How to call Vietnam | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Vietnam from the United States is important for several reasons, including business, personal, and cultural exchanges.

Vietnam boasts thriving industries such as technology, tourism, agriculture, and finance. Its rich cultural tapestry, marked by vibrant festivals, traditional cuisine, and historical landmarks, makes it a unique and dynamic partner for international engagement.

Understanding the nuances of interacting with Vietnam is crucial for fostering strong business and personal relationships, ensuring effective and meaningful communication across borders.

Guide to calling Vietnam

Before dialing, make sure to check the rates your carrier charges for international calls to Vietnam. Also, ensure a reliable connection to avoid issues like latency or poor voice quality.

1. Check the time in Vietnam

First, consider the time difference when calling Vietnam. The entire country operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7. This means Vietnam is typically 12–15 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, depending on your specific location in the U.S. and daylight saving time adjustments.

Always verify the local time in Vietnam to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

The exit code for international calls from the U.S. is 011, which indicates you're making an international call.

3. Enter Vietnam's country code

Next, dial Vietnam's country code (+84) to connect your call to Vietnam.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 84, the country code for Vietnam.

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Vietnam you're calling, which can be one to three digits, followed by the local number. For example, to call a landline in Hanoi with the area code 24 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-84-24-1234567.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with a 9, followed by the rest of the number, making it a ten-digit sequence. For instance, to call a Vietnamese mobile number like 0912345678, the correct sequence would be 011-84-912345678.

Tips for a successful call

Before making a call to Vietnam, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection to avoid disruptions. It’s also wise to have a contingency plan in case of technical issues, such as knowing whether to reconnect yourself or wait for the other party to do so.

You’ll want to understand and respect Vietnamese business culture and etiquette. Begin with formal greetings and use appropriate titles. For instance, addressing someone as “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or using professional titles like “Doctor” or “Professor” followed by their last name shows respect.

Be aware of Vietnamese holidays that might affect business operations. Key holidays include Tet (Lunar New Year), which sees businesses shut down for up to a week, and other significant national holidays. Scheduling calls around these times can help prevent delays.

In terms of language, while English is increasingly spoken in business settings, showing an effort to use simple Vietnamese greetings like “Xin chào” (Hello) can build rapport.

Lastly, be patient and flexible. Understand that the pace of communication and decision-making in Vietnam might differ from that of the U.S. By respecting their cultural norms and business practices, you can foster more effective and respectful communication.

Considerations for calling Vietnam

Calling Vietnam, like any international call, requires a bit of planning. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Language and cultural nuances

While Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, English proficiency is not as widespread, especially outside major cities. If you anticipate a language barrier, consider arranging for a translator or using a translation service.

Culturally, Vietnamese society places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness. When making calls:

• Use appropriate greetings: Begin with "Xin chào" (pronounced "sin chow"), which means "hello."
• Address individuals with respect: Use titles like "Ông" (Mr.) or "Bà" (Mrs.) followed by their family name.
• Be patient and understanding: If there are communication difficulties, remain calm and polite.

Time zones

Vietnam operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7. This creates a significant time difference with the U.S. Here's a table summarizing the differences:

For example, if it's 10:00 AM ET, it's 10:00 PM in Vietnam. Plan your calls accordingly to avoid waking someone up or interrupting their workday.

How much does it cost to call Vietnam?

Call costs to Vietnam vary depending on your service provider, call duration, and time of day. Check with your carrier for detailed rates.

Carrier rates are a major factor, with different providers offering varying tariffs for international calls. These rates can fluctuate based on your plan type, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan. Some carriers may offer discounted rates for calls to Vietnam during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes international minutes.

Call duration also plays a role: longer calls mean higher charges.

Finally, the time of day can impact the cost, with peak hours often more expensive than off-peak times.

Make affordable calls to Vietnam with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Vietnam with confidence.

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