Travel Adaptor for Vietnam
& Vietnamese Plug Types
Vietnam Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
Vietnam uses plug types A, C and G with matching sockets. Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
There isn't one particular socket type that is the most common so our recommendation is to consider a universal adaptor.
Vietnam Plug Adaptors
Our Adaptor Recommendation
We recommend a universal plug adaptor for versatility as there are multiple sockets used in Vietnam (types A, C and G) and no one type is the most common. In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
The majority of universal adaptors are unearthed which are suitable for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. Earthed versions are available if needed but they're not common and can be hard to find.
Our recommendations for the best Vietnam travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Vietnamese type A, C and G sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in Vietnam
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Hybrid Sockets
- Universal sockets are common
- May accept type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I and O plugs
- Fit can be loose making them unsafe
Hybrid sockets are quite common in Vietnam.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
Vietnam Electrical Supply
Vietnam uses plug types A, C and G with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Vietnam - Traveller Notes
Type A is the norm in Southern Vietnam and Type C is the norm in Northern Vietnam (according to the pre-unification border at 17 degrees North). Type G is found only in some new luxury hotels, primarily those built by Singaporean and Hong Kong developers. But Type G is never found in homes, shops, or offices.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Vietnamese socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Vietnamese mains supply is 220 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - Vietnam operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Vietnamese supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Vietnam. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
Vietnam Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II unearthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarised and can only be inserted into the socket one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarised. Unearthed type A sockets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type G
Type G plugs have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 13A. The live and neutral pins are 4mm x 6.35mm, 17.7mm long and spaced 22.2mm apart. The earth pin is 4mm x 8mm, 22.7mm long and offset by 22.2mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated and the plugs individually fused. The sockets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) earth pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for Vietnam
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Vietnam uses type A, C and G plugs.
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Vietnam uses type A, C and G sockets.
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A universal adaptor is a good choice for international travellers that need an adaptor. This provides versatility as there are multiple sockets used in Vietnam (types A, C and G).
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The mains supply in Vietnam is 220 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 220 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers who need an adaptor can charge their phone in Vietnam using their normal phone charger with a universal plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a universal adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Some (but not the most common) sockets in Vietnam are compatible with type C plugs so you would be advised to check ahead with your destination to verify what type of sockets are fitted.