Electric plugs used in Vietnam

Here is brief information of electric plugs that popular used in Vietnam. We hope this will be helpful when you are packing for your Vietnam holidays.
There are 2 important things you need to pay attention when it comes to electricity in Vietnam: plugs and voltage.
Electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50Hz. Plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C and type F (two round pins) fit to most Vietnam electrical outlets. If your power plug has 3 pins, you would need an adapter as most electrical outlets here do not include a grounding holes.

A- Plugs

Vietnam power plug.

A typical Vietnam electrical outlet.

The below 3 powers plug heads can be used in Vietnam easily.

Power plug type A: 2 vertical pins.

Power plug type C: 2 round pins.

Power plug type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins.

If you are from Europe with the exception of the UK
Great! Europe power plugs are similar to the ones used in Vietnam.

If you are from North and Central America or Japan
Although your plug can be used in Vietnam, It is safe to check the voltage compatibility highlighted below.

If you are from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong
Although type G plugs (British) with 3 rectangular pins can be used in Vietnam in some places, it is less common and in most cases require an adapter.

If you are from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina or parts of China
You need an adapter. However, if your power plug only has 2 pins (doesn’t require a grounding hole), it still can be used if you force the plug hard enough into the outlets sockets. You should only do this as a last resort. Forcing the plug can result in damaging the it and causing safety hazard.

However, even if the plugs fit, it does not mean they can be used in Vietnam. You need to understand the electricity voltage and frequency too…

B- Voltage and Frequency

Vietnam’s electricity voltage is 220 Volt at 50Hz.
If your device says something like “100-240, 50-60Hz”, it means it is compatible with all of different voltages used in the world including Vietnam. You can use them anywhere as long as the plugs are also compatible.

If you are from North and Central America or Japan
Your devices voltage is 110 volts and different from electric system used in Vietnam.  You need to check the back of your devices to see if it says something like “100-240, 50-60Hz”. If so, it is ok to use them as long as you have the right plug. Otherwise, you need a transformer to convert the voltage from 110 for 220 volts which is currently having in Vietnam.

If you come from the rest of the world (except from some areas in the Philippines, Peru, South Korea and Brazil)
You don’t need to worry too much about the voltage as majority of the world use 220-240 volts, similar voltage to Vietnam.

Where to buy an adapter in Vietnam?
While traveling in Vietnam, you can buy converters or adapters at electric-stores, groceries and convenient stores. Otherwise, you can borrow one from your hotels.
Price is around 3- 4 USD/ adapter.

Essential tips for safety when you use electrical devices in Vietnam:
– Don’t use electrical devices when your hands are wet or you’re in wet areas.
– Don’t touch or handle the power sockets if you find any sign of damage.
– Don’t try to force the plug if it does not fit the socket since some of the electrical plugs used in Vietnam may be a different size or installed poorly, thus you should look for other sockets before using.
– Always look for signs of electrical problems like sounds and smell.
– Try to avoid using the device or equipment while charging battery.

In case you forget to bring electrical plugs or adapters to Vietnam or you are difficult to buy them, our Vietnam Travel‘s consultants or tour guides could provide free help.