Hainan practical tips: water, power plugs, tipping and emergency numbers
Quick answer
Don't drink tap water. China runs on 220V. Most sockets take US-style flat pins, European round pins and Australian-style angled pins; UK plugs need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are usually fine, but check hair dryers and straighteners. Tipping isn't expected. Emergency numbers are 110 (police), 120 (ambulance) and 119 (fire).
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tap water | Don't drink it. Drink bottled or boiled water. Hotels usually give you bottled water |
| Power | China uses 220V. Most sockets take US-style flat two-pin plugs, European round two-pin plugs and Australian-style angled plugs. UK plugs need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers usually say "100–240V" and work fine. If you come from a 110V country (such as the US, Canada or Japan), hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners that only handle 110V will be damaged |
| Tipping | Not expected in restaurants or taxis |
| Emergencies | Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119. Hotel staff or a local friend can call for you |
| Language | English is limited outside big hotels. A translation app and your hotel's Chinese address go a long way |
| Internet | Google and WhatsApp work on a travel eSIM |
| Paying | Mostly QR codes. Set up Alipay and carry some cash |
Getting around
- Taxis: DiDi.
- Between cities: the high-speed train.
- Driving: not with a foreign license.