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The Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Viettel vs. MobiFone vs. Vinaphone

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Vietnam: Best SIM Cards for Tourists

It’s no secret that we are crazy about Vietnam ; after numerous visits over the last 2 years, we have even decided to call Saigon home for a while.

In addition to delicious food , friendly people, and stunning scenery, one other reason that we love Vietnam is the availability of super fast and extremely affordable mobile data. It means we can work on our blog without interruption from anywhere in this beautiful country.

We would highly recommend that you purchase a Vietnam SIM card at the airport as soon as you arrive in the country. But with 4 different mobile carriers – Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile – and dozens of different data plans to choose from, picking the right SIM card for your trip to Vietnam can be overwhelming and confusing.

Best SIM Cards for Vietnam Tourists

We wanted to figure out which was the best Vietnam SIM card for travelers like ourselves, so we made a point to try all of the providers during our various trips around the country.

After traveling the length of Vietnam from the terraced rice fields of Sapa in the far north to the white sand beaches of Phu Quoc in the far south, we can definitively say that our favorite Vietnam SIM card provider is Viettel ; they have the best mobile network in Vietnam.

So if you’re in a rush and don’t want to read the entire article…

The best Vietnam SIM card: Viettel

Best Vietnam SIM Card: Viettel

But if you still have questions about where to buy a SIM card in Vietnam, why we prefer Viettel, and how much it is going to cost, then read on!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Complete Guide to Vietnam SIM Cards

Quick tips for buying a sim card in vietnam.

  • Viettel is the best Vietnam SIM card provider
  • The easiest place to buy a SIM card is at the airport when you first arrive in Vietnam
  • Make sure you bring your passport when you go to purchase a SIM Card
  • Make sure to have your cell phone unlocked for international use before you leave your home country
  • Expect to pay between 150,000-350,000 VND ($6-$15 USD) for a SIM card and prepaid data package depending on how long you’re staying in Vietnam and how much data you want

Do You Need a SIM Card in Vietnam?

Just about every hotel and restaurant in Vietnam offers free wifi so there is really no need to purchase a SIM card in Vietnam. However, we find it incredibly useful for utilizing ride-hailing apps like Grab to get around in the city, for Google Maps when we are driving a motorbike in the countryside, and for Google Translate if we want to communicate with anyone who doesn’t speak English.

It’s also so cheap to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Vietnam so there is really no reason not to get one.

Where to Purchase a SIM Card in Vietnam

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Vietnam for Mobile Data & Internet

There are literally thousands of places to purchase a tourist SIM card in Vietnam. Every travel agency offers them as do many local stores and even some hotels.

We have found that it is best to purchase a Vietnamese SIM card either in the airport or at one of the official stores of the mobile network providers . More on that below.

Buying a Vietnamese SIM Card at the Airport

The easiest place to buy a SIM card in Vietnam is at the airport. You’ll find dozens of kiosks selling SIM cards as soon as you exit the baggage claim area in any of Vietnam’s international airports.

The easiest place is to buy a SIM card in Vietnam is at the airport.

The price of a SIM card and data plan is fixed by each mobile carrier so the prices offered should all be roughly the same. Feel free to check at a couple of different sales kiosks to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

A Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data package should cost you between 150,000-350,000 VND ($6.50-$15 USD) depending on how long you’re going to be staying in Vietnam and how much mobile data you want.

A Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data package should cost you between 150,000-350,000 VND ($6.50-$15 USD)

There are 2 advantages to buying your Vietnam SIM card at the airport:

  • They register and activate SIM cards for tourists hundreds of times per day so they are quick and efficient and getting it set up properly for you.
  • You can immediately use Grab (or one of the other ride-hailing services available in Vietnam) to get yourself a ride from the airport which will save you money and hassle.

Also, most of the kiosks in the airport are happy to take a credit card payment for your new Vietnamese SIM card so you don’t even need to worry about going to the ATM first.

We prefer Viettel as it has the largest network and offers excellent coverage all over Vietnam. The next best options are MobiFone and Vinaphone with Vietnamobile a distant fourth place.

Buying a SIM Card at a Travel Agency or Hotel

You’ll likely be tempted to buy a SIM card at one of the hundreds of tiny shops and travel agencies around town advertising them. Our advice is to NOT buy your SIM card from a travel agency or local shop.

Our advice is to NOT buy your SIM card from a travel agency or local shop.

In 2016 the government began strictly enforcing a policy that requires every mobile SIM card be registered to the person using it. If your SIM card is not properly registered to you when you purchase it, you run the risk of randomly having it shut off during your trip to Vietnam.

Employees in the small travel agencies around Hanoi and Saigon often don’t have very much experience activating tourist SIM cards or they just can’t be bothered to do it properly.

The result is that you’ll have a non-functioning SIM card after a few days. You’ll either have to go back to the travel agent to have it replaced or just throw it away and buy a new SIM card.

If you do purchase your SIM card at a local shop and want to see if it was properly registered to you then text “TTTB” to 1414. You should get a text back within a few minutes that includes your full name, date of birth, and passport number.

Buying a Vietnamese SIM Card at the Telecom Office

If you have already left the airport without a SIM card then you should head directly to one of the branch offices of the telecom companies. Luckily, Viettel has offices that are conveniently located in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Remember to bring your passport with you as they will need it to register your new SIM card.

Where to get a SIM Card in Hanoi

If you’re staying in the old quarter in Hanoi you’ll find a Viettel store located at the northwestern corner of Hoan Kim Lake.

Viettel Hanoi : 53 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

There is actually a second Viettel store located on the other side of the lake, but the customer service seems to be much better at the one mentioned above.

Where to get a SIM Card Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

If you’re in Hoi Chi Minh City there is a Viettel store located just south of Bui Vien Street, about a 15-minute walk from Ben Than Market

Viettel Ho Chi Minh City : 166 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Vietnam?

One of the best parts about buying a Vietnam SIM card is it is incredibly cheap! For less than $20 USD you can have an entire month of practically limitless high-speed data.

Prices vary depending on what deals Viettel, MobiFone and Vinaphone are running at any given time but you can expect to pay 150,000-350,000 VND ($6.50-$15 USD) for a SIM card and data package.

How Much Does a Viettel SIM Card Cost?

First, you’ll need to buy the SIM card itself which should cost you 50,000-60,000 VND (~$2.50 USD). Once the SIM card has been activated and registered you can add credit and purchase a data package.

Viettel offers the following packages for tourists (all plans are for 1 month):

Don’t worry about figuring out how to do all this. If you’re purchasing your SIM card at the airport or the Viettel shop then whoever sells you the SIM card should be able to set everything up for you. And they’ll likely speak at least a little English.

Calling and Texting on Your New SIM

Some data packages include SMS or call time while others do not. Most people in Vietnam have WhatsApp so you likely won’t need to actually call anyone.

If you do think you’ll be making local phone calls make sure you get a data package that includes some call time. Or you can simply add some additional credit to your SIM and pay-as-you-go for your calls and texts.

Here are the current rates for calling and texting with Viettel:

  • Local calls (within Vietnam): 1,800 VND/minute
  • Local SMS (within Vietnam): 300 VND/text
  • International calls: 3,600 VND/minute
  • International SMS: 2,500 VND/text

Viettel vs. VinaPhone vs. MobiFone vs. Vietnamobile

As mentioned above, there are 4 mobile carriers that offer SIM cards in Vietnam – Viettel, MobiFone, Vinaphone, and Vietnamboile. But which is the best mobile network in Vietnam?

Of Vietnam’s mobile carriers Viettel has the largest mobile network and most customers.

Viettel has the largest mobile network and most customers.

Vinaphone has the second-best coverage map, but we have always had trouble with our SIM cards when we have purchased Vinaphone. MobiFone has great coverage in the city but starts to get a little spotty if you start to get off the beaten track. We have always had a great experience with MobiFone, but if you’re planning on being out in the countryside, it might not be the best choice.

Vietnam Sim Card Coverage Map

Vietnamobile has little to no coverage outside major cities and even though it is the cheapest you should avoid it at all costs.

Vietnamobile has little to no coverage outside of major cities and even though it is the cheapest you should avoid it at all costs.

In addition to having great coverage in both northern and southern Vietnam, Viettel has conveniently located stores in both the Old Quarter of Hanoi and District 1 in Saigon.

Viettel is the clear winner for the title of “Best Vietnam SIM Card Provider “.

Vietnam: Best Cell Phone Sim Cards

Recharging/Topping-up Your Vietnam SIM Card

If you’re staying in Vietnam for less than a month it’s unlikely you’ll need to renew your data package. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to call or text someone locally and you don’t have any credit on your phone.

Most convenience stores (including 7/11 and Vinmart) sell scratch-off vouchers. Just buy the desired amount and load it onto your phone. It’s probably easiest to just have whoever sold you the voucher to load it onto your phone. But if you prefer to do it yourself just open up the phonecall screen on your cell phone and type *100*{voucher-code}# and press enter.

If this sounds too complicated you can also use the online service Recharge.com . You enter your Vietnamese phone number, select how much money you want to add and pay with PayPal or credit card. There is a $1 USD surcharge but we think the convenience makes up for the additional cost.

Vietnam SIM Cards FAQ

We think the best SIM card in Vietnam is Viettel. They are the Vietnamese mobile carrier with the largest network and best coverage.

There are dozens of small shops around Vietnam that sell SIM cards, but the best place to get one is either in the airport when you first land in the country or at the mobile carrier’s store – we prefer Viettel.

The SIM card itself costs about 50,000 VND (~$2.50). You’ll generally purchase your Vietnam SIM card as part of a mobile data package that will give you anywhere from 5GB – 30GB of data and cost between 150,000 – 300,000 VND ($6.50-$15).

Yes. There are numerous kiosks selling SIM cards at the Hanoi Airport.

Of course! There are dozens of counters selling SIM cards for all of Vietnam’s mobile providers at the Saigon airport. (We prefer Viettel)

Have you been to Vietnam? What do you think is the best Vietnamese SIM cards?

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Nick Wheatley

Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA). He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha. Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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32 thoughts on “the best vietnam sim card for tourists: viettel vs. mobifone vs. vinaphone”.

vietnam travel sim

So if want to call/text back home to Canada just use What’s App, Messenger or facetime with wifi? then I won’t need a sim card with phone plan?

vietnam travel sim

Yes but you’ll want a SIM card if you want wifi on the go. Otherwise you’ll only have internet access when you’re connected at a hotel or coffee shop or something.

vietnam travel sim

Good info, thanks! Do you have suggestions for esim? I prefer not to deal with it in person and have phone ready to go right off the plane.

vietnam travel sim

Just be carful , In the airport at the small store where they sell SIM card and exchange money, they will scammed you . I just landed in Vietnam ho Cho min city on 4th April . Bought SIM card from that store from 13usd after 1 day I cannot use the sim . I went to Vinaphone office . They told me my sim was not registered under my name and I cannot use anymore . I need to buy new SIM card. Buy from Vinaphone store it’s much cheaper .

vietnam travel sim

Just the type of information I wanted – what SIM/carrier, how/where, how to check. Excellent. Thanks!

vietnam travel sim

Do I need locan number for texting like ordering taxi or grab or do I just use wifi apps with taxi company or use whatsapp/messenger?

vietnam travel sim

There are a lot of travel stalls (kiosks) selling phone Sim cards from many providers: Vinaphone, Vietel, mobitel etc.. (they’re e all part of VN government’s business just dif names) inside Danang airport near the exit gate just before you go outside. We bought Vinaphone Sim card about $5. It gave me 20 days of 4Gb internet data per day. Unlimited calls only between Vinaphone users which was great for our family group.

What’s not included: you can’t call land line numbers or other none vinaphone numbers. It was all hustles sale and the sales lady didn’t explain me that. Basically, you can’t call hotel or friends yet. You can ask them to add 30,000-50,000 Dong calling minutes. It’s about $3 for roughly 14000 minutes call to local lines and maybe 20 minutes overseas. My hotel receptionist helped me, he passed his phone credit to my line and I paid him with tip. You can add more minutes date anytime. Most mom and pop convenience store can help you with buying call minutes.

I suggest to download Grab app and What’sapp to call people using just wifi. I used Grab to order foods to my hotel: banh xeo, banh mi, pho, spring rolls etc… Grab taxi to everywhere is dirt cheap. $10 from Tansonnhat airport to hotel in district 1 Saigon. To restaurants for a few bucks.

The Cons: If you’re a Vietnamese, make up an English name. when buying the phone Sim card, they gave a form to fill your name, address, date of birth. This is just formality to submit to government control, I told the sales girl I don’t want to, so I made up fake name and she made up the rest of the form. They sold your numbers to scammers, I think. I put down my “Vietnamese name” and I got like ten calls a day from local scammers about they want to borrow money from me. My kids put their Anglophone names in the form, the Vietnamese scammers didn’t call them.

vietnam travel sim

wich one the best sms mobile in hanoi vietnam & wich one you recommend me to Buying thank you so much.

vietnam travel sim

This will be my 4th trip to Vietnam.

On my first 2 trips, I purchased the Viettel card at HCMC airport and it worked perfectly.

The 3rd trip my flight arrived after 10p, and Viettel was closed.

I had to buy at a higher price from a dealer. No big deal. Had service at the airport and the next day.

But then I found out on day 2 it was not working as I kept receiving delayed messages only when I was on wifi.

To make a long story short, and having some pain trying to find a Viettel company store, I found out the dealer had set it up incorrectly.

So I really want to only buy from the Viettel co store at HCMC airport. I haven’t booked my flight yet, but do you know what time they close and is this the same time 7 days a week? Do they accept a US Visa or Mastercard? As the first 2 times, only cash, so I’d need to go to an ATM first and if close to their close time, I’d hate to miss them again.

Your website lists a sim card cost and then the plan. When I purchased at Viettel it was one price, so I assume they offer a bundled price? And that would be 2.50 for the card plus $4 for the 5GB plan? Is it good for 30 days?

Can I use my phone as a hotspot for another device, on their plan? Thank you for your help!

Another question:

In the event when I know my flight – and it arrives after Viettel is closed, I see online sellers for airport pickup. But that means no passport presented and is that OK? Or will they request it at time of setup?

vietnam travel sim

Viettel advertise their Tour100 sim card on their website. The Viettel booth at Hanoi international airport say they have no knowledge of it a d try to sell other plans. I went to the main Viettel outlet in Hanoi city and even showed them the product on their own website but knew nothing about it and couldn’t care less. What a crock!!

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Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

Best Tourist Sim Card for Vietnam in 2024

vietnam travel sim

Planning a trip to Vietnam and looking for the best way to stay connected in Vietnam? The cheapest way is a local prepaid sim card for tourists but the easiest way is an e-sim card for Vietnam. What is best? Find it out in my complete guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for your trip to Vietnam.

Here is everything you need to know about where to buy a sim card, up to date prices as per July 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Vietnam, the best e-sim cards for Vietnam, my recommendation and even information about international sim cards for Vietnam.

The first thing I do when arriving to a new country is looking for the best way to get internet on my phone. In most cases, especially for longer trips I buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival, for shorter trips I prefer an e-sim card.

Local prepaid sim cards in Vietnam are cheap and you get a lot of data, but these days the convenience of getting an e-sim card on the internet makes me buy one before my trip and I already enjoy data on my phone as soon as the plane lands.

Traveltomtom is also aiming to travel to every country in the world  and that is how you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom: Shanghai , China ,  Singapore , Jakarta ,  Bali , Indonesia ,  Bangkok ,  Thailand ,  Hong Kong , Malaysia , Italy , USA , New York , Sydney ,  Germany , France , United Kingdom , Canada , Dubai , Turkey , Europe , Asia  and many more.

Therefore when planning you next trip abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your destination. Bookmark me!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Viettel sim card for Vietnam. Viettel has very affordable prepaid sim cards for tourists and they have by far the best 4G/5G mobile data network coverage and fastest data speed in Vietnam.

If you are visiting Vietnam for just a couple days it is easier and faster to just get an e-sim card for Vietnam online. Prices already start from just $4 USD and for $19.90 USD you already get 30 GB data, see below for more info. Traveltomtom recommends ordering e-sim cards for Vietnam via either  SimOptions , Airalo or  Nomad .

you may also like...

Honest Review of SimOptions | Extensively Tested

Fact is that the local prepaid sim cards you buy in Vietnam are cheaper than e-sim cards, but you can only buy them on arrival in Vietnam in a phone store or at the airport of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Another great way of staying connected when traveling abroad is a global sim card with data. Although slightly more expensive these international sim cards can be used in multiple countries, so perfect if you are traveling all over Southeast Asia.

Check out my article about the best global sim cards with data for traveling abroad in 2024  and pick the one that suits your trip or have a look at my recommendations for the best prepaid and e-sim cards for Asia in 2024 .

Best e-sim cards for Vietnam

Rather get an e-sim card for your trip to Vietnam? Understandable! If your phone is e-sim compatible this is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Vietnam in 2024. No more visiting a store or swapping sim cards.

You order an e-sim card for Vietnam on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Vietnam e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Vietnam it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Vietnam.

For more info about using e-sim cards and all your answers to FAQ's about e-sim cards check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for Vietnam .

vietnam travel sim

Airalo is a trusted e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world.

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Vietnam from Airalo .

The above data-only e-sim cards for Vietnam are from from Xin Chao and they operate on the 4G/LTE networks of Viettel and Mobifone. Phone calls and texting services are NOT supported. The Airalo e-sim cards for Vietnam are data-only.

vietnam travel sim

Simoptions has different Vietnam e-sim card deals for tourists they are a product of SimOptions themselves:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.90 USD
  • 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $39.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $64.90 USD

The above Vietnam e-sims from SimOptions are fairly expensive. But the e-sim card they offer from Vinaphone is  the best-buy e-sim card deal for Vietnam, see below.

vietnam travel sim

  • 30 GB data for 10 days = $19.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Vietnam via SimOptions .

As you can see SimOptions sells an e-sim card for Vietnam with 30 GB data for just $19.90 USD. Seems like the best deal ever. But there is a catch!

The Vinaphone 4G/LTE network is not bad, but the 4G/LTE network from Viettel is much better. If you stick to the standard tourist destinations or cities in Vietnam, Vinaphone is a great e-sim card for tourists. If you go off the beaten path then stick to a Viettel e-sim card for Vietnam.

vietnam travel sim

A third recommended e-sim provider is Nomad. However, they sell e-sim cards for Vietnam that operate on the Mobifone network, the weakest 4G/LTE network in Vietnam and therefore not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Vietnam: 

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
  • 15 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD
  • 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD
  • 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Vietnam from Nomad .

As you can see there are lots of different e-sim cards for Vietnam available on the internet. For more detailed information and a complete comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Vietnam in 2024  click on the link to read my guide.

You can also still buy a physical prepaid sim card for Vietnam on the internet. This physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip.

For example $29.90 USD will give you 12 GB data for 30 days. Click here to order a prepaid Vietnam sim card directly online via SimOptions  or get more info and see more sim card deals.

