How do I call Saigon Vietnam?

Calling Saigon? Its Ho Chi Minh City Now, But Heres How to Connect

Saigon, a name steeped in history and romance, still resonates with many. However, officially, the city has been Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. This often leads to confusion, especially when trying to make international calls. So, how do you connect with friends, family, or businesses in this vibrant Vietnamese metropolis? Lets break down the process, clarifying the nuances of calling what many still affectionately refer to as Saigon.

The key is understanding that while the name Saigon persists in casual conversation and cultural memory, for all official purposes, including telecommunications, you must use the official name: Ho Chi Minh City. This applies to dialing codes, postal addresses, and online searches.

To successfully call Ho Chi Minh City from another country, follow these steps:

1. Exit Code: Your journey begins by dialing your countrys exit code. This code signals to your phone carrier that youre making an international call. For example, if youre calling from the United States or Canada, the exit code is 011. Many other countries use 00. If youre unsure about your countrys exit code, a quick online search will provide the answer.

2. Country Code: Next, dial Vietnams country code, which is 84. This narrows down the call to the Vietnamese telephone network.

3. City Code: Now, you need to dial the city code for Ho Chi Minh City, which is 28. This directs the call specifically to the citys local network. Note that using the old Saigon area code will not work; you must use the current code for Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Local Number: Finally, dial the local phone number. This can be a landline or a mobile number. Landline numbers in Ho Chi Minh City typically have seven or eight digits, while mobile numbers generally have nine or ten digits. Ensure you have the correct number, including any necessary prefixes.

Putting it all together, your complete dialing string should look like this: [Your Exit Code] + 84 + 28 + [Local Number].

For example, if youre calling a Ho Chi Minh City landline number, 1234567, from the United States, you would dial: 011 + 84 + 28 + 1234567.

Beyond the technicalities of dialing, its worth noting the cultural sensitivity surrounding the name. While Saigon is widely understood and often used informally, using Ho Chi Minh City in formal contexts demonstrates respect and awareness of the countrys official nomenclature. Especially when interacting with government officials or in business settings, using the official name is highly recommended.

In conclusion, reaching someone in what was once known as Saigon is straightforward. Remember to use the official city name and code – Ho Chi Minh City and 28 – and follow the standard international dialing procedure. By understanding these simple steps, you can easily connect with this dynamic city and its people, bridging the gap between historical nomenclature and contemporary communication. So, whether you call it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, connecting with this vibrant hub is just a few numbers away.