Electricity

Voltage Overview in Vietnam

Vietnam's electricity supply is quite different from many countries. You'll need to be prepared for any outages (luckily not so often), surges, and different voltages. The good news is that it's easy to find the most up-to-date information on the voltage in Vietnam, so you'll know exactly what type of plug adapters or power strips you'll need to bring with you.

The majority of Vietnam operates on a 220-volt system, but you will find outlets operating at both 110 and 240 volts. In order to avoid potential damage to your home electrical appliances and devices, it is best practice to purchase a travel power adapter prior to arriving in Vietnam. Typically Vietnam plugs are round pins with either two or three pins and operate at 220 volts depending on the region.

The most common types you will find are:

• Type A

• Type B

• Type C

To make sure you won't be left without power and won't need to search for an adapter, it's best to get a travel adapter that is compatible with any type of power socket used in Vietnam. This way, you can just plug it in any outlet without having to worry about compatibility issues or surprise sparks!

If possible, you should also purchase a surge protector before plugging any device into outlets in Vietnam (check your local hardware store). This will protect against potential voltage fluctuations or outages which may occur when using electricity in Vietnam.

What Adapters Do I Need in Vietnam?

One of the first questions travelers to Vietnam have is, "What adapters do I need?" Well, the answer is actually pretty simple: you'll need a round two-pin adapter, unless you’re from North America, Japan, or the Philippines. In that case, you'll need a flat two-pin adapter.

Basically, if your device doesn't fit into Vietnam's outlets immediately, don't sweat it! You can pick up an adapter at any convenience store for about 30,000 to 50,000 Dong (US$1.30 - $2.20).

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when selecting the right adapter:

1. Make sure your adapter has voltage compatibility — look for “100V” or “110V” written on it. Vietnam runs on 220 Volts and 60 Hz frequency of electricity.

2. Consider buying a surge protector/power strip with a switch — this will allow multiple devices to be plugged in at once and give you extra protection against power surges and spikes.

3. Investing in an international power adapter is an excellent idea for frequent travelers — these come with four or more sockets with built-in USB ports and are suitable for use all over the world!

Are There Any Electrical Safety Concerns When Visiting Vietnam?

Before you plug anything in during your stay in Vietnam, it's important to know about a few concerns related to electrical safety.

Voltage surges

Vietnam runs on 220 Volts and can be more prone to voltage surges than other countries. An easy fix for this is to consider bringing a surge protector with you so that your appliances and digital devices are protected from any sudden spikes in voltage.

Plug type

The plugs used in Vietnam are two-pin plugs, which are slightly different from the three-pin plugs you might see in other countries. You might need an adapter or plug converter while you're there if your devices don’t come with one.

What if I have issues?

If you do experience any issues with electricity while visiting Vietnam, make sure to contact the hotel manager or property manager right away—they should be able to help guide you on what to do and who to call if there’s an emergency.

Thankfully, modern hotels and properties come with significant safety features installed, but it's important to stay aware and take precautions when using electricity in Vietnam.

Where to get charged on the road?

There are usually power sockets available around the seating area of coffee shops and restaurants. You can plug in your electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, and tablets. At the coffee shops, you can stay as long as you like. Just remember to order food and drinks occasionally.