Must visit when traveling to Vietnam

Visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park  is highly recommend when traveling to Vietnam, a great off the beaten path tourist destination. No need to tell you that driving down a motorcycle from North to South was one of my dream trips, but that was already more than 10 years ago.

Vietnam is an amazing country for backpackers , but also has some great hidden gems and amazing luxury hotels for people that are not traveling on a budget. Click on the following link to read my guide with everything you need to know before traveling to Vietnam .

Why buying a Vietnam for sim card

Asia is much more modern than you may think and there is WiFi EVERYWHERE in Vietnam! So why buying a sim card for Vietnam, right? Well, there are multiple reasons, but the most important one is to stay connected while traveling in Vietnam as it simply makes life easier and traveling more fun. Imagine your smartphone without a data connection!

Without internet on your phone you will lose connection as soon as you walk out of the hotel or your hostel. Meaning getting an Uber/Grab on the streets becomes challenging, as well as getting direction or finding nearby places and friends. Staying connected makes traveling to Vietnam so much more convenient. Think about translation apps, banking issues, emergencies, etc.

Buying a sim card in Vietnam or getting an e-sim card avoids high roaming charges. International roaming fees are still outrageous these days and overseas data roaming plans limit your data speed. Vietnam prepaid sim cards or e-sim cards are cheap. Welcome to Asia, some things are very cheap and so are local prepaid sim cards and e-sim cards for Vietnam.

Mobile internet providers Vietnam

Let’s first see which mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. There are 3 main mobile internet operators in Vietnam: 

On top of that you have a couple small operators that offer sim cards like Vietnamobile, but their network is very much limited to the big cities only. Not worth it for tourists!

More about the best 4G/5G network in Vietnam later. However, it is something very important, because there is a huge difference between the mobile data networks of the mobile internet operators in Vietnam.

When buying a prepaid sim card in Vietnam make sure to bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taken and your new prepaid sim card for Vietnam will be registered on your name and passport. You will get a physical prepaid sim card with a Vietnamese phone number starting with +84.

If you prefer not to be registered with your passport then look into e-sims for Vietnam. When ordering an e-sim card there is no need for an ID verification, you just need your e-mail address. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Vietnam via either  SimOptions , Airalo or  Nomad .

Also love to recommend you a great boutique hotel in Ho Chi Minh City: The Myst Dong Khoi . Totally worth spending a couple bucks extra and still affordable for those traveling to Vietnam on a budget.

Where to buy a sim card in Vietnam

All I can say is get it done as soon as you land. If you want to buy a local prepaid sim card in Vietnam then the easiest way to get connected is at the airport on arrival in Vietnam. On the international airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City there are endless opportunities for buying a Vietnam prepaid sim card.

In case you missed the opportunities at the airport there are mobile phone stores everywhere in the big cities. Finding a Vietnam data sim is really easy, finding the best one is a challenge. Prices vary a lot and if you feel like bargaining then do it.

Keep in mind that you can only buy physical prepaid sim cards in Vietnam, e-sims for tourists are not available. You can only buy an e-sim card for Vietnam on the internet .

Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card for Vietnam at the international airport in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. At these sim card stores you can pay by international credit card and there is no need to get cash first. The sim card shops at the airports are open 24 hours and these people speak good English and know exactly what they are doing.

Buying a sim card at the airport goes fast. Make sure your sim card with data is working before you walk away.

Buying a sim card in Ho Chi Minh City

vietnam data sim 2

Finding a prepaid sim card in Ho Chi Minh City is as easy as buying bananas. You will see the 4G and sim card signs everywhere. Buying a Vietnam sim card in an official mobile internet provider shop is already confusing, then you can imagine what it is like in any kind of tour agency/information shop.

My advice: don’t even be bothered! Get yourself an e-sim card for Vietnam or buy your Vietnam sim card at the airport when you arrive.

Normally I don't advice travelers to buy a sim card at the airport as those are always more expensive, but saving $2 is NOT worth the hassle, trust me. In the city they will try to overcharge you anyway and you can even haggle for the price of a prepaid sim card for tourists.

Buying a sim card at Saigon Airport Ho Chi Minh City

vietnam tourist sim card 2

There are many opportunities for getting your Vietnam sim card upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. There is already a kiosk before you even go through customs. After customs there are about 6 different sim card stores as well and all of them sell pretty much the same sim card plans for tourists, but for different prices. After you picked up your bags and you step into the arrival hall there are again about 5 different sim card stores.

As soon as you walk down the stairs after customs in Ho Chi Minh Airport you will walk up to seemingly endless tourist information shops which are all selling Vietnam sim card packages for tourists. On your left you have the Vinaphone, Viettel and Mobifone shops all next to each other.

It is literally impossible to miss the sim card stores at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Most of them are open 24 hours and you can pay by international credit card.

Buying a sim card at Hanoi Airport Noi Bai

mobifone sim card vietnam

At the International Arrival Hall 2 all the mobile phone operators have a store. They are located on both sides at the end, it is impossible to miss them. They only close for a couple hours at night, operating hours from 6 am till 2 am. Rule of thumb is that for around $10 you will get about 20 GB data on prepaid sim cards for tourists sold at Hanoi Airport. That said, in the city you will get double data for the same price.

Above: tourists buying a Vietnam sim card at one of the many mobile phone shops at Noi Bai Airport Hanoi.

As mentioned before you can also order your sim card for Vietnam online. If you want a physical sim card then check out the international sim cards for Vietnam. These travel sim cards with global coverage will be shipped to your home address. It is plug and play and you are online as soon as the plane lands.

Then there are the e-sim cards. E-sim cards for Vietnam can only be ordered online. Recommended resellers for Vietnam e-sim cards are Airalo and SimOptions .

For a more detailed guide check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sim card for traveling to Vietnam in 2024 .

Find cheap bus, train and flight tickets in Vietnam

Another recommendation but now for transportation in Vietnam is the search engine of 12Go Asia. They get you the best bus, boat, train, taxis, shuttles and even domestic flights in one overview. Try it out below yourself.

Powered by 12Go system

Directly book your tickets, choose your seat and receive them on your phone within just a couple clicks. Find travel duration, prices, available seats, travel schedule and everything you need to know in one overview.

Cheap domestic flights in Vietnam

  • From Hanoi to Danang less than $20 USD
  • From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi less than $35 USD

Prices prepaid Vietnam sim cards in 2024

Prices for Vietnam sim cards at the airports and in the city differ from shop to shop! But in all honesty we are talking about a couple dollar more or less, nothing that is going to hurt your wallet. Trust me the price is not the most important thing when choosing a sim card for your trip to Vietnam!

So what is important? Keep on reading...

As per July 2024: $1 USD = 25.455 VND and 100,000 VND = $3.93 USD.

Viettel prepaid sim card

As I said before there are endless opportunities, packages and prices available. I filtered out the best Viettel prepaid sim card for you below.

Viettel Only Data - VND 30,000 = $1.2 USD

  • valid for 7 days
  • Hotspot: YES

Viettel Data & Call - VND 120,000 = $5 USD

  • 2GB daily 4G internet
  • 60 minutes calling
  • 30 days valid
  • To register dial: *098*172#

The above two Viettal prepaid sim cards are the ones that I recommend for your trip to Vietnam. These are the up to date prepaid packages as per July 2024 you can also find on the Viettel website .

Viettel does NOT offer e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

viettel tourist  sim card vietnam

I also found many other offers, see the picture above. It is up to you which data packages suits you the most. All the above data packages for Viettel are valid for 30 days and you can use a hotspot.

Keep in mind that wherever you go in Vietnam Viettel has by far the best mobile data network, more about that later.

Mobifone prepaid sim card

mobifone sim card vietnam airport ho chi minh

Mobifone tourist sim card - VND 200,000 = $8.2 USD

  • Unlimited 4G data
  • No calling, no texting
  • 14 days valid

Mobifone tourist sim card - VND 220,000 = $9 USD

  • 100 minutes calling, no texting

Note: with the above Mobifone prepaid sim cards it was not specified if 4G was unlimited on high speed internet. Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of sim cards with unlimited internet as in the small letters there are always restrictions. On the Mobifone website you can find more information about their prepaid sim cards and top ups.

Mobifone does NOT offer e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available.

Vinaphone prepaid sim card

vietnam tourist sim card

Vinaphone Data & Call - VND 220,000 = $9 USD

  • 2GB daily 4G data
  • 100 minutes calling

Vinaphone does NOT offer e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available. But remember you can buy a Vinaphone with 30 GB data for $19.90 USD via SimOptions .

As you can see on the pictures above they offer a wide array of prepaid sim card packages in Vietnam. Regardless if you buy your prepaid sim card at the airport or in the city, when it comes down at the price it is hard to choose because they are all very affordable.  

I told you already though that the price is not the most important, so what is important? THE 4G/5G mobile data network coverage.

On the pictures below you will see some more Vietnam prepaid sim card deals I was offered.

vietnam tourist sim card 3

As you can see again different packages, different prices.

Cheap bus and train tickets in Vietnam

No more bargaining and fighting with street vendors for your bus tickets. Find all the transportation options for traveling in Vietnam online at 12Go Asia. This search engine for boats, busses, private vans, flights and trains lets you book your tickets online. Fixed prices, easy, reliable and convenient!

Try it out above. They give you time tables, prices, trip duration and more. Even domestic flights can be found, and from my experience even cheaper than other flight search websites.

Best 4G/5G network in Vietnam in 2024

So here comes the most valuable information for buying a sim card for Vietnam: the mobile internet network coverage! Let's have a look at the 4G/5G coverage maps in Vietnam  and determine which sim card is the best for traveling in Vietnam.

Is there 5G in Vietnam? Yes, there is, but as per July 2024 there is only 5G in the big cities in Vietnam.

Mobifone 4G/5G network coverage map

mobifone 4g 5g network coverage map vietnam 2024

Vinaphone 4G/5G network coverage map

vinaphone 4g 5g network coverage map vietnam 2024

Viettel 4G/5G network coverage map

viettel 4g 5g network coverage map vietnam 2024

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Vietnam in 2024.

Looking at the above comparison of the network coverage maps of all the mobile internet operators in Vietnam, we can clearly see that Viettel has by far the best 4G/5G network in Vietnam in 2024.

As I have been traveling extensively around Vietnam over the past years I can confirm that in most places off the beaten path there is only a Viettel phone signal available. That said in the major tourist destinations and cities in Vietnam you will mostly find a good signal of the other operators too.

But trust me for long bus rides and motorbike rides and traveling off the beaten path in Vietnam you want a Viettel sim card.

RELATED: 20 things to know before you travel to Vietnam .

Best sim card for Vietnam in 2024

My conclusion is probably already clear for you. Buying a sim card for Vietnam is very easy but finding the best sim card deal is a challenge.  Every phone store sells you different tourist sim cards for different prices. Prices for prepaid sim cards in Vietnam are cheap though.

When we compare the local prepaid sim card deals with e-sim cards we can conclude that the local prepaid sim cards are cheaper. However, you can only buy them on arrival in Vietnam.

Airalo has a great e-sim card for Vietnam with 20 GB data for $32 USD that operates on the Viettel network and SimOptions offers a  Vinaphone e-sim card with 30 GB data for $19.90 USD . You can buy these e-sims on the internet within a couple clicks and as soon as the plane lands in Vietnam you are online.

But as said if you want the cheapest prepaid sim card for tourists then wait till you get to Vietnam and buy a physical prepaid sim card from Viettel. It is an easy conclusion that Viettel is the best sim card for traveling in Vietnam in 2024 because of their extensive 4G/5G mobile data network and cheap sim cards for tourists.

Why I recommend a Viettel sim card for traveling in Vietnam:

  • Viettel has the best 4G/5G network in Vietnam
  • A Viettel sim card will cost you on average about $3 USD
  • For around $1 USD (30,000 VND) you can already get 7 GB data for 1 week
  • For around $5 USD you get 60 GB for 1 month

Buying a Viettel prepaid sim card at the International Airport of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi is very simple as there are stores everywhere. However, be prepared to pay a little extra. Sim cards at airports are more expensive. However, still very affordable in Vietnam.

The Airalo e-sim cards of Xin Chao also operate on the Viettel network, so when asking me I would personally advice you to order an e-sim card for Vietnam. You arrange everything online within just a couple minutes and for $32 USD you get 20 GB data for 30 days.

For more info about e-sims check out my article about the best e-sim cards for traveling to Vietnam in 2024 .

Order a prepaid sim card for Vietnam online

international prepaid sim cards for vietnam 2024

If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would still like to buy a sim card for Vietnam on the internet then check out the following physical international prepaid sim cards.

Buying a sim card in Vietnam sounds like a lot of stress, right? So ordering an international sim card for traveling in Vietnam on the internet sounds much easier. These pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Vietnam.

You put them in your phone in the plane and as soon as you land you are online. Plug and Play!

Three Data Pack 10 GB - $24.90

  • Valid in 56 countries
  • NO calls, NO sms
  • Valid 30 days

Orange Holiday World 10 GB - $49.90

  • Valid in 124 countries
  • Valid 14 days

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Vietnam directly online via SimOptions .

My experiences buying a sim card in Vietnam

Nowadays whenever I travel to Vietnam I always use an e-sim card. I mostly  order an e-sim card for Vietnam through Airalo , but recently I just visited Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and I used the Vinaphone e-sim card with 30 GB for $19.90 USD from SimOptions. It was a great timing to review this e-sim card. I had no issues whatsoever and fast data speed.

You can order this Vinaphone e-sim card for Vietnam through SimOptions .

But I will be honest next time I will order an e-sim card again of Viettel.

Just to prove a point and for my experiences I also once bought a Mobifone sim card to see if it was really that much of a difference. I mostly stayed around Ho Chi Minh, the Mekong Delta, but I also traveled to the Quang Binh Province.

I ended up at a friendly guy at the Ho Chi Minh Airport at one of the many mobile phone shops asking constantly: ‘you buy sim card now?’. I roamed around many different phone shops for information and was basically done with all the sales people hassling me... buy now? You want? LOL.

When I explained him I only wanted data and would travel in Vietnam for about 9 days this friendly guy said: try this Mobifone sim package, specially for you.

VND 100,000 = $4.3 USD

  • 12GB data - 4G speed
  • Unlimited data - 3G speed

prepaid sim card vietnam

I decided to put Mobifone to the test as it has the weakest 4G/5G network in Vietnam. So was I satisfied with it? Not really!

The internet speed was alright. I never really had problems watching Instagram stories or streaming videos on Facebook or TikTok. But when I entered buildings the signal got pretty weak sometimes and in my hotel room (I stayed at Grand Hotel Saigon ) I had just 1 bar 4G signal most of the time, which was pretty annoying.

In the rural areas of Quang Binh there was often NO signal at all and sometimes I only had a 3G signal. For the rest of my trip to Vietnam the Mobifone sim card worked lets say ok. However, next time though I will buy a Viettel prepaid sim card again for traveling in Vietnam.

Especially when visiting again in 2024 I want to try the Viettel 5G network in Vietnam.

Traveling through Southeast Asia and looking for a prepaid sim card or e-sim card that covers all countries in Asia ? Click on the link and I show you my Asia sim card comparison for 2024 including physical prepaid sim cards and e-sim cards.

I wrote many guides for buying tourist sim cards and e-sim cards and I know what to expect and what to look for. Vietnam is a different piece of cake, prepare yourself for an intense journey if you travel to Vietnam . Haggling is part of the culture and when you go to a market or even a shop never buy something for the original price unless it is printed on it, but even then you should haggle.

Traveling to Vietnam is always a good idea though, I love the country, but also be prepared to fight for your right or get ripped off! But, whatever you do, do it with respect.

As a big fan of traveling in Southeast AsiaI also wrote guides for  buying a sim card in Thailand or tourist sim cards in Indonesia . If you are looking to buy a local prepaid sim card in Southeast Asia then you will find out that prices are often not fixed.

Thailand just has too many packages available, Indonesia simply is a mess, but what to say about Vietnam? Oh god! Welcome to the jungle! Finding the best sim card for tourists in Vietnam almost felt like mission impossible! Good thing: data sim cards in Vietnam are very cheap. So I wouldn't be bothered so much. Just make sure you get yourself a sim card or e-sim card from Viettel.

Let me know if you have any questions about traveling to Vietnam, Im happy to help you or check out my blog with everything you need to know when traveling to Vietnam .

Also if this Vietnam blog was helpful for you would you like to help me a little in return? Please share the link of this article somewhere on the internet, that would mean a lot to me. Every tweet on Twitter, pin on Pinterest or post in a Facebook Group helps me a lot. Thanks so much in advance.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of July 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!

Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Vietnam are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

  • ho chi minh city

The Vietnam Tourist SIM Card Guide

In 2024, having a SIM card that keeps you and your phone connected to the worldwide web at all times via mobile data is basically a necessity. And the need to stay connected is even more pressing when you’re traveling in a foreign country. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Vietnam SIM card purchases and data packages, from where to get them to what networks you should choose.

Table of Contents

Do you need a sim card in vietnam.

Yes, you do need a SIM card in Vietnam. Having a mobile data connection allows you access to apps will make your trip run MUCH more smoothly. A few of the essential mobile apps that need a data connection to use when you’re on-the-go include:

  • Maps — A maps app is absolutely essential to find the exact locations you want to go to, as you can use the GPS to constantly monitor where you are in relation to your destination.
  • Translate — A mobile data package allows you to key in the phrase you want to communicate and have it translated into Vietnamese to show the person you’re talking to.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Grab, Xanh SM, etc.) — Taxis are hotbeds for scams in Vietnam, so being able to pull out your phone and call a safe ride to your location whenever you want is a fantastic option.
  • Messenger — First of all, a messenger app can act as your lifeline in a situation where you can’t communicate what you want to say; you can call your hotel or your travel agency and someone who speaks both English and Vietnamese can advocate for you over the phone. Second, being able to communicate with friends back home or your travel party members is important, especially if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation while you’re out and about.

Honestly, it’s difficult to imagine how a tourist would survive a trip to Vietnam without a SIM card and these apps.

And if you’re thinking about simply relying on your home country carrier’s roaming plan while you’re in Vietnam, don’t. Roaming plans are very expensive, and a prepaid SIM card will be a much cheaper option.

The different types of SIM card for tourists

There are two main types of tourist SIM cards to consider: a physical SIM card and an eSim. Both types provide the same benefits, but you may need to go with one or the other depending on the type of phone you have.

Physical SIM Cards

A physical SIM is an actual plastic card that you insert in your phone’s SIM card slot to get service. Different phones accept SIM cards of different sizes: either mini SIM, micro SIM, or nano SIM. You can ask the sellers at shops or counters selling SIM cards to give you one of the appropriate size for your phone, and they’ll help you out.

Physical SIMs are very easy to find, as pretty much any SIM dealer in Vietnam will carry them. They can also be moved from one phone to another if their initial phone runs out of battery on the road, which is another benefit.

