Vietnam Plug Type and Voltage: What You Need to Bring

Two-pin US plugs fit most sockets in Vietnam, but the voltage is 220 V. Here is what works, what does not, and the one adapter worth packing.

Published Oct 2026 • Updated Oct 2026 • By the Vietnam Private Tours planning team, reviewed by Van Anh (Founder & Chief Executive Officer)

Quick answer

Vietnam uses type A (two flat pins) and type C (two round pins) sockets, at 220 volts and 50 hertz. Two-pin US plugs fit most sockets, so phone and laptop chargers (100–240 V) work without a converter. Bring one small universal adapter for round-pin sockets and three-prong plugs, and leave 110 V-only hair dryers and straighteners at home.

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Vietnam power at a glance

	Vietnam	United States
Voltage	220 V	110–120 V
Frequency	50 Hz	60 Hz
Main socket types	A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins), often combined	A and B (with ground pin)
Also found	F (round pins with side earth clips) in newer buildings; G (UK three-pin) in some upscale hotels

Will my devices work?

Phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, e-readers, electric toothbrushes: yes. Their chargers say "Input 100–240 V" and only need a plug that fits.
Two-pin US plugs: fit most sockets directly. A few older sockets only take round pins; a cheap adapter fixes that.
Three-prong US plugs (laptop power cables, some CPAP machines): need an adapter. CPAP users should check the machine's voltage range and bring a spare adapter.
Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, electric shavers marked 110–120 V only: need a voltage converter, or they will burn out. Most hotels provide a hair dryer.

What to pack

One compact universal adapter with USB ports, which covers type A, C, F and G sockets.
A power bank for long days out, cruises and mountain homestays.
A short extension lead or USB charging hub if you travel with several devices; hotel rooms do not always have sockets by the bed.

Forgot something? Adapters and power banks are sold cheaply in convenience stores and electronics shops in every Vietnamese city; your guide can point you to one. Start planning your trip.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What plug type does Vietnam use?

Mostly type A (two flat pins, as in the US) and type C (two round pins, as in Europe). Many sockets are combined and take both. You may also find type F in newer buildings and the UK type G in some upscale hotels.

Do I need a plug adapter for Vietnam from the US?

Usually not for two-pin US plugs, which fit most Vietnamese sockets. You do need an adapter for three-prong US plugs (with the round ground pin), and it is worth packing one small universal adapter in case your room only has round-pin sockets.

What voltage is used in Vietnam?

Vietnam uses 220 volts at 50 hertz. The US uses 110–120 volts at 60 hertz, so check the label on anything you bring: if it says 100–240 V, it works in Vietnam with just the right plug.

Do I need a voltage converter in Vietnam?

Not for phones, laptops, tablets, camera chargers or electric toothbrush chargers, which are almost all dual voltage. You do need one for 110–120 V-only appliances such as many US hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners, or leave them at home: most hotels provide a hair dryer.

Are power outages common in Vietnam?

Not in hotels and cities, where outages are rare and short and most hotels have generators. In remote mountain villages and homestays the supply can be less reliable, so carry a small power bank.

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