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🇻🇳 Vietnam: plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon.

Plug adapter from the UK?YesType A, C, F
Voltage220VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+7h / +6h vs UK
CurrencyVNDVietnamese đồng
Drive on theRightOpposite to UK
Tipping5–10%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter.

The voltage (220V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
  • Type C: Two round pins (the "Europlug")
  • Type F: Two round pins with earth clips on the sides ("Schuko")

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to Vietnam →

💶 Money & tipping

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng (VND).

Not traditionally expected, but appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Vietnamese. Dialling code: +84.

Quick answers for Vietnam

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in Vietnam

HanoiHo Chi Minh City

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for Vietnam?

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter. The voltage (220V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does Vietnam use?

Vietnam uses type A, C, F: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type C – Two round pins (the "Europlug"); type F – Two round pins with earth clips on the sides ("Schuko"). The voltage is 220V at 50Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and Vietnam?

Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Vietnam?

On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.

What currency is used in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese đồng (VND).

Do you tip in Vietnam?

Not traditionally expected, but appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.

What is the dialling code for Vietnam?

+84. From a UK phone, dial +84 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.