The largest potential downside is that physical SIMs cannot be used in all phones. A dual-sim phone allows you to easily insert a local SIM card while traveling. But some phones have an embedded SIM and do not allow for external carriers.

Another downside that’s actually just more of an inconvenience is that you need to register for a physical SIM card, meaning you’ll have to bring your passport to a SIM card seller and fill out some paperwork to get started.

An eSIM is not an actual SIM card; rather, it is just a digital profile of a carrier’s plan that is downloaded to a compatible phone. It’s no pricier than a traditional SIM card, and it’s extremely convenient because you can just buy it online from anywhere in the world and then activate it remotely after you arrive in Vietnam by providing the activation code you received when you bought the eSIM. You can’t lose or damage the eSIM, either.

The downside is that eSIM is not compatible on all phones. The technology did not become popular until 2020 or so and even now is not included with some models of phone, so you’ll have to check whether your device is compatible.

The top Vietnamese SIM card providers

Just like most countries, Vietnam has its own mobile network providers. The main Vietnamese mobile providers are Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile. Each of the providers has its own strengths and weaknesses, summarized below. Keep in mind that SIM cards from all these providers are available throughout Vietnam, whether at airport kiosks selling SIM cards or at mobile phone shops in the city center.

Viettel is the most popular mobile network provider in Northern Vietnam.

vietnam tourist sim card

Limited international roaming options: Viettel’s international roaming options may not be as extensive as some other providers.

VinaPhone is also popular in the North, and it’s especially good for urban areas. Consider it if you are planning to stay in or near the big cities for your entire trip.

vietnam tourist sim card

Data package pricing: Some tourists might find VinaPhone’s data packages relatively expensive compared to other providers.

MobiFone is the most popular carrier in Southern Vietnam.

vietnam tourist sim card

Limited English support: Like Viettel, MobiFone’s English-language support is not always the best.

Vietnamobile

Vietnamobile is a great budget option for your Vietnam SIM card.

vietnam tourist sim card

Customer service: Vietnamobile’s customer service might not be as responsive or readily available compared to larger providers like Viettel or VinaPhone.

How much mobile data do you need?

Vietnam SIM card sellers generally offer data packages in seven sizes ranging from 1GB to unlimited data plans. Those seven sizes are listed in the table below, along with how many hours of various popular online activities that amount of data will allow for.

Vietnam SIM cards loaded up with prepaid plans tend to be much cheaper than in most of the world, so most tourists are fine with “splurging” a bit to get more data then they feel they may need just in case.

Where to buy Vietnam SIM cards?

Most tourists prefer to buy a SIM card in person at one of the locations below.

At the airport

Whether you’re arriving at Noi Bai International in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International in Ho Chi Minh city, or any of Vietnam’s other international terminals, there will be lots of SIM card kiosks as soon as you leave your gate. The booths will generally carry prepaid SIM cards from one or all of the carriers listed in the previous section, and they will offer prepaid data package options in whatever size you feel you need — you can refer to the table above to decide what one is best for you.

Once you settle on a carrier and a prepaid plan size, the person working at the booth will help you to open up your phone, insert the new SIM card, and activate it. You’re good to go!

Pro Tip: Immediately take a photo of your new Vietnamese phone number so that you won’t forget it. You can find the number on the packaging that comes with the SIM card.

At a mobile store

If you can wait to go into the city to buy a SIM card, you might be able to get a slightly better deal. By getting a SIM card at the same place the locals do, you can pay the local price for the card and then buy the plan separately.

Though this method is cheaper and might be the only option for those not traveling through an airport, it might not be as convenient for those who speak no Vietnamese since the clerks at the mobile stores may not speak English.

If you’re buying an eSim, purchasing electronically is almost certainly easier. You can buy from anywhere in the world, meaning that you can buy the eSIM before your trip and then activate it for free as soon as you get to Vietnam. What’s more, it’s the same price as buying a SIM once you’re here.

Pro Tip: Buy your eSIM through this Vietnam eSIM for tourists portal.

Wrapping Up

SIM cards and data plans in Vietnam are amazing. They’re convenient to buy and install, extremely inexpensive, and have great coverage and speed. Which is a good thing, because they’re basically essential to a successful Vietnam vacation. We hope this guide makes the Vietnam SIM card process easier for you to handle.

Other Resources

There are a few other guides you should check out while planning your Vietnam trip, including:

  • Vietnam Destination Guides
  • Vietnam Visa Guide
  • Flights to Vietnam Guide
  • Dealing With and Exchanging Money in Vietnam Guide

Related FAQs

Viettel is best for Northern regions, MobiFone is best for Southern regions, VinaPhone is best for cities, and Vietnamobile is best for budget travelers.

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists start at about 100,000 VND for 1GB of data and go up to about 300,000 VND for one month of unlimited data.

You can find 1GB prepaid data plan SIM cards for as low as 100,000 VND. You can also get unlimited data plans that are valid for one month from VinaPhone for 300,000 VND.

You can find 1GB prepaid data plan SIM cards for as low as 100,000 VND. You can also get unlimited data plans good for one month from VinaPhone for 300,000 VND.

Tourists should buy a SIM card at the airport. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and safe. If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you should instead look into buying a Vietnamese eSIM card online beforehand and activating it once you get to Vietnam.

Vietnam Sim cards for tourists are available for periods of up to 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Vietnam for longer than a month, you may want to consider buying a standard SIM card and learning how to top up using a monthly plan. You can get help with that at a mobile phone shop, with the shops near the city center offering better English-language support.

You need a passport to buy a physical SIM card in Vietnam. If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can buy the activation online without needing a passport.

Most vendors in Vietnam only take cash, so you should always carry some Vietnam Dong with you when you’re out and about. Large shops like mobile phone stores, hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, however. For more help on dealing with money in Vietnam , check out our detailed guide.

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Written by Dustin Kemp

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A Broken Backpack

Vietnam SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 25, 2024 | Asia , SIM Cards , Travel Tips , Vietnam

Are you visiting Vietnam soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Vietnam SIM card .

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Vietnam in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Vietnam. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Vietnamese – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Vietnam .

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Best SIM Cards In Vietnam

If you’re traveling in Vietnam, we recommend using a SIM card from Mobifone, Viettel, Vinaphone, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Vietnam

You can either buy a Vietnam prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Mobifone, Viettel, and Vinaphone.

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

Tourist in Hoi An, Vietnam

Mobifone SIM Cards

Mobifone offers a variety of different types of prepaid plans:

  • 1 GB, valid for 1 day for VND 5,000 ($0.20)
  • 3 GB, valid for 3 days for VND 15,000 ($0.60)
  • 6 GB, valid for 30 days for VND 70,000 ($2.82)
  • 8 GB, valid for 30 days for VND 90,000 ($3.62)

Viettel SIM Cards

Viettel has several different prepaid plans available for tourists:

  • 2 GB, valid for 1 day for VND 10,000 ($0.40)
  • 3 GB, valid for 3 day for VND 15,000 ($0.60)
  • 7 GB, valid for 7 day for VND 30,000 ($1.21)

Vinaphone SIM Cards

Vinaphone offers two main SIM-only plans for tourists:

  • 15 GB, valid for 30 days for VND 70,000 ($2.82)
  • 30 GB, valid for 30 days for VND 90,000 ($3.62)

Overall, we think Mobifone is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Vietnam Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM Card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. Vietnam is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer two data plans in Vietnam:

  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
  • 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Vietnam or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Vietnam

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Vietnam.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Vietnam.

Airalo Vietnam

If you want to buy an eSIM for Vietnam, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Vietnam.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months in Asia, and it works fine.

Here is the option available :

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
  • 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $7
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9.50
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $21
  • 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $32

Airalo eSIM Vietnam

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
  • 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
  • 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including Vietnam.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 124 countries, including Vietnam.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
  • 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
  • 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
  • 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
  • 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

Airalo Discover esim global

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Vietnam

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Vietnam:

  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
  • Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
  • Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
  • Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
  • Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

holafly vietnam esim

Go to Holafly

Nomad Vietnam

Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for Vietnam:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
  • 2GB, valid for 30 days for $10
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $13
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $15

Nomad also has APAC , an eSIM plan for Asia. This plan offers coverage in Vietnam. Here’s an overview:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $15
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $50
  • 20GB, valid for 30 days for $69

Go to Nomad

Gigago Vietnam

Finally, Gigago is a Vietnam eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

  • 7GB, valid for 8 days for $10
  • 10GB, valid for 16 days for $12
  • 15GB, valid for 30 days for $15
  • 4GB per day, valid for 30 days for $19
  • 2-4GB per day, valid for 6 months for $59
  • 2-4GB per day, valid for one year for $89

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Vietnam

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Vietnam or even an eSIM for your travels in Vietnam is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Vietnam if you wish to have data upon your arrival.

This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Vietnam soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

  • Living in Vietnam
  • Vietnam itinerary 1 month
  • Best place to live in Vietnam

vietnam travel sim

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Best SIM Cards in Vietnam for Tourists: Types + Prices + How to Buy

SIM cards in Vietnam for tourists

Exploring a new country can be an exciting adventure, but staying connected is crucial for many travelers. Whether you need to access maps, make calls, or share your experiences on social media, having a reliable and affordable SIM card is essential. Vietnam, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights into the best SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam , including the types available, top suppliers, pricing, and tips for efficient usage.

Benefits of Having a Vietnamese SIM for Tourists

Staying connected on the go.

One of the primary advantages of having a Vietnamese SIM card is the ability to stay connected while on the move. With reliable data connectivity, you can easily access maps, translation apps, and travel guides, ensuring a seamless navigation experience throughout your journey.

Affordable Communication

International roaming charges can quickly add up, making it an expensive option for extended trips. By purchasing a local SIM card in Vietnam, you can enjoy affordable rates for calls, texts, and data, allowing you to communicate with loved ones back home without breaking the bank.

Accessing Local Services

Many local services, such as ride-hailing apps, food delivery platforms, and online booking websites, often require a Vietnamese phone number for verification purposes. With a local SIM card, you can seamlessly access these services, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Types of Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists

1. vietnam physical sim cards.

Physical SIM cards are the traditional option, requiring you to insert the SIM card into your unlocked device. These cards come in various sizes (standard, micro, and nano) to fit different devices. Physical SIM cards are widely available and can be easily purchased from authorized retailers or mobile network operators’ stores.

Advantages of Physical SIM Cards:

  • Compatible with most unlocked devices
  • Can be easily swapped between devices
  • No need for an eSIM-capable device

Disadvantages of Physical SIM Cards:

  • Requires a physical SIM card slot in your device
  • May require cutting or adapting the SIM card to fit your device’s slot

2. Vietnam eSIM Cards

eSIMs, or embedded SIM cards, are a newer and more convenient option for travelers. Instead of a physical SIM card, the eSIM is a digital SIM that can be downloaded and activated directly on your compatible device. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot and allows you to switch between different plans or providers seamlessly.

Advantages of eSIM Cards:

  • No need for a physical SIM card slot
  • Easy switching between plans or providers
  • Suitable for devices without a SIM card slot (e.g., some tablets or smartwatches)

Disadvantages of eSIM Cards:

  • Requires an eSIM-capable device
  • Limited availability and compatibility compared to physical SIM cards

Top Vietnam SIM Card Suppliers

Viettel is Vietnam’s largest mobile network operator, offering extensive coverage across the country. They provide both physical and eSIM options for tourists, with various data packages to choose from.

Viettel Physical SIM Cards: Viettel’s physical SIM cards are widely available at their retail stores, airports, and authorized dealers. They offer various prepaid plans with data, call, and text allowances tailored to different usage needs.

Viettel eSIM Cards: For travelers with eSIM-capable devices, Viettel offers eSIM options that can be purchased online and activated directly on your device. This eliminates the hassle of finding a physical SIM card and provides instant connectivity upon arrival in Vietnam.

2. VinaPhone

VinaPhone is another major mobile network operator in Vietnam, known for its reliable coverage and competitive pricing. They offer physical SIM cards for tourists, with a range of prepaid data and voice packages.

VinaPhone Physical SIM Cards: VinaPhone’s physical SIM cards can be purchased at their stores, airports, and authorized retailers. They offer various tourist-friendly packages with data, call, and text allowances, making it easy to stay connected during your trip.

VinaPhone eSIM Cards: While VinaPhone currently does not offer eSIM options, their physical SIM cards are a convenient choice for travelers with unlocked devices.

3. MobiFone

MobiFone is another reputable Vietnamese mobile network operator with a strong presence across the country. They offer both physical and eSIM options for tourists, with a range of prepaid packages to suit different needs.

MobiFone Physical SIM Cards: MobiFone’s physical SIM cards can be purchased at their retail stores, airports, and authorized dealers. They provide various prepaid data and voice packages specifically designed for tourists.

MobiFone eSIM Cards: For travelers with eSIM-capable devices, MobiFone offers eSIM options that can be purchased online and activated directly on your device. This provides the convenience of instant connectivity upon arrival in Vietnam.

4. Vietnamobile

Vietnamobile is a relatively new player in the Vietnamese mobile market, but it has quickly gained popularity for its affordable rates and reliable coverage. They offer physical SIM cards for tourists, with a range of prepaid data and voice packages.

Vietnamobile Physical SIM Cards: Vietnamobile’s physical SIM cards can be purchased at their retail stores, airports, and authorized dealers. They provide various prepaid packages tailored for tourists, including data, call, and text allowances.

Vietnamobile eSIM Cards: While Vietnamobile currently does not offer eSIM options, their physical SIM cards are a cost-effective choice for travelers with unlocked devices.

How to Buy and Use Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists

1. where to buy vietnam sim cards.

Vietnam SIM cards can be purchased from various locations, making it convenient for tourists to acquire them upon arrival or during their stay.

Airports: Most major airports in Vietnam, such as Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, have dedicated kiosks or stores offering SIM cards from various mobile network operators. These locations are ideal for purchasing a SIM card immediately upon arrival.

Mobile Network Operator Stores: Each mobile network operator in Vietnam has retail stores throughout the country where you can purchase their SIM cards and choose from various prepaid packages. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in selecting the best option for your needs.

Authorized Dealers and Convenience Stores: Many authorized dealers and convenience stores across Vietnam sell SIM cards from various mobile network operators. These locations can be found in cities, towns, and even smaller villages, making it convenient to obtain a SIM card during your travels.

2. How Much is a Vietnam SIM Card?

The cost of a Vietnam SIM card can vary depending on the mobile network operator, package, and data allowance. Generally, you can expect to pay between 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD) and 300,000 VND (approximately $13 USD) for a tourist SIM card, including the initial data package.

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, and it’s always advisable to check with the mobile network operator or authorized dealer for the most up-to-date pricing information.

3. How to Activate Vietnam SIM Cards?

Activating a Vietnam SIM card is a straightforward process, but the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the mobile network operator.

Physical SIM Card Activation:

  • Insert the SIM card into your unlocked device.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions or dial the provided activation code.
  • Top up or purchase a prepaid package from the mobile network operator’s store, authorized dealer, or online platform.
  • Once activated and topped up, you can start using your SIM card for data, calls, and texts.

eSIM Card Activation:

  • Purchase and download the eSIM profile from the mobile network operator’s website or app.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM on your compatible device.
  • Top up or purchase a prepaid package from the mobile network operator’s online platform.
  • Once activated and topped up, you can start using your eSIM for data, calls, and texts.

4. How to Choose Mobile Packages for Vietnam SIM Cards?

When selecting a mobile package for your Vietnam SIM card, consider the following factors:

Data Allowance: Evaluate your data usage needs based on activities such as browsing the internet, using maps, and accessing social media. Most mobile network operators offer various data packages ranging from a few gigabytes to unlimited data plans.

Call and Text Allowance: If you plan to make local calls or send text messages during your stay, choose a package that includes an adequate allowance for calls and texts. Some packages may also include international calling options for staying in touch with friends and family abroad.

Validity Period: Check the validity period of the package to ensure it aligns with the duration of your stay in Vietnam. Packages typically range from a few days to a month or more, so choose one that best suits your travel itinerary.

Additional Features: Some mobile packages may include additional features such as free access to social media apps, discounted international roaming rates, or bonus data for specific activities. Consider these extras when selecting a package to enhance your overall experience.

Tips for Using Vietnam SIM Effectively for Tourists

Using a Vietnam SIM card effectively can help you stay connected and make the most of your travels. Here are some tips to optimize your SIM card usage:

1. Check Network Coverage

Before purchasing a SIM card, research the network coverage of the mobile operator in the areas you plan to visit. While major cities typically have strong coverage, rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.

2. Monitor Data Usage

Keep track of your data usage to avoid unexpected charges or running out of data prematurely. Most smartphones have built-in data monitoring tools, or you can download third-party apps to help manage your data consumption.

3. Top Up Regularly

Ensure you have sufficient credit on your SIM card by topping up regularly at convenience stores, mobile operator stores, or online platforms. Running out of credit can disrupt your connectivity, so it’s advisable to top up before your balance gets too low.

4. Save Emergency Contacts

Save important contacts, including local emergency services, your accommodation, and travel companions, on your phone. In case of an emergency, having these numbers readily available can be invaluable.

5. Secure Your SIM Card

Protect your SIM card and device from theft or loss by keeping them secure at all times. Consider using a PIN or password to lock your device and SIM card for added security.

In conclusion, having a Vietnamese SIM card as a tourist offers numerous benefits, including affordable data and voice packages, reliable connectivity, and convenience during your travels. With various mobile network operators like Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile offering both physical and eSIM options, tourists have a wide range of choices to stay connected in Vietnam.

When buying and using a Vietnam SIM card, consider factors such as where to purchase, pricing, activation process, and selecting the right mobile package for your needs. By following the tips for effective SIM card usage, such as checking network coverage, monitoring data usage, and saving emergency contacts, tourists can make the most of their Vietnam travel experience with seamless connectivity.

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Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: All You Need To Know

  • Last updated: June 10, 2024

Picture of Arijana & Matej

Croatian-Slovenian full-time travel duo, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists for over 4 years. We write in-depth travel guides about destinations we have personally visited, providing practical travel tips and recommendations.

Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists, Best Packages, eSIM, how to buy - All You Need To know

After spending 2 years in Vietnam and returning every now and then, it’s safe to say we’ve tried the different options long enough to know which to recommend and which not.

So in this article, we’ll cover all the essentials you need to know about before buying a SIM card or eSIM package in Vietnam.

Simply looking for the best Vietnam SIM deals?

Best Vietnam eSIM package

SIM for pickup in Ho Chi Minh City

SIM for pickup in Da Nang

SIM for pickup in Hanoi

Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists - How to buy a Vietnam SIM Card

Traveling to Vietnam soon? Vietnam e-Visa 2024: How to enter Vietnam (Full Guide) (Updated with new rules from August 15, 2023)

Why you should get a Vietnam SIM card

While WiFi is widely available in Vietnam, in your hotel, hostel, or resort, as well as in almost all cafes and restaurants, getting a local Vietnam SIM card is the way to go for a comfortable trip .

