Plugs & Sockets in Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know When Traveling

When traveling to Vietnam, a distant Southeast Asian country, it's essential to understand the types of plugs and voltages used. You’ll need to charge your phone or laptop, and if the plugs are incompatible, these devices can become a burden. This can cause inconveniences for those who do not prepare adequately.

This article will provide you with the necessary information about plugs, sockets, and adapters in Vietnam, along with useful tips to help you have a stress-free trip.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 06-11-2024

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What type of plug is used in Vietnam?

Plug Type A:

• Two flat, vertical pins.
• Also common in: the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
• Use in Vietnam: Quite common, especially in older hotels and residential buildings.

Plug Type B:

• Two flat, vertical pins with a third round pin for grounding.
• Also common in: the United States and Canada.

Plug Type C:

• Two round pins.
• Also common in: Continental Europe, South America, and many parts of Asia.
• Use in Vietnam: Widely used, especially in newer constructions and tourist establishments.

Plug Type D:

• Three round pins in a triangular shape.
• Also common in: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries.
• Use in Vietnam: Less common but can be found in certain areas, especially in older buildings.

Plug Type F:

• Two round pins with two grounding clips on the sides, commonly used in high-power devices.
• Also common in: Germany, Netherlands.

Plug Type G:

• Three rectangular pins, one of which is the grounding pin.
• Also common in: the United Kingdom, Ireland.

It is important to note that while Vietnam primarily uses these three types of plugs, it’s not uncommon to find outlets that accept multiple plug types in the same socket. This is especially common in hotels and tourist accommodations, where flexibility to accommodate different plug types is an advantage.

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For travelers, this means you might find situations where your devices work without issue in one place but require an adapter in another. Therefore, it's advisable to be prepared with a universal adapter that can handle the three mentioned plug types.

How do the plugs in your country differ from those in Vietnam?

In the United States and Canada, the most common plugs are Type A and Type B, which are also used in Vietnam. This means travelers from these countries will often find their plugs compatible, but may still require an adapter in certain places.

In the United Kingdom, the Type G plug (three rectangular pins) is standard, which is not widely used in Vietnam. Therefore, UK travelers will need a plug adapter to use their devices in Vietnam.

In Australia, the standard plug is Type I, which is different from the ones used in Vietnam. As a result, travelers from Australia will require an adapter to connect their devices to Vietnamese sockets.

What Voltage and Frequency Do They Use in Vietnam?

The standard voltage in Vietnam is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

Understanding the country’s electrical specifications is crucial to ensure your electronic devices function correctly.

Consequences of using incompatible devices:

• Lower Voltage: If you try to use a device designed for 220V in a country with 110V, it simply won’t work or will work inefficiently. For example, a European hairdryer in the United States will not heat up sufficiently.
• Higher Voltage: This situation is more dangerous. If you plug a device designed for 110V into a 220V socket in Vietnam without a proper converter, the device will likely burn out. In the best-case scenario, a fuse will blow; in the worst-case scenario, it could cause a fire.

Frequency Differences: Frequency differences are generally not as critical as voltage differences, but they can affect some devices:

• Some electric motors may overheat or run at the wrong speed.
• Audio devices may produce a humming sound.

For these devices, you’ll only need a simple plug adapter to use in Vietnam, not a voltage converter.

Devices that require caution: Some devices that are generally not multi-voltage and might require a converter include:

• Hairdryers
• Hair straighteners
• Electric shavers
• Some electric toothbrushes
• Small appliances like coffee makers or kettles

Before traveling, it’s crucial to check the specifications of all your electronic devices. If they are not compatible with the 220V voltage, you’ll need to consider leaving them at home, buying travel-compatible versions, or bringing an appropriate voltage converter.

What Type of Adapter Do I Need for Vietnam?

To ensure all your electronic devices work properly during your trip to Vietnam, it’s essential to understand adapters. A plug adapter is a simple device that allows a plug of one type to connect to a socket of another type. It does not change the voltage or the frequency of the electricity.

Is it necessary to buy an adapter?

Yes, it’s necessary and usually inexpensive. Think ahead: a good-quality universal adapter can be useful for future trips to other countries. Additionally, remember that using the correct adapter not only saves you from inconvenience but also protects your valuable electronic devices from potential damage.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Traveling to Vietnam can be a wonderful experience, but issues with plugs and electricity can cause unnecessary frustrations. Here are some practical tips to handle common situations related to plugs and electricity during your trip.

What to do if you forget an adapter:

• Check with the hotel reception: Many hotels, especially those catering to international tourists, have adapters available for loan or sale. Don’t hesitate to ask at the front desk.
• Buy one locally: Adapters are easily found in Vietnam, especially in tourist areas. Look for them in electronics stores, supermarkets, or even some street kiosks.
• Improvise with caution: If you have a device with a Type C plug (two round pins) and encounter a Type A socket (two flat pins), it’s sometimes possible to insert the C plug into the A socket. However, this should be done with extreme caution and only as a last resort, as it doesn’t provide a secure connection and can be dangerous.
• Use USB ports: Many modern hotels, cafes, and airports in Vietnam offer USB ports for charging devices. If your device charges via USB, this can be a temporary solution.
• Borrow from another traveler: If you’re staying in a hostel or a common area of a hotel, you might find other travelers willing to lend you an adapter for a short time.

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Common points of sale for adapters in Vietnam:

• Shopping malls: Large cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have modern shopping centers with electronics stores where you can find high-quality adapters.
• Local markets: Popular markets like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi often have stalls selling adapters and other electronic items.
• Convenience stores: Chains like Circle K or Vinmart often carry basic adapters.
• Electronics stores: Look for stores like FPT Shop or The Gioi Di Dong, which are popular electronics chains in Vietnam.
• Airports: Major international airports in Vietnam, such as those in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, have shops where you can buy adapters, though the prices may be higher.
• Specialized streets: In major cities, there are often streets or areas known for their electronics stores. For example, in Hanoi, you can visit Hai Ba Trung Street to find a variety of electronics shops.

Additional Tips:

• Buy before traveling: The best option is to purchase an adapter before your trip. This will save you time and potentially money, as prices in tourist areas can be higher.
• Check the quality: When buying in Vietnam, especially in markets or small stores, make sure to check the quality of the adapter. Low-quality adapters can be dangerous.
• Consider an adapter with multiple plug options.

Conclusion

Now, you surely understand everything about plugs in Vietnam, as well as related useful information. It’s always recommended to prepare properly before embarking on a trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to leave your comments below this article. We wish you an unforgettable trip to Vietnam!

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