Vietnam practical info: time zone, plugs, emergencies
Updated 1 November 2026 · 4 min read
In short
Vietnam runs on UTC+7 with no daylight saving time. The currency is the dong (VND), power is 220 V with type A and C sockets, and traffic drives on the right. Citizens of the UK and several European countries enter visa-free for 45 days; others need an e-visa. Emergencies: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance).
Vietnam at a glance
| Capital | Hanoi (largest city: Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Population | About 100 million |
| Language | Vietnamese, written in the Latin alphabet with accents |
| Currency | Vietnamese dong (VND) — see money and payments |
| Time zone | UTC+7, no daylight saving time |
| Electricity | 220 V, 50 Hz; type A and C sockets, a universal adapter is enough |
| Driving | On the right |
| Country code | +84 |
| Emergencies | 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance |
| Tap water | Not drinkable: bottled or filtered water |
| Tipping | Not mandatory, appreciated for guides and drivers |
| Visa | 45-day exemption for several nationalities — see the visa guide |
Tourism in Vietnam in figures
- 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, a record, up about 20% year on year (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, via the VNA news agency).
- 17.7 million in the first nine months of 2026, up about 14.5%, against a full-year target of 25 million; arrivals from Europe are growing fastest (Vietnam News, VIR, October 2026).
Before you go: the checklist
- Check your passport is valid for 6 months after arrival, and your visa.
- Buy travel insurance and check motorbike cover.
- Install an eSIM and the Grab app.
- Tell your bank and pick a card with no foreign fees.
- Choose the right season region by region: Vietnam month by month.
- Book the Ha Long Bay cruise and hotels ahead in high season.
A few words of Vietnamese
| English | Vietnamese |
|---|---|
| Hello | Xin chào |
| Thank you | Cảm ơn |
| Yes / No | Vâng / Không |
| How much is it? | Bao nhiêu tiền? |
| The bill | Tính tiền |
| Not spicy | Không cay |
| Delicious | Ngon quá |
All our practical guides
- Visa: 45-day exemption and e-visa
- Money: dong, ATMs, card or cash
- eSIM and internet
- Grab, taxis and airports
- Scams and safety
- Travel insurance
- Hotel prices by city
Frequently asked questions
What time zone is Vietnam in?
Vietnam is on UTC+7 all year, with no daylight saving time.
Do you need a power adapter in Vietnam?
Sockets are type A and C at 220 V. UK plugs (type G) do not fit, so bring a universal adapter.
How many tourists visit Vietnam?
21.2 million international visitors in 2025, a record, and 17.7 million in the first nine months of 2026, up about 14.5%.