The most significant benefit of buying a Vietnam SIM card package is being able to comfortably use ride-hailing apps like Grab (Uber), using Google Maps for navigation, and using Google Translate .

Ordering a grab bike ride with a Vietnam SIM card

And while it’s true that most locals and businesses in Vietnam use apps like WhatsApp and Zalo for communicating, having a local number has proven useful for us.

Since you’re reading this blog, we assume you’re not in the group that wants to explore Vietnam while being “offline.” (nothing against those people – respect!)

View of the Tu San Canyon

Need reliable Travel Insurance for Vietnam?

With 24/7 worldwide assistance,  Heymondo insurance  includes comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss or delay.

For digital nomads or full-time travelers , we recommend SafetyWing , which includes brief visits to your home country every 3 months abroad.

Should you get a physical SIM or eSIM for Vietnam?

In 2024 it’s very common for most to already have phones supporting the eSIM technology.

Buying a Vietnam eSIM is the most hassle-free option, as you simply buy it online, scan the QR code you receive and install it on your phone in a matter of minutes . No need to go to any store or mess around with it at the airport.

If your phone supports eSIMs, there’s no reason not to get one.

Click here to check if your phone supports eSIMs.

We are big supporters of the eSIM technology and have had it since we got a phone that supported it a few years ago.

Note: Many Vietnam eSIM packages you can find online don’t come with any text or calls, except the Gigago eSIM packages (as of now).

But that’s also the case with some of the standard SIM packages at the airport. Most only give you data. So if you need calls and texts, just make sure your plan includes it (we will recommend the best packages below).

Aerial of Dray Nur waterfall in Dak Lak

Where to buy your Vietnam SIM card

The three most common ways to buy your Vietnam SIM card are at the airport , online , or at one of the official mobile carrier stores in Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City , Da Nang , or any other city.

1. Buy a physical Vietnam SIM card at the airport

The simplest way to buy your physical Vietnam SIM card is upon your arrival at the airport.

All Vietnamese airports are full of kiosks selling Vietnam SIM card packages from operators like Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile. (more about the best ones later)

Just walk up to the kiosk, and you will get your Vietnam SIM card installed and ready to go in minutes.

We highly recommend comparing packages of at least two kiosks to find the best deal, as they don’t always offer the same packages or prices.

And while some have better deals for shorter periods, some have better deals for longer trips.

vietnam travel sim

Note: Please note that to buy a physical SIM card, you need a passport, as they will have to register the package in your name, as is the official requirement. This is not required if you buy an eSIM.

2. Buy your Vietnam eSIM online

It’s straightforward to buy a Vietnam eSIM online and activate it in a matter of minutes.

Getting an eSIM online is especially convenient if you’re entering Vietnam by land border from Cambodia or Laos. If you’re on an organized bus trip, you usually don’t have enough time to sort your SIM at the border.

And of course, having a pre-installed eSIM when arriving by plane to Vietnam, means that as soon as you land, you’re online.

We’ve been following the providers of Vietnam eSIMs since they started offering them and have compiled a list of the best ones below.

Gigago - best eSIM marketplace for Vietnam travelers and tourists

Affordable, Best choice for unlimited plans

Airalo - best eSIM marketplace for Vietnam travelers and tourists

Affordable for short and long trips

SimOptions - best eSIM marketplace for Vietnam travelers and tourists

Great selection of eSIM and prepaid SIM plans

  • great selection (7, 10, 16, 30 days)
  • unlimited data or fixed data packages
  • calls & text available (local number)

DISCOUNT: Use code SHIPPEDAWAY for a 5% discount. Check packages .

  • great options for 7, 15, and 30 days

DISCOUNT: $3 off first order with code MATEJ1033. Check packages .

  • great selection (7, 10, 30 days)
  • fixed data packages
  • no calls or text

TripRoaming

  • multiple Asian countries packages
  • unlimited data plans for 7, 15, and 30+ days

Vietnam SIM Card - working in a cafe on hotspot

3. Buy your physical Vietnam SIM online

You can order your Vietnam SIM card online and get it delivered to your home address or pick it up at the airport.

This way, you get a much better deal than buying it directly at the airport.

You simply go to the counter (you get instructions upon booking), and you’re in and out in a few minutes.

Best options for buying a physical Vietnam SIM online:

  • Network: VinaPhone
  • Validity: 10, 15, or 30 days
  • Data options: 2 GB/day, 10 GB total, or unlimited
  • Type: data only or calls included
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Data options: 4 GB/day, 2 GB/day, 6 GB total
  • Data options: 3 GB/day, 2 GB/day, or unlimited

4. Buy your Vietnam SIM card at the official store

You can buy your Vietnam SIM card at one of the official stores of mobile carriers across all cities.

Buying your package at the official carrier store like Viettel or VinaPhone can get you better deals than at airports or smaller reseller shops.

Stay protected on public WiFi

We’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years now and can highly recommend the tool for protecting your privacy and freedom while browsing the internet.

It encrypts your connection and hides your data from potential hackers . Also, with a VPN, you can access blocked/restricted content like some Netflix movies or booking sites.

TIP: Shipped Away readers get a special deal .

vietnam travel sim

How much does a Vietnam SIM card package cost?

Vietnam SIM Card packages are very affordable and cost upwards of 4 USD for a smaller amount of data and about 10 USD for an excellent data package with text and calls included.

Before getting a package, you must also buy the actual SIM card, which usually costs between 50.000 and 60.000 VND (about 2.5 USD).

Mobile data packages often change names, and what they offer, so we won’t go into specifics about each carrier’s packages. But we will give you a reliable estimated cost of a Vietnam mobile package.

Please note that the prices and packages you will find at Vietnam airports are significantly different and often much higher than what you would pay at the carrier’s store.

Recommended packages by Viettel and VinaPhone

There are many packages to choose from, but Viettel and VinaPhone each have a great monthly package available for years already.

These packages you can buy exclusively at the official stores.

  • Viettel offers a 1-month package for 120.000 VND (about 5 USD) , with 2 GB of high-speed internet per day and 60 minutes for calling.
  • VinaPhone offers a 1-month package for 129.000 VND (about 5 USD), with 2 GB of high-speed internet per day, 1000 minutes in the network, and 50 minutes of calls outside the network.

Do you get calls and texts on your Vietnam SIM card package?

Most Vietnam SIM card packages you can buy at the airport don’t come with any calls or texts, and you would need to go to the mobile carrier shop to get a different package.

The airport options are usually limited, as they’re special packages aimed at tourists and only include data. And they differ from the official ones you can get at the carrier.

You could top-up some money to your account, though, and get calls and texts like that. Calls in Vietnam cost about 1.800 VND per minute, and texting costs about 250 VND per SMS.

But we’re happy to recommend Gigago – Vietnam’s first eSIM provider , as their packages usually include at least some calls and texts.

DISCOUNT: Use code SHIPPEDAWAY for a 5% discount.

Which Vietnam mobile carrier is the best? 

There are 4 major mobile carriers in Vietnam, but the two best networks are Viettel and Vinaphone .

Sticking to the first two is best because it will allow you to go anywhere in the country and have a great connection.

Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists - Vietnam Mobile Networks Comparison - ShippedAway.com

We’ve used Viettel a lot throughout the country and had a great experience, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and even some more remote places like Ha Giang and Ban Gioc Waterfall .

Viettel has the best coverage of all mobile carriers in Vietnam and has a 40% market share.

Viettel Your Way - Vietnam SIM Card

2. VinaPhone

VinaPhone has the second-best network coverage with a 30% market share and is a great choice .

While we don’t have as much experience with VinaPhone as we have with Viettel, we know it’s reliable and can highly recommend it.

VinaPhone Vietnam SIM Card

3. Mobifone

Mobifone, with about 22% market share, is only recommended if you stick to the cities , as its coverage outside the main areas gets bad fast.

So if you’re only visiting, let’s say, Ho Chi Minh City , Da Nang , and Hanoi , you will likely be fine. But not so much in the countryside.

Mobifone Vietnam SIM Card

4. Vietnamobile

We recommend avoiding Vietnamobile as we had bad experiences with the coverage and connection, even in cities.

We made the mistake of not buying an eSIM package in advance as usual, and we purchased a Vietnamobile package last minute at the Nha Trang airport – never again.

Don’t trust their cheap packages!

Vietnamobile Vietnam SIM Card

How to top up your Vietnam SIM prepaid package?

Topping up your Vietnam mobile package is simple in almost every convenience store , like Winmart, Circle K, or 7/11.

Often, these stores have dedicated systems where you just provide them with your phone number, and they top up how much you want to your account.

And if they don’t have that system, you will receive a code on your receipt that you must use/call on your phone to top up.

Also, you can buy top-up vouchers or scratch cards and simply use the codes to top up.

If you’re unsure how to top-up your Vietnam SIM package, simply ask the store workers, and they will be happy to help you, even if they don’t know much English.

One time in Hue, they couldn’t get the system to work in a Winmart, so the worker transferred the amount of money we wanted to top-up from her account to our account (she also had Viettel).

So she saved the day, as three other nearby stores had the same issue.

Did you know?

We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Did you know? We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Frequently asked questions

It’s absolutely worth buying a SIM card in Vietnam, as you can’t always rely on WiFi.

You can buy your Vietnam SIM Card online or in many shops at the airport, in official carrier stores, or at smaller resellers in any city.

The best Vietnam SIM Card is Viettel because of the best coverage and great package options.

A Vietnam SIM Card costs about 50.000 VND ($2) for the physical SIM and about 100.000 VND ($4) for a data plan with about 3 to 5 GB of data.

Yes, many Vietnam SIM Card packages come with calls and texts, but check the offer before buying.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam eSIM (embedded SIM) from many online providers, some even with unlimited data.

It’s best to get a Vietnam eSIM if your phone supports it.

SIM Cards in Vietnam are usually active for either 7, 15, or 30 days.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam SIM Card at the kiosks at Ho Chi Minh City Airport or by pre-ordering it online.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam SIM Card at the kiosks at Hanoi Airport or by pre-ordering it online.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam SIM Card at the kiosks at Da Nang Airport or by pre-ordering it online.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam SIM Card at the kiosks at Nha Trang Airport.

Yes, you can get a Vietnam SIM Card at the kiosks at Phu Quoc Airport.

Vietnam SIM Card - buying packages at the airport

Have you found a better deal than one of the recommended ones in this article?

We are happy to hear about it!

We’re continuously searching for the best deals for travelers to Vietnam, so we’d appreciate any feedback.

Hopefully, we answered all of your questions about getting the best Vietnam SIM card deal for your trip.

Got any extra questions? Leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you!

Looking for more travel guides and Vietnam travel inspiration?

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5 Responses

Hello Thanks for the information. I have grab on my phone for when I travel to Vietnam for my first time. Do I need to have a sim that includes calls? Am I ok ti just have data as I’m not going to make phone call? Thank you Clayton

Hi Clayton. As long as you can register the Grab app on your home number, you should be fine. The drivers might call your home number to confirm location, but in that case just don’t answer, and send a message in Grab or use the Grab voice call. So in essence, no you don’t need calls. 🙂

Hello, My smartphone (RealMe X2 Pro) isn’t on the list but because it’s only 2 years old and unlocked I’m going to assume it will work. My question is, We fly Feb 1st from Thailand to NHa Trang Vietnam should I activate the eSim before leaving Thailand?

Nice job on the Blog I got a lot of useful info from it. Hope to hear back about my question before departure. IF not, be well travel safe.

Hi, thank you for the comment!

It does seem like the RealMe X2 Pro doesn’t support the eSIM technology. So we can’t recommend buying the eSIM for RealMe X2 Pro. Unless you buy the cheapest package from Airalo and give it a go, and if it doesn’t work, give it away to someone. 🤷‍♂️

We usually buy the eSIM and activate it before arriving to a new country. And then when we land, we’re online right away. 🙂

Have a great trip!

Ok I found it after all. I also found this in my research so I’m still tempted to try Gigago. https://c.realme.com/in/post-details/1221744344818515968 Thanks again.

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Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Answering All Your Questions 

vietnam-sim-card-for-tourists-Thẻ SIM Việt Nam

Travelling to Vietnam promises an exciting adventure, but staying connected can feel overwhelming. Should you buy a Vietnam SIM card on your travels? The answer is yes. 

A Vietnam SIM card for tourists is essential for staying connected and navigating efficiently during your travels. It provides reliable access to mobile data, enabling you to use navigation apps, research attractions across cities, book accommodations, and stay in touch with loved ones while you travel. Additionally, having a local Vietnam SIM card can be a cost-effective alternative to international roaming charges.

We have curated a comprehensive guide to help you explore your options for Vietnam SIM cards for your trip. 

Understanding Vietnam SIM Cards:

  • Physical SIM: This traditional option requires inserting a chip into your phone. It’s readily available, compatible with most devices, and allows easy registration.
  • eSIM: This embedded SIM eliminates the need for a physical card. It can be activated remotely through a QR code or app, perfect for eSIM-compatible devices and those who want to avoid carrying extra cards.

Choosing the Right SIM for Tourists

vietnam travel sim

  • Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Prepaid offers flexibility and control over usage with top-ups, while postpaid requires a contract and monthly payments. Prepaid is ideal for short stays.
  • Data SIM vs. Regular SIM: Do you prioritize data for navigation and internet access? Choose a data SIM. Regular SIMs offer a balance of data, calls, and texts.
  • Network Coverage: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile are the major players. Consider where you’ll travel; Viettel boasts the most extensive network, while others might offer better deals in specific regions. When choosing eSIM, you can opt for Airalo, Holafly or GigSky.

Which SIM Card is Best for Vietnam? 

Viettel, a leading telecom provider in Vietnam known for its extensive network coverage and reliability, is a top choice for tourists. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM card plans tailored to different needs, including data-heavy options for navigation, ample talk time, and text messaging. With Viettel, travellers can stay seamlessly connected throughout their journey. Tourists will have to buy a data-specific plan. Viettel promises the best network even in remote rural areas and across 3G/4G/LTE.

VinaPhone, another prominent player in Vietnam’s telecommunications landscape, provides comprehensive mobile services. They offer competitive prepaid SIM card plans with various data packages to suit diverse travel needs. With a focus on solid connectivity, VinaPhone ensures reliable mobile services for tourists exploring the country.

MobiFone, a reputable telecom operator, offers reliable network coverage and a range of prepaid SIM card plans. Whether you prioritize data or need sufficient talk time, MobiFone’s options cater to different budgets and usage patterns.

Vietnamobile

Vietnamobile is a budget-friendly option that provides affordable prepaid SIM card plans without compromising essential services. It’s ideal for cost-conscious travellers seeking reliable mobile connectivity.

Now that you have a SIM card check out the Best Transport Options in Vietnam

How to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card? 

vietnam travel sim

You can conveniently purchase a SIM card upon arrival at major airports, such as Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Ho Chi Minh City Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, and Phu Quoc International Airport in Phu Quoc. You must present your passport to buy a SIM Card at the airport. 

Mobile Stores and Convenience Stores

Explore official stores of network providers or authorized resellers in cities and tourist areas. You can compare plans and ask for assistance.

Purchase eSIMs online through the official websites or telecom providers’ apps. This allows activation before arrival in Vietnam.

How Much is a Local SIM Card in Vietnam? 

  • Prepaid SIM card: Starts around 50,000 VND (US$2) with an initial credit.
  • Data SIM: Prices vary depending on provider, data allowance, and duration. Expect to pay between 70,000 VND (US2.8 )  and 1,620,000 VND (US6.5).

Popular Tourist SIM Card Packages:

  • Viettel : SIM Tour (explicitly designed for tourists) is a popular choice, offering deals for on-net calls and free 4G/5G Viettel usage. Visit the Viettel website for detailed packages and rates. However, check if the plan includes SMS texting. 
  • Mobifone : Happy Tourist
  • Vinaphone Tourist SIM : It is a popular option. Vinaphone’s network has international partnerships with 19 countries (21 networks) and covers popular destinations for Vietnamese travellers. 
  • eSIM providers like Viettel (GIGA series) offer varying data allowances.

How to Activate Your Vietnam SIM Card? 

  • Insert the SIM (physical) or follow activation instructions for eSIMs (usually through a QR code or app).
  • Power on your device and wait for SIM detection.
  • You might receive activation messages with your number, balance, and available services.
  • Some providers require ID verification via text message or visiting a location.
  • Top up for prepaid SIMs using top-up cards or mobile banking.
  • Configure internet settings if necessary (APN settings for mobile data).
  • Restart your device for settings to take effect.

Tips to Use Your Vietnam SIM Card Effectively

  • Learn dialling codes: Vietnam’s country code is +84, and local area codes are needed for efficient calling.
  • Monitor data usage: Set limits on your device and utilize Wi-Fi when available to avoid exceeding your data allowance.
  • Choose suitable data packages: Select a plan that aligns with your needs, prioritizing data, calls, or a balance of both.
  • Use messaging apps: Instead of expensive international texts, communicate internationally using data-driven apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, or Telegram.
  • Verify network coverage: Check coverage in remote areas, especially if you plan to venture outside major cities. Buy your SIM as per your travel plans and location.
  • Promotions and discounts: Look for ongoing deals offered by providers to maximize value.
  • Dual SIM phones: Consider using a phone with dual SIM slots to switch easily between your home SIM and the Vietnam SIM card.
  • Save emergency contacts: Store essential local emergency numbers on your phone for quick access.

With a Vietnam SIM card, you can navigate, stay connected with loved ones, and easily explore the country’s wonders. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget, and use this guide to ensure a smooth and connected travel experience.

Make sure to book bus , train and flight tickets well in advance to kickstart your Vietnam travel journey hassle-free!

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Table of Contents

Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists: Types, Prices, Where to Buy

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Vietnam SIM cards are a great connectivity option for tourists to Vietnam to actively stay connected throughout their trip while avoiding high roaming charges.

Travelers to Vietnam have many options to stay in touch with people back home and access the Internet during travel, such as using free WiFi, pocket WiFi, or roaming with their primary SIM cards. However, all these options have disadvantages like low security, complicated setup processes, high costs or limited data usage. For travelers seeking a reliable and cost-effective way to stay connected in Vietnam, Vietnamese SIM cards are the optimal choice.

In this article, we will learn everything you need to know about Vietnam SIM cards for tourists, including which type to choose, how much it costs, best sim plans for tourists, top providers, where to buy and how to use.

  • Best mobile network operator in Vietnam: Viettel, followed by Vinaphone.
  • Best Vietnam SIM plan for travelers: prepaid with a data plan.
  • The easiest place to buy a SIM Card is at the airport when you first arrive in Vietnam, but you need to present your passport when buying.
  • The most convenient way to buy a Vietnam SIM is buying eSIM online, but make sure you have an unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone.
  • Best time to buy a Vietnam SIM card for travel: before departure
  • Expect to pay from 100,000 - 300,000 VND ($5 - $14 USD) for a SIM card and prepaid data plan.

