Disclaimer: This information is put together to help others moving to Chongqing. This document is a compilation of information gathered from other expats based on their experiences. It by no means is intended to be the gospel but to provide some background information to hopefully make your transition smoother. Chongqing is a rapidly changing city so this document is a living document that may need to be updated as Chongqing and China grow and change. Please forward any updates, recommendations and/or corrections to Deborah Brown, grosseilebrown2@aol.com.
· Electricity
· Electricity is 220 V 50 hertz, so you need to confirm your electric/electronic items can handle it. Typically the devices are labeled to show you what it can handle.
o Devices from the US typically have a polarized plug and if capable of handling the power may still need adapters. (You can get them here in China, but not easy to find so you may want to bring some with you.) Both B&Q and Sudan carry transformers and adaptors. If you cannot get it locally, you can always get it through www.taobao.com (Chinese version of Amazon). May need a Chinese friend to help you order off taoboa.com given it is all in Chinese and they generally only take Chinese credit cards.
o Devices that can’t handle the power will need transformers to step down the 220 V 50 Hz to 110 volt 60 hz (which is what is used in the USA). Need to make sure the transform can handle twice the wattage rating of the device. (Volts x current = Wattage). Make sure you understand the voltage requirement. Some of them are 110 V – 240 V and some of them are 110 V only. If you are not careful, you can damage the equipment.
· Laptops/Smart phones – typically they have universal power supplies 110-240 volt and can plug right in. They may need adapters, but they do not typically need a transformer.
· Printers – Many printers can handle up to 240V power, but make sure you know if you can get your ink in China otherwise you may want to bring it with you. Apparently HP ink is regional so not all types of ink cartridges are sold in this part of the world.
· Wii - Most Wii consoles cannot handle 220 v 50 Hz so you will need a transformer if you want to use in China, newer consoles may have moved to a universal power supply. You can purchase a 110-240V Wii power adaptor from Amazon that will eliminate the need for a transformer. Know that Wii games are regional so you may not be able to buy a Wii console here in Asia/China and run your games purchased in the USA.
· PS3 – my PS3 is labeled 110 v 60 Hz, but after much review I learned that it contains a universal power supply that can handle 110-240 volts, so I did not use a transformer on mine. You may want to double check your unit before plugging it in.
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