Power plugs in Vietnam
Vietnam uses Type A and C and F power outlets, running at 220V / 50Hz.
Mix of Type A, C, and F — universal adapter recommended.
What the plugs look like
Type A
Two flat parallel pins (US/Japan, ungrounded)
Type C
Two round pins (Europe ungrounded, ungrounded version of E/F)
Type F
Two round pins + side grounding clips (Schuko — Germany, most of Europe)
Do you need an adapter? (from your home country)
Look up your home country below. The verdict tells you whether you need a plug adapter, a voltage converter, both, or nothing.
From United States (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From United Kingdom (Type G, 230V):
Different plug AND different voltage (230V → 220V). Adapter required. Voltage converter required for hair dryers, curling irons, and old non-dual-voltage devices.
From Germany (Type C/F, 230V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (230V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From France (Type E, 230V):
Different plug AND different voltage (230V → 220V). Adapter required. Voltage converter required for hair dryers, curling irons, and old non-dual-voltage devices.
From Australia (Type I, 230V):
Different plug AND different voltage (230V → 220V). Adapter required. Voltage converter required for hair dryers, curling irons, and old non-dual-voltage devices.
From Japan (Type A/B, 100V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (100V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From Canada (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 220V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
Quick check on your device: look for the input rating — usually printed on the power brick. If it says "100-240V" you only need a plug adapter (no converter). If it says "120V" or "230V" only, you need a converter for the other voltage.
What to buy
- Universal travel adapter — covers Types A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one unit ($15-30). Best for one-bag travelers crossing multiple regions. Look for one with built-in USB-C PD for phone fast-charging.
- Single-country adapter — $5-10 if you're only going to Vietnam and home. Smaller, lighter, less to fuss with.
- Voltage converter (step-down) — only if you're bringing a US-only 120V hair dryer, curling iron, or appliance. Modern laptops, phones, cameras, and shavers don't need one.
- Multi-outlet strip from home — let one adapter charge 5 devices. Saves bringing 5 adapters.