I. Do I need to buy a Vietnam SIM card when travel?

Yes . Vietnam SIM cards are convenient and cost-effective when compared to free WiFi and roaming.

Though there is WiFi almost everywhere in Vietnam these days, there are still multiple reasons to buy a Vietnam SIM card. The most important one is to proactive staying connected throughout the trip and saving money on roaming charges.

A Vietnam SIM card is more secure than public WiFi, simpler to use than pocket WiFi device, and cheaper than international roaming.

II. Which types of Vietnam SIM cards to buy as a tourist?

There are 03 main types of Vietnam SIM cards based on form, function and flexibility:

1. By form: Physical SIM vs. eSIM

  • Physical SIM (mini SIM, micro SIM, and nano SIM): are the traditional SIM cards that you insert into your phone. They are readily available online, at airports, convenience stores, and mobile operator stores across Vietnam.
  • eSIM (virtual SIM) : are digital SIM cards embedded directly into your phone, offering instant activation without a physical card. However, not all phones support eSIMs. You should check if your phone is mentioned in our list of devices with eSIM compatibility first. See how to find your phone model .

2. By Function: Data-Only vs. Data + Voice/Text

  • Data-only plans are suitable if you mainly use mobile internet for browsing, social media, navigating maps, and using communication apps. Data plans are often more cost-effective and have more generous data allowances than others.
  • Data + Voice/text plans: offer a combination of data and calling/texting allowances. They are a good choice for tourists and businessmen who needs to make local calls and send texts.

Vietnam SIM card types

3. By Flexibility: Prepaid vs. Postpaid

  • Prepaid SIM are the most popular option for tourists, offering flexibility and control without contract or personal documents required. You can top up your balance as needed and avoid unexpected bills. This is ideal for short trips.
  • Postpaid SIM are less common among travelers to Vietnam due to their requirements for a local address, bank account and credit check. Therefore it is not a practical option for tourists.

So which type of SIM card for Vietnam to choose?

For most tourists, a prepaid travel data SIM card or eSIM is good for your trip .

In fact, choosing which type depends on your preferences and individual needs.

But experienced travelers often recommend data-only SIM or eSIM for the most convenience and best value. Especially if your phone supports eSIM, then a data-only eSIM plan may be ideal .

With a data eSIM plan, you can still stay in touch with family and friends back home through communication internet-based apps like Telegram, WhatsApp,… and still use the Internet at a good price.

Consider these factors before choosing a Vietnam SIM:

  • How long is your trip to Vietnam? You should choose a plan that covers your entire trip duration.
  • Are you a light, medium or heavy internet user? Estimate your data needs based on your internet using habits.
  • How much would you like to pay for a SIM card? Compare prices of different plans as well as operators to find the best one for your money.

III. How much does a Vietnam SIM card cost in Vietnam?

Vietnam SIM cards are incredibly affordable, ranging from 30,000 VND to 300,000 VND (about $1.5 – $13 USD), depending on the specific provider and plan chosen.

For example, you can find easily find 1GB prepaid data SIM plans for as little as 100,000 VND. If you need more data, Vinaphone also offer unlimited data plans for a month at around 300,000 VND.

IV. Best Vietnam SIM cards for Tourists

The best Vietnam SIM Cards for tourists are provided by top 3 major Vietnamese mobile network operators: Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone. They are also top Vietnamese mobile internet providers.

Despite there are also SIM cards offered by small operators and virtual network operators like Vietnamobile, iTel and Wintel, but their coverage and speed is rather limited compared to major ones.

All these mobile internet providers offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

Best providers for Vietnam tourist SIM cards

1. Viettel SIM cards

Viettel is the leading telecom provider in Vietnam, famous for its widest network coverage (even in rural areas) and competitive prices.

Viettel offers a variety of prepaid tourist SIM/eSIM plans suitable for different needs. If you plan to visit off the beaten path places, then Viettel is your ideal choice.

Best tourist packages from Viettel:

Viettel tourist SIMs - Vietnam mobile internet providers

You can buy these packages for Vietnam either before or later arrival. No matter which option you choose, you still need to show passport for registration. This is not favored by most tourists. See more details about tourist SIMs by Viettel .

Procedure to buy Viettel tourist SIM of Vietnam

2. Vinaphone SIM cards

Vinaphone is the 2nd player in Vietnam’s telecommunications market that occupies 30% the market share. It offers good coverage in Vietnam (3G/4G/LTE) and speed throughout the country.

Like Viettel, Vinaphone also provides plans for tourists with generous data allowances, unlimited minutes and SMS.

Best Vinaphone Tourist SIM plan:

50 minutes to call internationally + 50 minutes of calling within Vietnam + 50 SMS + 1GB data / day, used in 15 days, costs 199,000 VND

► See more details about tourist SIM by Vinaphone .

3. MobiFone SIM Cards

MobiFone is the largest state-owned mobile operator in Vietnam, established in 1993. It provides comprehensive coverage across Vietnam, ensuring reliable connectivity in both urban and rural tourist destinations. In particular, major cities in Vietnam enjoy MobiFone’s near-complete 4G service both indoors and outdoors.

Best MobiFone Tourist SIM package: Happy Tourist HP2.

V. where to buy vietnam sim cards.

You can buy Vietnam SIM Cards in 03 ways : online before departure, at the airports upon arrival, and in the city after arrival in Vietnam:

1. Buy online before departure (eSIM recommended)

You SHOULD NOT order physical SIM online, but visit any store at Vietnam airports or in Vietnam to get it.

Vietnam SIM cards are sold online on ecommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay or online tourism agencies. However, be aware that your location may not be the supported place to be shipped with the SIM.

Vietnam SIM card plans sold on Amazon

If you want to get a Vietnam SIM online, consider buying an eSIM instead , because it does not require you to wait for delivery or present at any counter to get it. It can also be bought from anywhere in the world, allowing you to better prepare for your trip.

The eSIM will be sent to your registered email after 5-10 minutes of making payment. Then, you can install the eSIM via a QR code or manual activation code . When you land in Vietnam, the eSIM will be activated immediately.

2. Buy at the airports (quick and convenient)

Getting SIM cards at Vietnam airports is easy, quick, safe, and allows you to stay connected right upon arrival.

You have two easy options to get SIM cards at airports in Vietnam:

  • Buy on arrival: choose your preferred SIM card plan from the airport kiosks after landing at Vietnam airports such as Noi Bai airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat airport (Ho Chi Minh city), Danang airport (Danang), Cam Ranh airport (Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa),… You can easily find kiosks of top Vietnamese operators like Viettel and Vinaphone located right after the arrival halls, usually near baggage claim areas.

Vietnam SIM cards are sold at stores in Hanoi airport

  • Order online and pick it up at the airport: Some providers (like Sasco, KKday,…) allow you to pre-order your SIM card online and collect it upon arrival. This helps save you both time and effort, especially if you are arriving during peak hours. In this way, you will find the pick up location at the airport and the staff will assist you in activating the SIM on your device.

SIM pick up location at SGN airport

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying Vietnam SIM cards at airports:

  • SIM card plan options at the airport are not as diversifying as what you would find in the city center.
  • You will need to show your passport for SIM card registration purposes.
  • SIM card stores at airports may be closed if you arrive late at night or very early in the morning.
  • You may also need to queue in lines during peak hours.

2. Buy Vietnam SIM cards in the city center (more options, but be aware)

There is free WiFi at most international Vietnam airports, so you can use it to stay connected there. Then, once you are in the city center, use Google Maps to search for places to buy SIM cards.

You can find Vietnam SIM cards at:

  • Viettel stores: https://vietteltelecom.vn/cua-hang
  • Vinaphone stores: https://vinaphone.com.vn/ho-tro/diem-giao-dich
  • MobiFone stores: https://www.mobifone.vn/ho-tro-khach-hang/vi-tri-cua-hang
  • Local phone shops: Retailers like The Gioi Di Dong, FPT shop, and Cellphone S are famous chains in Vietnam that offer a wide range of SIM cards there from different network providers Viettel, MobiFone, Vinaphone, Vietnamobile,… In particular, you can reserve online through their hotline.
  • Convenience stores: You can even find better deals at small phone shops and convenience stores, but be cautious of scams.

Pro Tip: Research data plans online in advance, and confidently request exactly what you want. This way, you will be prepared to politely decline any upsells and get the best deal on your Vietnam SIM cards.

VI. Vietnam eSIMs as an alternative to SIM cards

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, can eliminate the need for a physical SIM card. For tourists visiting Vietnam, eSIM offers a flexible way to stay connected without having to find a local SIM card.

Vietnam eSIM is alternative to Vietnam SIM cards for tourists

Why choose an eSIM for Vietnam travel?

  • You can buy and activate your Vietnam eSIM online before leaving home. No need to deal with swapping SIMs.
  • Vietnam eSIM data plans are often data-only and cheaper than roaming charges from your home network carrier.
  • Many providers offer a variety of data plans that cater to different tourists’ needs. You can also easily switch plans or top up your data if necessary 100% online.
  • With an eSIM, you can keep your regular phone number at the same time.

Where to buy a Vietnam eSIM?

You can buy Vietnam eSIM either directly from Vietnamese mobile operators or eSIM providers . If buying from network carriers, you need to upload passport’s photo and portrait photo for registration, like with physical SIM cards. It is not convenient for travelers at all.

Instead, you should buy eSIM for Vietnam from prestigious eSIM retailers like: Vietnamesim.com , Airalo, Holafly, GetNomad,…

If choosing an eSIM provider, consider Vietnamesim.com which is particularly specialized in Vietnam. Therefore, its packages are really diversifying and competitive compared to others.

Here are some of the most recommended eSIM plans for Vietnam:

Vietnam eSIM plans of Vietnamesim.com are competitive

VII. Which is the best mobile network in Vietnam? Viettel vs. Vinaphone vs. MobiFone vs. Vietnamobile

As mention earlier, there are four mobile network carriers offering prepaid tourist SIM cards in Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone and Vietnamobile.

According to experienced travelers, of Vietnam’s mobile carriers, Viettel and Vinaphone are the best, both in terms of coverage and speed.

Below we demonstrate the coverage map and performance of each network to help you get an overview of them:

Coverage maps of top 4 major network operators in Vietnam

From the charts, we can see that:

  • Viettel and Vinaphone are about the same in terms of coverage and speeds, but Viettel takes the edge in terms of rural areas. These two providers are what we’d suggest you stick with.
  • MobiFone has great coverage in big cities but patchy coverage in rural areas. If you plan getting off the beaten track, it may not be the best choice.
  • Vietnamobile has very little to no coverage in rural areas. Even though its prices are very cheap, you should still avoid it.

VIII. How to activate and use Vietnam SIM cards for travel?

After getting your Vietnamese SIM card, you can have it activated by the staff at SIM shops or do it on your own.

Simply follow the instructions printed on the SIM card package, which usually involves sending a text message to a specific number.

To check your account balance , dial *101# and press call.

To top up your balance , you have two ways:

  • Scratch cards: Adding further data is convenient and available at many mobile phone shops or convenience stores. These cards have a hidden code that you can scratch off and enter on your phone to top up.
  • Through online banking apps in Vietnam or online applications like MoMo, Zalopay,… in Vietnam.

IX. How much data do I need for my Vietnam travel?

On average, smartphone users need more than 3GB per month. However, when you are on vacation, you, for sure, will need more data to share images and videos on social media, chat/email, call your friends, etc.

It should be 3 – 5GB if you just need the data for web browsing, email checking, face-timing with your family and friends, and using google Maps. But in case all the things above are needed, a much more data volume should be obtained.

X. Frequently asked questions

Can a tourist get a sim card in vietnam.

Yes. As long as your phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with the local networks such as Viettel, Vinaphone, getting an eSIM card online or a physical sim card at a local retailer is easy and affordable.

Which SIM Card is best for international travelers in Vietnam?

Viettel is a good option for international travelers because it provides the largest coverage in Vietnam. Vinaphone is the second one, as it provides the fastest upload and download speed, and its coverage just comes next to Viettel.

How can I get a SIM Card in Vietnam?

It’s great that you can buy an eSIM online before your departure to keep you connected right after landing in the country. However, it requires you to have an eSIM-compatible handset. If you do not have one, buying a Vietnam sim card at the airport upon your arrival is a good choice. In case you are in the country, you can buy eSIM Vietnam online or buy a physical SIM card at the retail stores of mobile network operators in Vietnam.

Does a prepaid SIM card come with a phone number?

If you buy a physical SIM card, it does. It’s also the same if you buy a data eSIM provided by Gigago. Data eSIMs of other providers do not come with a Vietnamese phone number.

Can I buy a SIM card at the airport in Vietnam?

Yes, of course. There are many SIM Card kiosks at the airports of Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. After doing your Vietnam check-in procedure, you can head to them and select the one that fits your needs.

How to register a SIM card in Vietnam?

When you use the Vietnam tourist eSIM, you are not required to register. >>In case you get a physical SIM, you will need to show your passport to the mobile operator’s staff who will help you to make the registration.

  • eSim supported list
  • How to set up

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Best Vietnam Sim Card for Travelers in 2024

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win! For more information see the Disclosure Policy .

When you touch down in Vietnam, staying connected will make your whole experience smoother. 

With so many SIM card options, it’s easy to get bogged down by details and choices. 

Are you wondering where to buy, what it’ll cost, or how to make sure it is compatible with your phone? You’re not alone in this!

I’ve lived in Vietnam for 7 years and have sifted through lots of SIM card options to bring you straightforward, actionable advice for 2024. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through picking the right SIM card that aligns with your travel needs, helping you avoid common mistakes and unnecessary expenses.

Let’s get you set up with the perfect Vietnam SIM card. 

Do You Need a Vietnam SIM Card on Your Vacation?

Black Smartphone on Black Table Top

If you’re headed to Vietnam, one of the first questions that might pop up is whether you need a SIM card. From my seven years of living here, I can tell you— it’s a definite yes. 

While it’s true that you can often find free WiFi in cafes and restaurants, having your own data plan will make navigating more complex areas easier. 

Keep in mind that Vietnam is not yet caught up on the technology of having free wifi in public places.

Take, for example, the winding, narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter . This place has incredible sights and experiences, but it is (quite literally) a maze. Even after seven years, I still get lost in the OQ. Relying solely on sporadic WiFi won’t cut it when you need real-time navigation or if you want to share your experiences as they happen.

Sure, you’ll find free public WiFi at the airport, and possibly at some train stations and on long-haul buses, but these connections can be hit or miss. For peace of mind and the freedom to explore at your own pace, getting a SIM card is the way to go. 

Summary of the Best Sim Card in Vietnam

If you don’t have time to read the whole article and just want to know what the best option for a Vietnam tourist SIM card is my number one suggestion is to get an airalo eSIM. It’s easy, it’s cheap, it works. Find out more about why I like the airalo eSIM or just go ahead and buy it !

My Top Pick: Best Vietnam SIM Card

#1 TOP PICK

vietnam travel sim

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Airalo eSIM

✔️ Mobifone & Viettel Coverage ✔️ Cheap: Only $4.50 for 1GB ✔️ Easy to Install + Immediate Connection 🚫 eSIMs don’t work for all phones🚫 Data Only

Should You Choose an eSIM Card or a Physical SIM Card? 

A Mobile Phone with Sim and Memory Card on Yellow Surface

When planning your connectivity in Vietnam, choosing between an eSIM and a physical SIM card is a choice you need to make. Both options have their pros and cons, so let’s dive into what each brings to the table.

An eSIM card is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without using a physical nano-SIM. 

By simply scanning a QR code, you can download your data package directly to your device, connecting you to a local network without the need for a physical swap. 

eSIM cards offer the flexibility to switch between different providers seamlessly, making it easier to manage your mobile services and explore various data plans while traveling.

  • Convenience: Purchase and set up before you even leave home.
  • No Physical Swap: Avoid the hassle of swapping out your home SIM card.
  • Instant Connectivity: Activate as soon as you land, even before you exit the plane.
  • Data Usage: Monitor data usage and easily top up on the app.
  • Credit Card: You can buy with credit or debit or apple pay
  •   Device Compatibility: Not all phones support eSIM technology yet.
  •  Limited Options: Fewer data plan choices compared to physical SIM cards.
  • Potential Connectivity Issues: In some countries, eSIMs might not offer the best network coverage.

Physical SIM Card

A regular SIM card is a physical card inserted into your mobile device, enabling access to a network for phone calls, text messages, and data services. Traditional SIM cards come with varying GB of data plans and are compatible with numerous providers, allowing you to choose the best service based on your needs. 

By using a regular SIM card, you can easily switch between different providers, ensuring that your device remains functional for calls, texts, and internet browsing while you travel.

PHYSICAL SIM PROS

  • Wider Availability: Available at many outlets and stores upon arrival.
  • Competitive Plans: Often more competitive data plans and local rates.
  • Reliability: Generally reliable connectivity across various regions.

PHYSICAL SIM CONS

  • Requires Physical Swap: You’ll need to remove your current SIM card
  • Potential for Loss: Small and easy to lose if not handled carefully.
  • Time Consuming: Buying one might involve waiting in lines and dealing with paperwork.

Wondering What I Would Do?

I ALWAYS opt for an eSIM ahead of time. Typically, I choose the most budget-friendly option and get it set up right as I land—literally activating it on the plane. 

This way, as I stroll through the airport, I’m already connected. I can check out the prices of tourist SIM cards, assess the length of lines, and decide whether to buy a physical SIM or just top up my eSIM. 

However, I’ve also experienced situations where eSIMs didn’t work as well, like in Uganda, and found that a physical SIM was necessary. It really depends on the country and the situation, but for Vietnam, I’d start with an eSIM and go from there.

Reason to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card Before Your Trip

A resort-style infinity pool merges seamlessly with the serene ocean view, flanked by palm trees and loungers. Guests enjoy the sun, some lounging and others wading in the water, with a picturesque backdrop of a calm sea and a clear blue sky. This is in Phu Quoc, VIetnam

Deciding whether to get a Vietnam SIM card before your trip can set the tone for your entire journey. Here are some reasons to consider securing that tiny piece of tech in advance:

Safety First

Especially for women travelers , having a reliable way to communicate is vital. A SIM card ensures you can always message for assistance, navigate back to your accommodation, or simply check in with someone. Having a safety net in your pocket makes traveling that much easier.

Cost-Effective Connectivity

Worried about costs? Vietnam SIM cards are very affordable. With a variety of plans tailored to short visits, you can stay connected without breaking the bank. This small investment upfront can save you from high roaming charges and the hassle of finding reliable WiFi.

Constant Communication

Whether it’s coordinating with travel companions or updating folks back home, having a SIM card helps maintain lines of communication. Many local hotels and tour operators also prefer to connect via WhatsApp, which requires data or a WiFi connection—something you’ll have ready with your own SIM.

