How to Call Vietnam
Complete guide to dialing Vietnam (country code +84)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Vietnam? You've come to the right place. Learning how to call Vietnam doesn't have to be complicated, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you're calling Vietnam from the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, we'll cover the essential dialing instructions step-by-step, including country codes and area codes. You'll also discover common mistakes to avoid when calling Vietnam, proper phone etiquette to observe, and a helpful list of important numbers for emergencies and services. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making international calls to Vietnam with ease. Let's get started on connecting you across the miles.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding International Dialing Format Structure
When calling Vietnam internationally, you need three components: your country's exit code, Vietnam's country code (+84), and the local phone number (without the leading zero).
Standard format: [Exit Code] + [84] + [Local Number minus leading 0]
Specific Examples for Different Number Types
Example 1 - Vietnamese Mobile Number (starts with 0):
Local format: 091 234 5678
International format: +84 91 234 5678
Example 2 - Hanoi Landline:
Local format: 024 3936 1234
International format: +84 24 3936 1234
Example 3 - Ho Chi Minh City Landline:
Local format: 028 3822 5678
International format: +84 28 3822 5678
How to Dial from Different Countries
From USA:
To call +84 91 234 5678 from USA: dial 011-84-91-234-5678
- 011 is the US exit code
- Drop the leading zero from the Vietnamese number
From UK:
To call +84 91 234 5678 from UK: dial 00-84-91-234-5678
- 00 is the UK exit code
- Remove the initial zero from the local number
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code. Australia uses 0011, while some countries support the + symbol (press and hold 0 on mobile phones).
To call +84 24 3936 1234 from Australia: dial 0011-84-24-3936-1234
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Vietnamese phone numbers displayed locally always start with 0 (like 091 or 024). When dialing internationally, always remove this leading zero and replace it with +84.
Correct: +84 91 234 5678
Incorrect: +84 091 234 5678
Mobile numbers in Vietnam typically start with 09, 08, 07, or 05 (after removing the zero). Landlines use area codes like 24 (Hanoi) or 28 (Ho Chi Minh City).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Vietnam, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Not dropping the leading zero - Vietnamese phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 028 1234 5678, dial +84 28 1234 5678, not +84 028 1234 5678.
Using incorrect exit codes - Many people forget their country's exit code. While + automatically replaces any exit code, if dialing manually, use 011 from the US/Canada, 00 from Europe, or your country's specific code before 84.
Confusing the country code with area codes - The country code is +84 for all of Vietnam. Don't mix this up with city codes like 24 (Hanoi) or 28 (Ho Chi Minh City), which come after the country code.
Forgetting mobile number changes - Vietnam converted mobile numbers from 10 to 11 digits in 2018. Ensure you have updated numbers, as old contacts may no longer work.
Ignoring time zone differences - Vietnam is GMT+7 with no daylight saving time. Calling at convenient times for you might mean waking someone at 3 AM.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Vietnam, understanding local customs helps create positive connections and shows cultural respect.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with "Xin chào" (hello) followed by the appropriate title. Vietnamese use family terms like "anh" (older brother), "chị" (older sister), or "em" (younger sibling) based on the other person's age and gender. Business calls require more formality than personal ones, especially when speaking with elders or superiors.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling during lunch hours (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) when many people rest or eat. Evening calls after 9 PM are considered intrusive unless it's an emergency. Weekday mornings and early afternoons work best for business calls.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls should be concise and respectful. Start by introducing yourself and your purpose clearly. Personal calls can be longer and more casual, but still maintain politeness, especially with older relatives.
Voice Messages
Vietnamese commonly use voice messages on platforms like Zalo rather than traditional voicemail. Many people don't check voicemail regularly, so following up with a text message is recommended.
Cultural Considerations
Speaking loudly on phones in public spaces is generally accepted in Vietnam. However, during business calls, find a quiet location to ensure clarity. If someone doesn't answer, wait before calling again—they may be busy or in a meeting. Patience demonstrates respect.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Ambulance: 115
Fire Department: 114
General Emergency Hotline: 112 (connects to police, ambulance, or fire services)
Important Notes:
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Vietnam. The 112 hotline is Vietnam's integrated emergency number, similar to 911 in the US or 999 in the UK.
Language Consideration: English-speaking operators may not always be available, particularly outside major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Having a Vietnamese-speaking person assist with calls is highly recommended.
Tourist Police: In major tourist areas, contact tourist police for assistance at 1800-8080 (toll-free) or through local stations, where English support is more readily available.
All services operate 24/7, though response times vary depending on location and infrastructure.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1080: General directory assistance for local numbers
- 1081: Domestic long-distance operator assistance
International Services
- 110: International operator for assisted calls and collect calls
Tourist Support
- 1800-1221: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism hotline (English support available)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for passport issues, legal assistance, or emergency consular services. Most embassies are located in Hanoi, with consulates in Ho Chi Minh City.
Other Useful Numbers
- 1900-8686: Vietnam Airlines customer service
- 1080-9090: Taxi complaint hotline
- Local area codes: Hanoi (024), Ho Chi Minh City (028), Da Nang (0236)
Note: When calling from abroad, dial +84 and drop the initial 0 from area codes.
Tips for Calling Vietnam
When calling Vietnam, timing is crucial for successful connections. Vietnam operates on Indochina Time (UTC+7) with no daylight saving changes. To reach someone during business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday), calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For international calls, avoid Vietnamese public holidays including Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/February), which spans several days when most businesses close. National Day (September 2) and other official holidays also see reduced availability.
Peak vs off-peak considerations: Call during Vietnamese morning hours (8:00-11:00 AM local time) for better connectivity and attention. Avoid lunch breaks (11:30 AM-1:30 PM) when offices may be understaffed.
Business etiquette: Always schedule important calls in advance via email. Vietnamese professionals appreciate formal arrangements and punctuality. Confirm appointments 24 hours beforehand.
Communication tips: Speak slowly and clearly, as English proficiency varies. Avoid idioms and complex terminology. Poor connections are common, so patience is essential. Consider using video platforms with chat functions for backup communication. Have key points written down to overcome potential language barriers or technical difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Vietnam is +84. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Vietnam from anywhere in the world.
To call Vietnam from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US), then 84 (Vietnam's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Vietnam internationally. For example, if the local number starts with 028 (Ho Chi Minh City), dial +84 28 instead of +84 028.
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Important emergency numbers in Vietnam include: 113 for police, 114 for fire department, and 115 for ambulance services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Vietnam.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Vietnam directly from your web browser, making it convenient and easy. No downloads or special equipment needed—just open your browser and start calling with ZippCall's web-based platform.
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