The essentials at a glance
| Sockets | Voltage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/B/C | 230 V | 50 Hz |
The nominal voltage is 230 V, but you still often read 220 V locally: your 100-240 V or 220-240 V devices see no difference.
Which plug for which traveller
| You come from | At home | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Europe | C / E / F · 230 V | A thin plug often fits; bring a universal adapter for the others. |
| United Kingdom, Ireland | G · 230 V | A plug adapter is needed. |
| United States, Canada | A / B · 120 V | The plug fits, but the voltage is higher than at home: only devices marked 100-240 V. |
| Japan | A / B · 100 V | The plug fits, but the voltage is higher than at home: only devices marked 100-240 V. |
| China | A / C / I · 220 V | Nothing: your plugs fit. |
| Australia, New Zealand | I · 230 V | A plug adapter is needed. |
Plug types in Vietnam
| Type | Shape |
|---|---|
| A | two flat parallel pins |
| B | two flat pins and a round earth pin |
| C | two round pins, no earth (Europlug) |
Adapter or converter?
An adapter only changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage. Phone, laptop and camera chargers almost all accept 100-240 V (read the INPUT label), so a simple adapter is enough. A voltage converter is only useful for a device that accepts a single voltage (100-127 V), which is rare apart from hair dryers and heating appliances.
Devices to check before you leave
Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles, electric shavers and medical devices (CPAP) need a check: read the power and voltage label, or the maker's manual. A heating appliance bought in the US or Japan (100-127 V) plugged into 230 V can burn out: leave it at home or buy a dual-voltage model.
Practical tips
- Pack a universal adapter with USB ports: one item for the phone and the camera.
- A small power strip with surge protection charges several devices from a single hotel socket.
- Buy the adapter before you leave, online or in a large store: it costs less than at the airport.
- A power bank saves sightseeing days when the phone drains fast.
- Many sockets are mixed and accept several plug shapes, but the fit is sometimes loose: a universal adapter keeps a good contact.
Going further
To stay connected from the moment you land, read our guide to eSIM and SIM cards.
Sources: WorldStandards reference table of plugs and voltages by country, consulted on 26 October 2026. Standards change little, but always check the label on your devices.