Essential Apps at Your Fingertips

From navigating the streets with Google Maps to decoding the local language with Google Translate, having data is essential. Apps like Grab for transport, or accessing real-time currency exchange rates, become important tools in your travel arsenal. A Vietnam SIM card means these resources are always just a tap away.

Ways to Get a Vietnam SIM Card

Getting a SIM card for your Vietnam vacation can be done in several ways:

Order Online and In Advance

Opting for peace of mind, you can order a SIM card or an eSIM online before your trip, ensuring everything is set up before you even leave home. This way, you avoid the hassle of making decisions upon arrival.

And if you choose an eSIM, you can activate it as soon as you land. However, make sure your device is eSIM compatible; not all smartphones support this technology yet.

Buy it When You Arrive at the Airport

If you prefer to handle things as soon as you land, buying a SIM card at the airport is incredibly convenient and likely the easiest place to do it. There are plenty of kiosks just past the arrivals gate and baggage claim area of any Vietnam Airport.

The process is usually quick and straightforward. Just be prepared to pay in cash, as most kiosks do not accept cards.

Visit a City Telecom Store

For those who might miss the chance at the airport or prefer a more hands-on choice, visiting a telecom store in major cities like HCMC, Hanoi, or Da Nang is possible. However, I don’t recommend it unless you have some time to kill AND you have someone that speaks Vietnamese.

If you choose this route, you’ll benefit from personalized service and a broader range of plans, but be prepared for potential inconveniences like travel to the store and possibly long lines, akin to visiting the DMV (if you’re from the USA, you know what I mean!).

The Best (and Worst) Mobile Operators in Vietnam

Navigating the maze of mobile operators in Vietnam can be a bit overwhelming, but some clearly stand out. Here’s a quick rundown of the best (and worst) operators to consider for your Vietnamese SIM card needs.

vietnam travel sim

Topping the list, Viettel offers the best coverage across Vietnam. This means it is especially reliable if your travels take you through both cities and quieter rural areas. 

It’s known for having the fastest internet speeds and is affordable. Whether you’re streaming videos or checking maps, having Viettel means you stay connected smoothly and consistently.

I have been a Viettel customer for the last seven years. They even let me keep my number when I’ve lost my SIM Card (or phone – read my article on safety in Vietnam)!

A close second, Vinaphone offers great coverage and fast speeds at competitive prices. While it matches Viettel in urban areas, like Ho Chi Minh City, it’s slightly less in the countryside. 

However, for most travelers sticking to common travel routes, Vinaphone will serve you well. You’ll stay connected to everything.

While still a viable option, Mobifone falls a bit short compared to its competitors. Especially in rural or remote areas where coverage can be patchy. 

It’s fine for urban centers and popular tourist spots, but if your adventure might lead you off the beaten path, you might find it lacking.

For reliable and extensive coverage, sticking with Viettel or Vinaphone is your best bet. They both make sure that you remain connected and won’t be left without service.

Will My Phone and Home Country’s Data Work in Vietnam?

Before jetting off to Vietnam, check whether your phone and home data plan will work. While it’s tempting to rely on your usual service provider, this can come with some high costs.

You might have the option to purchase an international data plan from your home mobile carrier. For example, with a provider like Verizon, you could be looking at charges around $10 per day. This can quickly add up, especially if your stay extends beyond a couple of weeks.

Given these potential expenses, it’s a good idea to contact your cell service provider well ahead of your trip to discuss all available options and any roaming charges you might incur. Make sure you ask about the terms of service, data allowance and minutes of international calls.

This way, you can compare the cost and convenience of an international plan against the price of a SIM card in Vietnam. Often, going local not only cuts down costs but also enhances your connectivity and overall travel experience.

Is Your Cell Phone Unlocked?

Person Holding Iphone Showing Social Networks Folder

The most important step before your Vietnam adventure is making sure your cell phone is unlocked. This is necessary for swapping SIM cards once you’re abroad. 

While it’s common for most new phones to come unlocked nowadays, don’t take it for granted. The best way to check is by calling your phone company. Confirm with them whether your phone is ready for international use, and if it isn’t, don’t worry—most carriers can unlock your phone for free in just a few seconds. 

When you call, make sure to mention that you need the phone unlocked specifically for travel purposes and that you plan to use an international SIM card. This small step can save you a lot of hassle later, ensuring that you can easily buy and use a local SIM card in Vietnam without any technical difficulties.

Katie Tip: can 100% vouch that this needs to be checked! I (well, my family) am a Verizon customer in the USA. One summer I got a new phone. When I got back to Vietnam, my SIM card wouldn’t work! I called Verizon and they said that new phones will not be unlocked for 60 days after purchasing! I did some begging and pleading and they were able to unlock it for me in just a day. 

The Bottom Line: How to Buy a Prepaid Vietnam SIM Card?

I’ve shared the details and options, and now it’s time to make a choice. Whether you’re ordering online or planning to pick one up upon arrival, hopefully this article will help you to make a smart, safe choice for staying connected during your travels.

While there are multiple ways to get a Vietnam SIM card, there’s no time like the present to secure one. For ease and convenience, I recommend purchasing your SIM card before you even pack your bags. 

Purchase an Airalo SIM Card

This approach not only saves you time upon arrival but also spares you from the potential stress of making a quick decision at the airport. Sure, it might be slightly cheaper to buy one after landing, but consider whether a small saving is worth a chunk of your precious vacation time.

Whether you choose to buy your SIM card online now or wait until you make it to Vietnam, opting for a provider like Viettel will be your best bet. With the best coverage, especially in rural areas, Viettel means that you stay connected during your whole trip.

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Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.

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Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Guide to Price & Usage Tips

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May 28, 2024

Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Guide to Price & Usage Tips

Trending Vietnam SIM Card for Travel

  • Country Vietnam
  • Package Option 7GB/day
  • Number of Days 7 Days
  • Price $5.26
  • Package Option 6GB/day
  • Number of Days 15 Days
  • Price $6.31
  • Number of Days 30 Days
  • Price $9.68
  • Instant confirmation
  • 4G high-speed connectivity
  • Pick up your Vietnam SIM Card at Da Nang International Airport / Da Nang Hotel Delivery
  • No restriction for linking Facebook, LINE, WeChat, and WhatsApp

What is a Vietnam SIM Card?

What is a Vietnam SIM Card?

A Vietnam SIM card is a subscriber identity module (SIM) card specifically designed for use in Vietnam, which provides users with a local Vietnamese phone number and allows them to access cellular networks for voice calls, text messaging, and mobile data services within Vietnam.

Travelers to Vietnam often purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to avoid high roaming charges from their home carriers. Using a Vietnam SIM card is generally more cost-effective for making local calls and using data services. It also enables users to stay connected with local contacts and access internet services without relying on Wi-Fi.

Here is the overview of Vietnam SIM Card for travel:

Which is more Suitable for you? Vietnam SIM Card vs. eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi

Which is more Suitable for you? Vietnam SIM Card vs. eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi

In Vietnam, visitors have three primary ways to access the internet: through a SIM card, an eSIM, or a Pocket WiFi device. The Vietnam SIM card is a conventional and economical method to accessing mobile services and offers rapid internet connectivity via local networks.

Vietnam eSIMs also provide a convenient solution that does away with the need to exchange physical SIM cards or carry a separate router. These eSIMs are protected against loss or damage and are increasingly favored for their immediate usability upon arrival in Vietnam.

Lastly, Pocket WiFi is a mobile device that allows you to have WiFi on the move, making it ideal for travelers, particularly those in groups, as it can support connections from multiple devices.

For further details on the differences between Vietnam SIM cards, eSIMs, and Pocket WiFi, refer to the table provided.

Where to Pick up Vietnam SIM Card

Where to Pick up Vietnam SIM Card

Da Nang International Airport Pick-up

Travelers can conveniently pick up Vietnam SIM Card at the Da Nang International Airport upon arrival.

Da Nang Hotel Delivery

For Hotels/ Resorts located in Da Nang City Centre, visitors will enjoy free delivery before your arrival time or on your request. For addresses outside Da Nang City Centre, there is extra for the delivery.

Why Choose Vietnam SIM Card

Why Choose Vietnam SIM Card

1. Because Vietnam SIM Cards are very Ecomonical

Trip.com offers cost-effective plans to cater to different needs of visitors to Vietnam. With 7GB/day data plan for 7 days, it only costs $5.26. Check the following table for more info about Vietnam Travel SIM Cards:

2. Because Vietnam SIM Cards have Great Reviews

Because Vietnam SIM Cards have Great Reviews

Vietnam SIM Cards have been favored by lots of customers for the singanal quality, high-speed connectivity, and convenience. Here are customer reviews when using Vietnam SIM Cards:

It’s very easy process, picking up location is where the grab location, will definitely do again if go back DaNang again!
Very simple - arranged during booking for the SIM card to be delivered to the hotel. It was ready when we arrived to check in. No issues during setup and it's worked great since I started using it. Would definitely book again.
Fantastic service. Our flight was delayed so the office was closed when we arrived, they dropped the sims at our hotel the next day at no extra charge. Easy to set up-great price, great signal and service. Highly recommend

3. Because Vietnam SIM Cards Offer 24/7 Customer Service

Because Vietnam SIM Cards Offer 24/7 Customer Service

Trip.com customer support is available 24/7 to solve any challenges that may arise. The team is proficient in multiple languages including English, Korean, and Cantonese, making it accessible to a diverse range of travelers. Whether you have questions about SIM cards or any other travel-related concerns, Trip.com is always prepared to help!

How to Use Vietnam SIM Cards

It's very easy to use Vietnam SIM cards, here is the step-to-step guide for how to use the SIM cards when travelling to Vietnam:

3 Advantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards

3 Advantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards

1. Cost-Effective

Using a local SIM card in Vietnam is usually much cheaper than using international roaming services. You can make local calls, send text messages, and use data at local rates, which can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you're staying for a long period.

2. High-Speed Internet

Vietnam SIM cards offer high-speed 4G internet, which is essential for navigating around, checking emails, using social media, and staying connected with family and friends back home.

3. Easy to Purchase and Top Up

Vietnam SIM cards are readily available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops. It's also easy to top up your credit at any local store or online. This means you can stay connected throughout your trip without any hassle.

3 Disadvantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards

3 Disadvantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards

1. Compatibility Issues

Your phone may not be compatible with the Vietnamese network frequencies, especially if it is locked to a carrier from your home country. This means you might need to unlock your phone before you can use a Vietnamese SIM card.

2. Keeping Your Original Number:

When you switch to a Vietnamese SIM card, you won't be able to use your regular phone number. This can be a disadvantage if you need to be reachable on your original number for work or personal reasons.

3. Limited Network Coverage

While the network coverage in urban areas is good, in rural or remote areas it can be quite poor. This can be a disadvantage if you are traveling to such areas and need reliable mobile service.

3 Tips for how to Choose Vietnam SIM Cards

3 Tips for how to Choose Vietnam SIM Cards

1. Consider Your Needs

Before purchasing a SIM card, consider what you need it for. If you're going to be making a lot of local calls, choose a SIM card with a good rate for local calls. If you're going to be using a lot of data, choose a SIM card with a good data package.

2. Research Providers

There are several mobile network providers in Vietnam such as Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. Each provider offers different plans and rates. Research each provider to see which one offers the best deal for your needs.

3. Check Compatibility

Not all phones are compatible with all SIM cards. Before purchasing a SIM card, make sure it is compatible with your phone. If you're unsure, ask the seller or contact your phone's manufacturer.

FAQs about Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists

FAQs about Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists

1. Where can tourists buy SIM cards in Vietnam?

Tourists can easily purchase SIM cards in Vietnam at the airport, mobile phone stores, and sometimes at convenience stores or from street vendors.

2. What do I need to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?

You will typically need to show your passport as a form of identification. Some vendors may also require you to fill out a registration form.

3. Which mobile operators offer SIM cards for tourists?

The main mobile operators in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. They all offer tourist SIM cards with various data and call packages.

4. Can I use my current phone with a Vietnam SIM card?

Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with the GSM network used in Vietnam. Most modern smartphones are compatible, but it's a good idea to check with your current provider before you travel.

5. Will my Vietnam SIM card work in other Southeast Asian countries?

Some mobile operators offer plans that include roaming services in other Southeast Asian countries, but these are usually more expensive. It's often cheaper to buy a local SIM card in each country you visit.

✨ If you are curious about the Vietnam eSIM, check out the following article:

If You're travelling to Vietnam, Use Vietnam SIM Cards Right Away

If You're travelling to Vietnam, Use Vietnam SIM Cards Right Away

To make your visit to Vietnam more enjoyable, it's crucial to have internet access. Choosing a Vietnam SIM card with fast data can greatly improve your experience.

For an affordable and hassle-free trip, think about buying a Vietnam SIM card via Trip.com! Trip.com provides 24/7 customer service to address any issues regarding redemption and setup. Consider using it to travel to Vietnam!

Vietnam SIM Card

  • 1. Trending Vietnam SIM Card for Travel
  • 2. What is a Vietnam SIM Card?
  • 3. Which is more Suitable for you? Vietnam SIM Card vs. eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi
  • 4. Where to Pick up Vietnam SIM Card
  • 5. Why Choose Vietnam SIM Card
  • 6. How to Use Vietnam SIM Cards
  • 7. 3 Advantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards
  • 8. 3 Disadvantages of Using Vietnam SIM Cards
  • 9. 3 Tips for how to Choose Vietnam SIM Cards
  • 10. FAQs about Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists
  • 11. If You're travelling to Vietnam, Use Vietnam SIM Cards Right Away

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Buying a Prepaid Vietnam sim Card – which is the best for tourists

Buying a Prepaid Vietnam sim Card – which is the best for tourists

Jessica Pham

The best prepaid Vietnam sim card data plans for travelers to Vietnam. Where you can get a Vietnam sim card as a tourist? How much is a Vietnam sim card cost? Find your answers here.

If you plan a travel to Vietnam and want to avoid expensive roaming fees, buying a prepaid SIM Card for Vietnam is the way to go.

So, you are wondering what the best SIM Card for Vietnam is for your trip. Here’s the guide to what we think are the best prepaid options on the market, how much data should be enough for your trip, and things you need to consider before buying a SIM card for your Vietnam adventure.

Want a quick answer ?

  • Our choice for the best prepaid Vietnam travel SIM card is a SIM Card of Viettel, followed by Vinaphone, the 2 biggest mobile operators in Vietnam.
  • In case you need to contact a lot of persons in Vietnam via phone or SMS, buy a regular SIM, but in case you just want to use data, buy the data-only SIM.
  • You can buy a prepaid Vietnam data SIM in form of a physical SIM card or an eSIM which can be bought and delivered to you online.
  • In case you have a normal demand for internet connection during your trip which lasts for around 15 days, 3 or 4GB of data is enough. In case you have a higher demand or a long journey (around 30 days), 8 – 9 – 12GB of data should fit.

1. Do I need a Vietnam SIM for my travel?

When traveling to Vietnam, you will find that WiFi is everywhere these days, on the hotels you are staying, in the restaurant you are enjoying your dishes, at the café you are relaxing, etc.

But we are sure that you want to be connected on the road as well. Thank about ordering a taxi through an app, like Grab, finding nearby recommended restaurants, using Google Maps for directions and simply stay in touch and check social media apps and email. What happens if you are not connected to the internet then.

Being connected wherever in Vietnam will make your travel much easier, safer and even saves your money. Don’t get stuck somewhere because you don’t have a data connection on your phone.

In addition, buying a prepaid Vietnam sim Card with certain data plans at the local rates are easy now.

>> So, why not a Vietnam sim card for your travel?

2. Types of Vietnam SIM Cards

There are 2 ways to classify your Vietnam sim Cards, consisting:

  • Payment time.

2.1 Types of Vietnam SIM Card by functions

In this regard, we have 02 types of SIM cards, consisting:

  • Vietnam Regular SIM card, which serves calls, SMS and data, and
  • Vietnam Data SIM card, which serves data, and also possibly limited number of domestic and international calls, depending on the mobile operators.

2.2 Types of Vietnam SIM cards by forms

In this regard, Vietnam SIM cards are divided into Physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles.

Forms of Vietnam Sim

Let’s see how they are different

2.3 Types of Vietnam SIM cards by payment time

In this regard, Vietnam SIM cards are divided into:

  • Vietnam Prepaid SIM card (which is available for all locals and travelers), and
  • Vietnam Postpaid SIM card (which requires certain conditions to be eligible).

As a tourist, we highly recommended you buy a Vietnam prepaid sim.

  • If you just need a data connection, a Vietnam data sim card is highly recommended.
  • If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, Vietnam eSIM is highly recommended.

3. How much data is enough for your Vietnam trip?

For most short trips,  3GB or 5GB of data will be enough to cover your common internet usage . However, if you are planning on using the internet more or if you are traveling for a month, you might want to consider the  10 – 15GB of data , or much more.

Let’s check the most popular data packages for tourists to Vietnam and how much does it cost:

4. How to buy a Vietnam travel sim Card

Here we suggest you 3 ways, also known as 3 places to buy a Vietnam prepaid data SIM card for your travel.

4.1. Buy Vietnam eSIM card online for your traveling

The most convenient and easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Vietnam is getting a Vietnam e-sim. This way of buying the Vietnam sim gives you a lot of advantages:

  • You can easily order them online within less than a minute no matter where you are. You will then receive a QR code via email, you scan it and activate your eSIM data when you land in Vietnam, and get instant connectivity.
  • You don’t have to pay for shipping
  • You will not be required to queue in any physical store to get your SIM card.
  • You are also not required to show the passport for registration.

Check out our amazing e-sim card deals for Vietnam:

  • Itel/Vinaphone 7GB data for 8 days = US $8.9
  • Itel/Vinaphone 10GB data for 16 days = US $11.9
  • Itel/Vinaphone 15GB data for 30 days = US $14.9
  • Itel/Vinaphone 120GB data for 30 days (4GB/day) = US $18.9
  • Viettel 150GB for 30 days (5GB/day) = US $19.9

After your checkout, you will receive the eSIM data QR code and the users’ instructions via email.

Note: Make sure that you have an eSIM-supported device.

4.2. Buy Vietnam sim at the international airport on arrival

Like many other countries around the world, it is EASY to find sim card shops or resellers at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang airport.

Buying the SIM at Vietnam airports is considered the best if you don’t have an eSIM, as the staff here can speak English and guide you through the steps.

Buy Vietnam Sim Cards at Hanoi Airport - Vietnamdiscovery

Buying a Vietnam prepaid sim card at the airport will give you certain advantages as follows:

  • The staff here will help you insert your SIM, register with the mobile operator, and activate it, so you are hassle-free, just wait for them to complete. They can speak English, so you will get through easily.
  • They are happy to take a credit card payment for your new Vietnamese SIM card, so you don’t even need to worry about going to the ATM first.
  • Their Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data packages are fixed by the mobile carrier, so the prices offered by them should all be roughly the same as the carrier’s offer (VND 150,000-350,000 (US $6.50-$15) depending on how long you’re going to be staying in Vietnam and how much mobile data you want).
  • You can immediately connect to your internet, and book a Grab to your destination, which will save you money and hassle.

