving From the UK
Good news: your plugs fit and your appliances will work. The only thing to watch for is older flats with round-pin BS 546 sockets. You can buy BS 1363 to BS 546 adapters in any hardware shop, or ask your landlord to replace the socket.
Moving From Europe or Australia
Your appliances will usually work at 220V, but the plugs won't fit. Buy a few good-quality adapters, or replace the plugs on appliances you'll use every day. Changing a plug is a cheap job for any local electrical shop.
Adapters and Extension Leads: The Safety Rules
The EMSD has clear guidance on adapters and extension units, which matters in Hong Kong's small flats where everyone runs out of sockets.
- Use only one adapter or extension unit per socket. Don't plug adapters into adapters.
- Choose units with safety shutters and avoid ones with irregular, multi-shaped holes.
- Don't run high-power appliances such as heaters, kettles or air conditioners through an adapter.
- Stop using an adapter if it no longer holds a plug firmly.
- Don't use extension units in bathrooms or kitchens.
Plugs, adapters and extension units sold in Hong Kong are "prescribed products" under the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, which means they need certification from a recognised body or manufacturer. Travel adapters are exempt from these rules, which is another reason not to use them permanently.
Penalties for suppliers who sell non-compliant products can reach HK$100,000 and one year in prison for a first conviction, according to the EMSD. You can check whether a product has a certificate on the EMSD's register of household electrical products.
Buying Electrical Appliances in Hong Kong
The EMSD's "Smart Buy" advice is short: buy appliances with a rated voltage of 220V AC and check the markings for voltage, frequency and power.
Some appliances in Hong Kong shops come with a 2-pin European plug and a fitted adapter. That's allowed for certain double-insulated products, as long as the right adapter is fitted before sale, but replacing the plug is the safer long-term choice.
Bathroom Shaver Sockets
Most Hong Kong bathrooms have a 2-pin shaver socket built to BS 4573 or EN 50075. It's only for shavers and electric toothbrushes. Don't plug a hair dryer into it, and don't use extension leads in the bathroom.
FAQs: Hong Kong Plugs and Voltage
What plug does Hong Kong use?
The 3-pin rectangular 13A plug to BS 1363, the same as the UK. Travel guides call it Type G.
Do I need an adapter for Hong Kong?
Yes, unless you're coming from the UK, Ireland, Singapore or Malaysia, where the same plug is used.
Is Hong Kong 220V or 230V?
220V, with a tolerance of plus or minus 6%, according to CLP Power. Appliances rated 220V to 240V work fine.
Can I use US appliances in Hong Kong?
Only if they're dual voltage (100 to 240V). Single-voltage US appliances need a step-down transformer, and the EMSD says appliances rated below 200V must not be connected directly to the 220V supply.
Is the Hong Kong plug the same as the UK plug?
Yes. Both use the BS 1363 3-pin rectangular plug, so UK plugs fit without an adapter.
What are the round-pin sockets in older Hong Kong flats?
They're BS 546 sockets, rated 5A or 15A. You'll need a converter plug, or ask your landlord to install a modern 13A socket.
Does Hong Kong use 50Hz or 60Hz?
50Hz, with a tolerance of plus or minus 2%. Some 60Hz clocks and motors may run slow.
Can I charge my phone and laptop in Hong Kong?
Yes. Nearly all phone and laptop chargers accept 100 to 240V, so you only need a plug adapter.
Where can I buy plug adapters in Hong Kong?
Hardware shops, electrical stores and convenience stores sell them. For daily use, buy a certified adapter with safety shutters, not a travel adapter.
Can I use a hair dryer from the US in Hong Kong?
Not safely without a transformer, unless it's dual voltage. It's usually cheaper to buy one locally.
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong uses the BS 1363 3-pin rectangular plug, the same as the UK.
- The supply is 220V (plus or minus 6%) and 50Hz (plus or minus 2%), according to CLP Power.
- Appliances rated below 200V must not be plugged directly into the 220V supply, the EMSD says.
- Dual-voltage electronics need only a plug adapter.
- Older flats may have round-pin BS 546 sockets rated 5A or 15A.
- Use one adapter per socket, choose shuttered units, and keep extension leads out of bathrooms and kitchens.
- Travel adapters are exempt from Hong Kong's product safety rules, so don't rely on them long term.
Planning Your Move to Hong Kong?
Packing the right adapters is the easy part. Line up your role first by browsing English-speaking jobs in Hong Kong on ExpatJobBoard.com, and use our cost of living guide to budget for replacing appliances.
