Power Plugs and Sockets in Vietnam - Do You Need an Adapter?

In Vietnam, the plug types used are A and C. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Costa Rica, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Costa Rica is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type A

Type C

What are the plugs like in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, the predominant plug types are A and C. If you are coming from Costa Rica, then your devices are of type A or B.

In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.

Special considerations: In Vietnam, Type A plug is commonly used in the South while Type C is usual in the North (according to the pre-unification of the border at the 17th parallel north). Type G is found only in luxury hotels, and never in homes, shops, or offices.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Vietnam?

It is important to know that in Vietnam the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Costa Rica, the electrical voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Vietnam. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Vietnam.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Vietnam?

If you are travelling from Costa Rica to Vietnam, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you may need an adapter in Vietnam to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Vietnam?

If you are travelling from Costa Rica to Vietnam, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Costa Rica and Vietnam have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Vietnam.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Vietnam?

The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Costa Rica and Vietnam, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Vietnam.

However, since the plugs in Vietnam and Costa Rica are not fully compatible, we recommend that you acquire a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer with peace of mind.

How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?

To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in Vietnam with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Vietnam from Costa Rica and there is not full compatibility, you may still need a plug adapter.

What happens if I connect a 120 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 120 V device from Costa Rica to a 220 V socket in Vietnam without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Vietnam, make sure you have a voltage adapter.

What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?

When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Vietnam without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.