4.3 Buying Vietnam sim cards in official retail stores of mobile network operators

A great place to buy a sim card in Vietnam (you are in Vietnam) is at an official retail store, as you will never be overcharged. In case you are welcome by English-speaking staff, you will be well advised on what you need and everything will be set up quickly, and within minutes you will walk out of the store with a working data connection on your phone.

However, there must be a challenge if you meet a staff who cannot speak English or your language.

The best way to find the nearest shop is to go to Google Maps and type in, for example: Viettel. Google Maps suggest the list of nearby Viettel stores, or Vietnam Store (Search Nearby). Click on it and find the nearest store.

Or you can also visit their official websites to find their official store addresses:

  • For Viettel offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities: check  https://vietteltelecom.vn/cua-hang
  • For Vinaphone offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities offices, check  https://vinaphone.com.vn/ho-tro/diem-giao-dich
  • For MobiFone offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities, check  https://www.mobifone.vn/ho-tro-khach-hang/vi-tri-cua-hang

>> Remember to bring your passport with you as they will need it to register your new SIM card.

4.4 Buying Vietnam sim card at a street vendor

Yes, it is possible to buy Vietnam sim cards at street vendor. However, don’t expect the staff to know anything about the prepaid Vietnam data sim, they just give you what you ask for, even if they can’t speak English. Not recommended!

5. Best SIM card to get in Vietnam for tourists

There are now 4 main network operators in Vietnam, offering prepaid SIM card: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile.

Here is a quick summary of those 4 SIM card providers in Vietnam:

The short version summary shows that:

  • Viettel and Vinaphone are the 2 biggest mobile operators in Vietnam, it’s almost the same in terms of network coverage and speeds, but Viettel has better coverage in rural areas. These two providers are what we’d suggest you stick with.
  • Mobifone has patchy coverage in rural areas, and Vietnamobile’s mobile internet is unusable if you leave major city centers, so we don’t suggest these two.

To prove our suggestions above, let’s look at the Vietnam Mobile Experience Awards recently published by OpenSignal:

Vietnam Mobile Network Experience Report by OpenSignal

We can see that:

  • Vinaphone users experienced the fastest download and upload speeds
  • Viettel Mobile is top for Voice App and Games Experience
  • Viettel Mobile leads in 4G Availability and 4G Coverage Experience
  • Vinaphone wins Excellent Consistent Quality outright and shares the Availability and Core Consistent Quality awards with MobiFone.

Now, let’s look at them one by one.

5.1 Viettel Vietnam Sim Cards

Viettel is the mobile market leader in Vietnam with about 40% of all customers on its network.

Viettel Vietnam sim card - logo - Vietnamdiscovery

In addition to great coverage in urban areas, Viettel offers the best coverage in remote areas, even on 3G. Here are some of its fast facts:

  • Best coverage in Vietnam (3G/4G/LTE)
  • Best regional coverage in rural areas
  • Reasonably priced

Viettel Network Coverage Map - Vietnam Sim cards

>>If you are wondering about the best sim card to get in Vietnam, Viettel is your perfect choice.

For Viettel Vietnam tourist sim, you can find both regular packages and data plans.

  • In case you use a regular Viettel SIM Card, you will need to pay the SIM cost (which is around VND 50,000 – 60,000 ~ US $2.5 – 2.8), and then top it up for data plan registration (which costs you VND 5,000 to 70,000, ~ US $0.22 to 3.2) and calls and SMS.
  • If you buy a tourist sim card, you only need to pay for the data plan, but it cannot be topped up.

5.2 VinaPhone SIM Cards

Vinaphone is the second operator in Vietnam, occupying 30% of the market share. It gives good coverage and speed throughout the country.

Vinaphone - the second biggest mobile operator in Vietnam - Vietnam travel sim card

Here are some fast facts about Vinaphone Vietnam tourist sim cards:

  • Great coverage in Vietnam (3G/4G/LTE)
  • Great regional coverage in rural areas

Vinaphone network coverage map

If you cannot find a Viettel tourist SIM in your place, a Vinaphone SIM card is your choice.

Like Viettel, Vinaphone offers both regular packages and data plans.

  • In case you use a regular Vinaphone SIM Card, you will need to pay the SIM cost (which is around VND 50,000 – 60,000 ~ US $2.5 – 2.8), and then top it up for data plan registration (which costs you VND 5,000 to 70,000, ~ US $0.22 to 3.2) and calls and SMS.

5.3 MobiFone SIM cards

Mobifone holds around 20% market share of the country and is currently in the process of becoming privatized. Its data speeds and coverage may be good in the centers and around the coast, but can be patchy in the mountains.

Mobifone Logo - Best Vietnam sim Cards - Vietnamdiscovery

Here are some fast facts about Vietnam tourist sims provided by Mobifone:

  • Good coverage in Vietnam (3G)
  • 4G/LTE network needs some work
  • Patchy regional coverage

Mobiphone network coverage map - best vietnam sim cards - Vietnamdiscovery

Mobifone also offers both regular SIM Cards and tourist data sim Cards, but as the locals, it’s not our suggestion for you.

4.4 Vietnamobile SIM Cards

Vietnamobile is the smallest of the 4 mobile network operators in Vietnam with a market share of around 10%.

In 2011 they started with 3G services in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi, but since then 3G coverage has been expanded to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, An Giang, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Dong Thap, Long An, Dong Nai, Thai Nguyen, and Binh Duong. In 2017 it covers 90% of the population in all 63 cities and provinces by 3G, but coverage is still lower than others. They have been awarded a 4G/LTE license, but it’s still much more restricted than the others.

Generally, we don’t suggest its data use to you at this time. 

vietnam travel sim

6. Vietnam SIM card price

The Vietnam sim card cost may vary depending on the sim form, data, validity, and mobile carrier.

  • For a data eSIM, it costs you US $9 to 15;
  • For a physical SIM card: its costs are as follows:

> > For regular SIM Cards:

>> For data-only SIM Cards

* “Unlimited” data means max. 2 GB per day at high speed before throttling to 3G speeds.

  • If you are using our eSIM, please text TRACUU D20 (if your plan is 4GB) or TRACUU D50 (if your plan is 12GB) to 8968.
  • If you are using a physical data-only SIM, or a data-only eSIM of other providers, just visit your phone settings to check.
  • For Viettel Mobile: Text KTTK to 191
  • For Vinaphone: text DATA to 888
  • For MobiFone: Text KT [YOUR_DATA] to 999 (VND 200/sms).
  • For Vietnamobile: Text KT DATA to 345

If you are in Vietnam and need a data sim card, buying an eSIM online or a physical SIM card at an official retail store of Viettel or Vinaphone should be the best. Please check its guide in Section 4 –  How to buy a Vietnam travel sim Card.

You have different ways to check the data balance of your SIM, depending on your sim type and mobile operators. For example: – If you are using our eSIM, please text TRACUU D20 (if your plan is 4GB) or TRACUU D50 (if your plan is 12GB) to 6989. – If you are using physical data-only SIM, or a data-only eSIM of other providers, just visit your phone settings to check. – If you are using a physical regular SIM Card with a certain data plan: + For Viettel Mobile: Text KTTK to 191 + For Vinaphone: text DATA to 888 + For MobiFone: Text KT [YOUR_DATA] to 999 (VND 200/sms). + For Vietnamobile: Text KT DATA to 345

Yes, of course. You cannot expect that you will be kept connected on your roads.

Yes. There are numerous kiosks selling SIM cards at the Hanoi Airport.

Of course! There are dozens of counters selling SIM cards for all of Vietnam’s mobile providers at the Saigon airport. (Viettel and Vinaphone are preferred.)

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Best SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam

Best SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam

  • on Dec 4, 2023       By: Japon

While in Vietnam, it is crucial to maintain communication with your loved ones or have access to the internet for necessary travel information. A Vietnam SIM card is an indispensable companion in that situation. This article will examine the advantages of use a SIM card in Vietnam, provide information on where to acquire one, discuss the many varieties available, and offer guidance on how to maximize its utility during your visit.

1. Why do I need a new SIM card in Vietnam for my trip? 2. Types of Vietnam SIM Cards 3. What amount of data do you need for your trip to Vietnam? 4. Best Vietnam SIM Cards for tourists and Data packages 4.1 Viettel 4.2 Vinaphone 4.3 Mobifone 4.4 Buy Vietnam eSIM card online for your traveling

1. Why do I need a new SIM card in Vietnam for my trip?

Travelers can benefit from many advantages when using a Vietnam SIM card. Firstly, it facilitates cost-efficient communication over your entire duration of stay. By using a local SIM card, you can avoid paying excessively high fees for using your phone abroad. With a local SIM card, you can make calls and send text messages at the same rates as local residents. In addition, possessing a Vietnam SIM card guarantees uninterrupted local connectivity. You may effortlessly establish connections with local residents, tour providers, or fellow visitors without being dependent on public Wi-Fi networks. This convenience enables you to easily navigate around unknown locations, make reservations for accommodation, and request recommendations at any time and from any location. A SIM card not only enables communication but also provides access to data and internet services. By utilizing messaging applications, you may maintain connectivity, explore online content, and be informed on various social media sites. A Vietnam SIM card enables you to stay connected in the digital realm, whether you require directions, wish to discover attractions, or want to share your great experiences.

2. Types of Vietnam SIM Cards

Vietnam SIM card, Vietnam eSIM, Travel SIM card for Vietnam, SIM card deals for Vietnam , Vietnam mobile connectivity, Vietnam prepaid SIM card, SIM card for international travelers in Vietnam, Best SIM card for Vietnam, Vietnam data plans, Calling plans for Vietnam, Vietnam mobile networks, SIM card activation in Vietnam, Vietnam telecommunications, Vietnam phone connectivity, Vietnam roaming SIM card, Vietnam tourist SIM card, Mobile data in Vietnam, Voice calls in Vietnam, Vietnam mobile operators, Vietnam SIM card prices.

In Vietnam, various types of SIM cards are available to cater to individual requirements: -    Physical SIM  -     eSIM 

Let us examine how they differ:

Physical Sim vs eSim

3. What amount of data do you need for your trip to Vietnam?

For the majority of brief journeys, 3GB to 5GB of data will suffice to cover typical internet usage. However, if you anticipate increased internet usage or are embarking on a month-long trip, you may wish to contemplate purchasing 10–15GB of data, or significantly more.

4. Best Vietnam SIM Cards for tourists and Data packages

In Vietnam, three primary providers of SIM cards can be identified: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.

-> Viettel is the best SIM card available in Vietnam. They provide the finest coverage and the largest network among Vietnamese mobile carriers.

This is a quick list of those three Vietnam SIM card providers:

4.1 Viettel:

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Viettel is a prominent telecommunications operator in Vietnam that sells cost-effective prepaid SIM cards. - What is the extent of Viettel's network coverage in rural parts of Vietnam? Viettel has established telecommunications towers and antennas throughout Vietnam to ensure extensive network coverage, encompassing remote areas that may have limited coverage from other operators. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that certain extremely isolated or hard-to-reach rural regions may still experience restricted connectivity, despite the broad coverage provided by Viettel. Network quality in remote places can be influenced by factors such as topography, population density, and local infrastructure. However, Viettel is the favored telecommunications operator in isolated rural or mountainous areas.

- Data packages  :  To ensure dependable access while traveling to remote locations in Vietnam, it is advisable to verify Viettel's network coverage for your desired destinations. To obtain the most recent information regarding network coverage in particular rural areas, you may reach out to Viettel's customer support or access their official website. As of 2023, here is a new list of Viettel's costs, packages, and Data package, along with details about any possible deals: The cost of a Viettel prepaid SIM card is usually between 50,000 and 60,000 VND, which is about 2 to 3 Euros.

- Packages of data: - ST70K (70,000 VND for 30 days): 500 MB every day. Text "ST70K UP" to 9123 to sign up. - SD90 (90,000VND for 30 days): 1.5 GB every day. Text "D90 UP" to 9123 to sign up.   – SD120 (120,000VND/30 days): 2 GB every day. Text "SD120 UP" to 9123 to sign up. - SD150 (200.000VND for 30 days): 3 GB per day. Text "SD120 UP" to 9123 to sign up. The V90C deal, which costs 90,000 VND for 30 days, gives you 1 GB of data per day and free calls within the network for up to 20 minutes. It also gives you 20 minutes of free calls outside the network. Text "V90C UP" to 9123 to sign up.  - V200C (200,000VND/30 days): 4 GB per day, free calls within the network for up to 20 minutes, and free calls outside the network for 100 minutes. Text "V90C UP" to 9123 to sign up. Send the word "HUYDATA" to 191 as an SMS to stop the Viettel 4G plan. Once you get the confirmation letter, text "Y" to 191 to finish canceling. - Text "KTTK" to 191 to see how much 4G data you still have left. – Places to buy and shops to visit  Addresses in Hanoi: - 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District - 26 Hàng Dầu, Hoan Kiem District - 53 Lương Văn Can, Hoan Kiem District - 61 Cửa Đông, Ba Dinh District - 49 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ba Dinh District - 50 Văn Cao, Ba Dinh District Addresses in Ho Chi Minh City: - 166C-DE Tran Hung Dao, 1st District - 878A Le Duc Tho, Go Vap District - 156 Tran Nao, 2nd District - 162A Nguyen Thi Dinh, 2nd District - 456 Le Van Sy, 3rd District

4.2 Vinaphone :

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There is a prepaid SIM card from Vinaphone in Vietnam. It connects travelers across the country, in both cities and rural areas, in a reliable and cheap way. Most unlocked phones can use this SIM card, and it works with both GSM and 3G networks. - How well does Vinaphone's network work in Vietnam's rural areas? In rural areas, Vinaphone's network coverage may be different based on where you are. Some rural places that are hard to reach or are in difficult terrain may not have good network coverage. By building more infrastructure, Vinaphone has tried to improve connectivity in rural places. To make their network reach more places, they have put up communication poles and antennas all over the country. There may still be times, though, when coverage is weaker or not available at all in very remote places.

These Vinaphone prepaid SIM cards cost around 50,000 to 60,000 VND, which is about 2 to 3 Euro. - Data packages  :  - BIG90 (90,000VND/30 days): 1GB per day. To subscribe, send "ID9 BIG90" to 1543 via SMS. - BIG120 (120,000VND/30 days): 2GB per day. To subscribe, send "ID9 BIG120" to 1543 via SMS. - BIG200 (200,000VND/30 days): 4GB per day. To subscribe, send "ID9 BIG200" to 1543 via SMS. - BIG300 (300,000VND/30 days): 6GB per day. To subscribe, send "ID9 BIG300" to 1543 via SMS. Data + phone call packages: - VD90 (90,000VND/30 days): 1GB per day, free intra-network calls under 10 minutes, and 30 minutes of free off-network calls. To subscribe, send "ID9 VD90" to 1543 via SMS. - VD120N (120,000VND/30 days): 1.5GB per day, free intra-network calls under 10 minutes, and 50 minutes of free off-network calls. To subscribe, send "ID9 VD120N" to 1543 via SMS. - To check remaining 4G data capacity, text "DATA" to 888. - To cancel the VinaPhone 4G plan, send “HUY [fortrait name]” to 888 via SMS.

Recommended stores and points of sale:

75 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem district. 64 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem district. 7 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district. 33 Hang Thung, Hoan Kiem district. 21 Dang Dung, Ba Dinh district. 218 Doi Can, Ba Dinh district. 49 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh district.

4.3 Mobifone :

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In Vietnam, Mobifone has a prepaid SIM card that tourists can use to get good and reliable cell phone service. 

- How well does Mobifone's network work in Vietnam's rural areas?

Mobifone's network coverage may be different in rural areas based on where you are. Mobifone is generally working hard to grow its network coverage across the country, even into rural areas, so that users can always stay connected. 

But it's important to keep in mind that some remote rural places may not have network coverage at all because of things like geography, population density, and the way phones are set up. There may be places in these areas where there is no service or only weak connectivity. 

You should check Mobifone's network coverage for your specific location or read reviews from other users about network quality in those areas if you plan to travel to rural areas of Vietnam and need to stay connected. For more information about Mobifone's network coverage in the rural places you want to visit, you can call their customer service line or go to their website.

- Price: The price of a Mobifone prepaid SIM card is usually between 50,000 and 60,000 VND (2 to 3 Euro).

- Data packages:

  - MXH100 (100,000VND/30 days): 1GB/day. Free data for TikTok, Youtube, Facebook. To subscribe, send "MO9 MXH100" to 9084.      - TK135 (135,000VND/30 days): 7 GB/day. To subscribe, send "MO9 TK135" to 9084.      - MXH90 (90,000VND/30 days): 1 GB/day. Free 4G data for Youtube, Facebook, Messenger messaging. To subscribe, send "MO9 MXH90" to 9084.

- Data + phone call packages:

  - MXH120 (120,000VND/30 days): 1 GB/day, free intra-network calls under 10 minutes, 30 minutes of free off-network calls. To subscribe, send "MO9 MXH120" to 9084.

  - FM (180,000VND/30 days): 8 GB/day, free intra-network calls under 10 minutes, 5 minutes of free off-network calls per day. To subscribe, send "MO9 FM" to 9084.

- Fortrait Mobifone for the first registration:

  - PT70 (70,000VND/30 days): 1 GB/day. To subscribe, send "MO9 PT70" to 9084.      - PT90 (90,000VND/30 days): 1.5 GB/day. To subscribe, send "MO9 PT90" to 9084.      - PT120 (120,000VND/30 days): 2 GB/day. To subscribe, send "MO9 PT120" to 9084.

- To check remaining 4G data capacity, send "KT DATA" to 999.

- To cancel the VinaPhone 4G plan, send "HUY [fortrait name]" to 999 by SMS.

- Recommended stores and points of sale:

  - n° 75 Dinh Tien Hoang, arr. Hoan Kiem      - n° 80 Hang Ma, arr. Hoan Kiem      - n° 49C Hang Bun, arr. Ba Dinh      - n° 34 Dien Bien Phu, arr. Ba Dinh      - n° 178 Kim Ma, arr. Ba Dinh

4.4 Buy Vietnam eSIM card online for your traveling

Vietnam SIM card, Vietnam eSIM, Travel SIM card for Vietnam, SIM card deals for Vietnam , Vietnam mobile connectivity, Vietnam prepaid SIM card, SIM card for international travelers in Vietnam, Best SIM card for Vietnam, Vietnam data plans, Calling plans for Vietnam, Vietnam mobile networks, SIM card activation in Vietnam, Vietnam telecommunications, Vietnam phone connectivity, Vietnam roaming SIM card, Vietnam tourist SIM card, Mobile data in Vietnam, Voice calls in Vietnam, Vietnam mobile operators, Vietnam SIM card prices.

