Travel Adapter for Vietnam
& Vietnamese Plug Types
Vietnam Plug Types & Outlets
- Voltage
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220 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
Vietnam uses plug types A, C and G with matching outlets. Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Only your American ungrounded (type A) plugs will fit some (but not all) Vietnamese outlets.
There isn't one particular outlet type that is the most common so our recommendation is to take a universal adapter.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Vietnam Plug Adapters
Our Adapter Recommendation
We recommend a universal plug adapter for versatility as there are multiple outlets 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 adapters shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
The majority of universal adapters are ungrounded 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. Grounded versions are available if needed but they're not common and can be hard to find.
Our recommendations for the best US to Vietnam travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Vietnamese type A, C and G outlets.
Other Travel Adapters 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 outlets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Hybrid Outlets
- Universal outlets are common
- May accept type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I and O plugs
- Fit can be loose making them unsafe
Hybrid outlets are quite common in Vietnam.
Choosing the Right Power Adapter
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and outlet configurations you now need to decide what sort of adapter suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adapter, here are some useful features to consider:
- Grounded vs ungrounded adapters
- Multiplug adapters
- Extensions / power strip adapters (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 adapters (any plug to any outlet) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adapters
Vietnam Electrical Supply
Vietnam uses plug types A, C and G with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Vietnam - Traveler 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 adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Vietnamese outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Vietnamese mains supply is 220 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. Single-voltage US appliances designed for 120 V will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate safely. If it is not marked as able to accept the local voltage do not plug it in! 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, compared with 60 Hz in the US. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. However, some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly at 50 Hz. 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 travelers.
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 adapter.
Vietnam Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II ungrounded, 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 polarized and can only be inserted into the outlet one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarized. Ungrounded type A outlets 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 outlet.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, ungrounded appliances.
Type C outlets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their grounded 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 ground 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 outlets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) ground pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters 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 outlets.
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A universal adapter is a good choice and provides versatility as there are multiple outlets used in Vietnam (types A, C and G). Adapters with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. Some US appliances may also require a voltage converter.
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The mains supply in Vietnam is 220 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. 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 US appliances designed for 120 V 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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To charge your phone in Vietnam you can use your normal phone charger with a universal plug adapter. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a universal adapter with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adapter'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) outlets in Vietnam are compatible with type C plugs so you would be advised to check ahead with your destination to verify what type of outlets are fitted.