Each district has a branch of the Beijing Power Company, but it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to go. This is a good thing, since English services are not often available, either in person or over the phone. If your Mandarin is up to the task, dial 95598 for all power-related concerns. Your power should already be connected when you move in. The bill is usually included in the bi-monthly utility bill from your property management company. If not, you will need to pay monthly, in cash, at a bank. Electricity costs average between ¥100 and ¥300 per month for a mid-sized apartment with two people, but can double during the summer if air conditioning is used regularly.

Remember that most North American devices run on 110 volt power, and will not work with 220 volt Chinese current. Even though the outlets may look the same, if you plug an American device in, it may fry. Most laptops, many mobile phones, and some other devices work with both. Be sure to check before plugging in; a compatible power ‘brick’ will say something like 110-220v or 100-240v.

If your device isn’t compatible, you’ll need a converter, widely available for smaller devices, but expensive and hard-to-find for larger items. It may be cheaper to leave some things at home and buy local replacements. Outlets in China will not usually have a three-pin plug, but sockets with two flat or two rounded holes are common.