We think that getting a Vietnam eSIM is the best and fastest way to stay connected while you are traveling in Vietnam. When you buy a Vietnam eSIM, you can enjoy a lot of benefits:

It only takes a minute to order them online, so you can do it from anywhere. When you get an email with a QR code, all you have to do is scan it to activate your eSIM data and you'll be connected right away in Vietnam. You don't have to pay to ship it. You won't have to stand in line to get your SIM card at any store. - You don't have to bring your ID with you to register.

Check out our great deals on eSIM cards for Vietnam:

- 7 GB of data for 8 days: $10 USD gets you 10 GB of data for 16 days: $12 for 15 GB of data for 30 days: $15 gets you 120 GB of data for 30 days, or 4 GB per day: US $19 - Plus, the first 20 minutes of every call you make to a Vinaphone number in the U.S. are free.    - Not only that, but you'll also get 50 minutes of free calls within the United States.

We have BIG data and phone call plans for 6 months and 1 year that are good for the long term:

- BIG data and calls for 6 months: $59 USD. This includes: – 4GB of high-speed data every day for the first 3 months; – 2GB of high-speed data every day after that.    - Plus, the first 20 minutes of every call you make to a Vinaphone number in the U.S. are free.    - You'll also get 50 minutes of free calls to landlines and mobile phones in the United States every month.

For $89 a year, you can get BIG data and phone calls. This plan comes with 4GB of high-speed data every day for the first three months and 2GB of high-speed data every day after that.    - Plus, the first 20 minutes of every call you make to a Vinaphone number in the U.S. are free.    - You'll also get 50 minutes of free calls to landlines and mobile phones in the United States every month.

You will get the eSIM data QR code and instructions via email after you finish your buy.

Related article :

>>   Vietnam tour 2023-2024: Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>>   Best things to do in Vietnam

>>   Vietnam Cambodia tour: What to do and what to visit?

>>   Tour in the Northwest of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>>  Tour in the North-East of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>>   Hanoi Vietnam: Top 12+ best things to do in Hanoi

>>   Top 12+ best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

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Why Viettel’s TOUR?

Excellent coverage , keep you connected wherever you visit on the territory of vietnam , up to 60 days from sim activation date , long usage time, controlled payment , prepay when you receive sim without any additonal charge arisen , quick and simple to buy , get one at your landing airport or reserve online to reduce timing of registration procedure  , find a sim for your trip to vietnam next month, need to keep connected with your friends and family, share your fascinating photos and videos without any delay, let viettel’s tour sim be your traveling companion, select your plans, ✔️ 5gb at max speed, ✔️ 15-day unlimited internet with good speed, 100.000 vnd, 200.000 vnd, ✔️ 30-day unlimited internet, ✔️ the free first 20 mins of each domestic on-net-calls, ✔️ 20 mins of international calls, (*)international calls to china, korea, usa, hong kong, russia, brunei, cambodia, indonesia, laos, malaysia, myanmar, philippines, singapore, thailand, timor-leste, ✔️ 100 mins of domestic calls, for traveling invididuals, 🚩 tan son nhat international airport, 🚩 noi bai international airport, 🚩 can tho international airport.

Where to GET TOUR SIM

Travel guidance, the one pillar pagoda, hanoi, golden bridge da nang, customer care, [email protected], viettel telecom corporation - brand of viettel group, head office: no. 1 giang van minh street, kim ma ward, ba dinh district, hanoi, vietnam., © viettel telecom 2015. all rights reserved., responsible for content: mr, cao anh son, tour60: vnd 60,000/15 days for 5gb with unlimited access speed, after 5gb still can access at good speed (unlimited), 60.000vnd / 15 days, 100.000 vnd / 30 days, tour100: vnd 100,000/30 days for unlimited data; the free first 20 mins of each on-net call; 20 mins of calls to china, korea, usa, hong kong, russia, brunei, cambodia, indonesia, laos, malaysia, myanmar, philippines, singapore, thailand, timor-leste, 200.000 vnd / 30 days, tour200: vnd 200,000/30 days for unlimited data, 100 minutes of domestic calls, 20 minutes of calls to china, korea, usa, hong kong, russia, brunei, cambodia, indonesia, laos, malaysia, myanmar, philippines, singapore, thailand, timor-leste.

Wander-Lush

Best eSIM for Vietnam: Detailed Guide to the 6 Best Providers + Cost Comparison

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, then you’ll know that I’m all about eliminating stress and streamlining logistics so you can be free to enjoy local experiences and immerse yourself in the culture when travelling.

The ability to navigate your way around city streets confidently, order a taxi on the go, or easily get in touch with locals is hugely important to my travel philosophy .

As a frequent visitor to Vietnam and a former Hanoi expat, I understand the importance of having reliable internet access in the country. Vietnam is very progressive in this regard – 5G services are available across the country.

So the only question is: What is the best way for travellers to get online?

Vietnam flag icon.

More from Vietnam

Discover the best city guides, itineraries, travel tips & hidden gems in my Vietnam Travel Guide.

A blue chair in front of an old building in Hanoi Old Quarter, selling Vietnam sim cards.

Up until now, purchasing a plastic SIM card from a shop like the one pictured above was the only option. Thanks to new eSIM technology, travellers like us now have an alternative that can save us time, money and stress.

In this guide, I’ll show you the 6 best eSIM Vietnam options that currently exist and walk you through the entire process of buying and using an eSIM on your next visit to Vietnam.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Wait – do you even need a SIM card for Vietnam?

WIFI is ubiquitous in Vietnam and available at all hotels, restaurants and cafes in the big cities of Hanoi, Danang and Saigon. But as you move further out, access becomes limited and speeds can be painfully slow. Some homestays do not offer WIFI, and it can be tricky to find a steady connection in remote national parks and rural areas .

Even in the cities, having your own SIM can be very useful. When I lived in Hanoi and travelled around Vietnam, I used my phone every single day for tasks such as ordering taxis and motodops (motorbike taxis) and for navigating with Google Maps.

Internet access is handy for buying bus/train tickets on the go , using Google Translate, and for keeping in touch with guides and hosts via an instant messaging service.

Tip: Zalo is the most popular IM service in Vietnam, downloaded by around 80% of smartphone users.

If you want to stay connected to Instagram and Facebook, watch vlogs on YouTube or use Vietnam travel blogs such as this one to enrich your travels, then data is a worthwhile investment!

A woman pushes a bicycle through a busy marketplace in Ngoc Ha, Hanoi.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a piece of technology that’s built into your mobile phone or iPad. It works much the same way as a regular SIM card, only it’s completely digital.

While a traditional SIM (subscriber identity module) uses a plastic card, an eSIM is remotely programmable. That means you can change your carrier and get data packages using software only. Normally an eSIM is activated by scanning a QR code and managed through an app.

ESIMs have been around since 2017, but the technology is still emerging. If you purchased your phone (or iPad) in the past 5 years, there’s a good chance it is already eSIM compatible. Read on for a full list of models.

eSIM versus traditional SIM: Quick comparison

Here are just some of the pros of using an eSIM.

Save time by not having to search for a SIM card

One of the biggest annoyances with a traditional SIM is that you have to physically go to a shop and buy a card. This takes time and energy, especially in a country where you don’t speak the language.

With an eSIM, you can get everything set up before your trip so that you can hit the ground running and get online instantly. There is no need to swap out plastic cards, which means there’s no risk of damaging or losing your home SIM.

Easy activation

The entire process of buying and activating an eSIM can be done online before you leave home. There’s no need to sign a contract or give over your personal information. Unlike traditional SIMs that need SMS validation codes and require you to configure your APN, eSIMs activate instantly.

All eSIMs have a validity period and a usage period. For some, the countdown begins as soon as you activate the eSIM, while for others, they only become active once you arrive in country.

Save money by avoiding roaming charges

If you normally use international roaming when travelling, then an eSIM could potentially save you a lot of money. For example, roaming charges on the Australian Optus network are priced at $0.02 per KB, which is significantly higher than the rates offered by eSIM companies.

ESIMs do not require roaming and when used correctly, there is no risk of incurring extra roaming charges.

Access to high-speed internet

International roaming packages are usually limited to 2G or 3G networks, which means painfully slow speeds. The same applies to public WIFI connections. Vietnam eSIMs are compatible with 4G/LTE/5G, which means fast speeds across the country.

Increased privacy & security

With an eSIM, you can avoid having to use public or shared WIFI networks which might not be secure. Paired with a VPN (I use and recommend ExpressVPN ), you can enjoy complete privacy when browsing the web or using internet banking services. Because eSIMs are totally digital, any security updates to the service itself are done automatically.

Keep your home SIM active during your trip

When using an eSIM, you don’t have to remove the plastic SIM card you normally use at home. That means you can keep your mobile number active and still use your phone for receiving 2FA codes, other SMS messages and phone calls (though this will incur extra charges from your home provider). You can keep the same number for Whatsapp and other messaging services.

An eSIM is especially handy if your phone has only one SIM card slot. My phone has two slots, but since I have an SD card in one for extra storage, I can only use one plastic SIM at a time. The eSIM is a great solution.

24/7 support in English

I know from experience that when things go wrong with a local SIM card, it can be challenging to get support. ESIM providers such as Airalo and SimOptions offer online support through web chat, email and phone – so you can reach out and get help from an English speaker whenever you need it.

A woman uses her mobile phone in a cafe in Truc Bach, Hanoi, Vietnam.

The 6 best eSIMs for Vietnam

Here is a round-up of the best Vietnam eSIM plans currently on the market.

The Asia Link eSIM for Vietnam.

Top choice: Asia Link Regional eSIM (10 GB)

  • Price: From $37
  • Data: 10 GB
  • Valid for: 30 days
  • Network: Viettel & Mobifone
  • Perks: Top-ups enabled, longest validity period, reputable provider

Valid for 14 Asian countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Malaysia , the Asia Link eSIM is my top overall choice when travelling around Vietnam or the region.

It is offered by Airalo , one of the world’s leading eSIM providers (currently Airalo has a 4.1 rating on TrustPilot). They offer 24/7 online support and have a user-friendly app.

This eSIM has the longest validity period of any service on this list – a full 30 days from the moment you connect to a supporting network. Better still, you can reload your original eSIM with 6 data boost packages ranging from 1-100 GB. This means you don’t have to repurchase a new eSIM if you run out of data, you can simply top-up instead (very few eSIMs offer this option).

Like other eSIMs on this list, the Asia Link connects to the Viettel network in Vietnam, which is considered the most reliable (this is the one I used when I lived in Hanoi ). Set up is quick, with no identity verification required, and step-by-step guidance provided through the app.

There are 5 more Asia Link eSIM options available, so you can go for a larger or smaller data package depending on your needs.

eSIM2FLY Global

  • Price: From $49.90
  • Valid for: 15 days
  • Network: Viettel & Vietnamoble
  • Perks: Top-ups enabled, get a local phone number, make calls & texts

The eSIM2FLY Global by AIS is a round-the-world eSIM that works in 120+ different countries, including most of Southeast Asia. It is the only provider on this list that has 5G support for Vietnam, which means you’ll probably be eligible for faster download and upload speeds where available.

The main point of difference with the eSIM2FLY is that it comes with a Thai phone number (the company is based in Thailand ). If you need a local number to confirm bookings or you want to give your family/friends back home an emergency contact, then this is a great choice.

This is the only eSIM on the list that can be used to make and receive calls – all you need to do is add data to your balance via the app. Receiving an SMS is free, and calls are charged at 6 baht/minute.

The AIS eSIM is automatically activated once you arrive in any of the covered countries. There are various top up options available through the app.

TripRoaming eSIM for Vietnam

  • Price: From $4.71
  • Data: 1-30 GB
  • Valid for: 3-30 days
  • Network: Viettel
  • Perks: Flexible packages, hotspot enabled

TripRoaming offers greater flexibility with its eSIMs. Packages range from 1 GB of data with 3 days validity right up to 30 GB with 30 days validity. If you’re a light user, they also have a 7-day plan capped at 500 MB/day.

This eSIM is hotspot enabled, so you can tether your laptop or another device. It works in Vietnam and 7 other countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Smart Traveller eSIM

  • Price: From $17.90
  • Valid for: 10 days
  • Perks: Affordable price, regional coverage

The Smart Traveller eSIM is ideal if you’re planning a short trip to Vietnam of 10 days or less.

The eSIM activates immediately, and there are no special APN settings required. It has a one-year validity period, meaning you can buy it ahead of time.

This eSIM cannot be topped up, so if you use all the data, you will need to buy a new one (easy enough to do on the website). It does not include calls or SMS, but of course you can use Whatsapp, Zalo or another service for online communication.

The Smart Traveller eSIM works in 27 countries. You can use the same eSIM for other destinations in the region including Cambodia (via Metfone network), Laos (via Lao Telecom network), Malaysia (via Digi network), and Singapore (via StarHub network).

Discover Global eSIM (10 GB)

  • Price: From $59
  • Valid for: 60 days
  • Network: Vietnamobile
  • Perks: Global coverage, top-ups enabled

Also offered by Airalo, the Discover Global eSIM is worth considering if you’re planning an extended trip. With this eSIM you can get online in 87 countries (including Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand).

Like the Asia Link, it has several price points ranging from just $9 for 7 days. The biggest package is valid for 180 days and top-up enabled, making it a good investment for long-term travellers covering not just Asia but Europe, South America and/or the Pacific.

You can recharge using the Airalo app, with 1-20 GB data top-up packages available at competitive prices.

The only pitfall to the Discover Global is that it uses the Vietnamobile 3G network in Vietnam, which isn’t necessarily the fastest or the most dependable.

Drimsim pay-as-you-go eSIM

  • Price: €0.03/MB (+ €10 for the eSIM)
  • Data: No limit
  • Valid for: One year
  • Perks: Only pay for what you use, global coverage, hotspot enabled

Drimsim eSIM is a bit different to the other services on this list. Instead of offering discrete data packages for different countries or regions, it works like a universal roaming SIM, only charging you for the data you use.

Drimsim works in virtually every country around the world (190 in total, including Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia). The eSIM has one year validity and won’t expire. It activates immediately, and is hotspot enabled.

There is an up-front cost of €10, but after that, there are no monthly fees. Data is charged at competitive rates – in Vietnam, it’s €0.03/MB or €30 per GB.

Pay-as-you go offers greater flexibility, but you do have to be more mindful of your data usage. Drimsim has a sophisticated app you can use to monitor exactly how much data you’ve gone through. You can also use the app to make calls or send SMS messages internally for lower rates.

How to activate an eSIM

Activating an eSIM is fairly straightforward. You do need an internet connection to complete the process, so it’s a good idea to do it either before you leave home or when you arrive at your first hotel.

Once you purchase your desired plan, you will receive an email containing a QR code. Use your mobile phone to scan the code. This will open up the app. From there, follow the instructions and the eSIM should automatically connect to the carrier.

Tip: If you only have one device, ask a friend to take a photo of the QR code so that you can scan it with your own phone.

Remember to only finish the activation when you are ready to start using the eSIM. For most providers, the clock starts on the validity period as soon as the eSIM is installed.

If you have more than one mobile phone, be sure to install the eSIM on the right device the first time. It’s not easy to transfer an eSIM to a different phone, and the service cannot be shared.

When you arrive in Vietnam, make sure your phone is connected to Viettel (depending on the provider, you might have to manually select the network).

Blue window shutters and a yellow wall in Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam.

How much data do you need for Vietnam?

Most eSIM plans for Vietnam come with a standard 6 GB of data. Here’s a rough idea of what you can do with 6 GB:

  • General internet browsing: 75-100 hours (approx. 3,500 web pages)
  • Searching Google Maps: 15,000 locations
  • Instant messaging/emails: 2 million (no attachments)
  • Streaming YouTube: 5-10 hours (SD)
  • Watching Netflix: 6 hours (SD)
  • Video call on FaceTime: 33 hours
  • Voice call on Skype: 180 hours

[ Source 1 | Source 2 ]

For most travellers, 6 GB will be sufficient for 10-15 days of travel.

Remember that the eSIM2FLY Global has a top up option if you think you’ll need more data, while the TripRoaming eSIM has larger plans (up to 30 GB) for data-heavy users.

My top choice for Vietnam, the Asia Link Regional eSIM , comes with 10 GB for 30 days with top-ups available. This should be plenty of data to cover you for a longer trip of two weeks or more.

Tips for using an eSIM in Vietnam

Make sure your device is esim compatible.

Most (but not all) mobile phones made since 2019 are eSIM compatible. This includes iPhone models 11 through 14, iPads, and many Samsung, Google Pixel and Huawei models.

See a full list of compatible devices here on SimOptions .

Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked

Just like a plastic SIM, an eSIM won’t work on a locked phone. Before you travel, make sure your phone is not locked to your home carrier. If it is, you might need to make a call or visit a store to get it unlocked.

Download Google Maps for offline use

If you’re anything like me, Google Maps will be your most-used app when travelling. A great tip is to download maps for offline use. This way you can still use street maps to navigate and explore, but the app won’t eat up your data.

Before you leave home, select the geographic radius you want to access and download the data to your device. This will save the street names, public transport routes and some data about landmarks and venues. For full instructions, see this guide .

Update your apps then disable auto updates

Before your trip starts, use your home WIFI to update all your apps – this will ensure things run smoothly while you’re away. Turn off auto updates (or set them to WIFI-only) to prevent heavy data usage when you’re connected to 4G.

Have you used an eSIM in Vietnam? What was your experience? Do you have any additional tips to share with other travellers or feedback on your favourite service? Please leave your trip notes in the comments below!

Vietnam essentials

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam .

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Vietnam using Skyscanner .

VIETNAM VISA: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport via Get Your Guide.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Vietnam online before you go. My top choice is the Asia Link Regional eSIM by Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel .

TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa , Da Nang, Hue or Saigon via 12GoAsia.

BUS TICKETS: Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using 12GoAsia or Bookaway .

FOODIE EXPERIENCES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam on Cookly. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.

DAY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam on Get Your Guide. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.

HALONG BAY: Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.

VIETNAM GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam .

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Sim cards for tourists in Vietnam: All you need to know

Khang trần lâm.

vietnam travel sim

Plan your trip to Vietnam, and remember to have your local SIM card ready when you arrive! It's the best way to stay in touch and save on high traveling costs.

Why do you have to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?

Travel agencies will often call you to confirm any changes to your trip or plans. So in Vietnam, you need to buy a sim card. Also, Wifi is not available anywhere in Vietnam yet, and you may need data to use the Internet.

What documents do you need to buy a SIM in Vietnam?

You don't need any paperwork to own a sim card. Vietnamese Dong can be paid directly in cash, which is very convenient. Buying a SIM in Vietnam with a bank card or US dollars is not recommended. However, if necessary, the store still offers currency exchange.

Where can you buy a sim card in Vietnam?

Is it easy to get a SIM card in Vietnam? The answer is yes. Pre-activated Vietnamese SIMs costing less than 100,000 VND (5 USD) can be sold at most airports, borders, and street shops.

If you're taking a trip organized by a travel agency, your guide or driver will usually provide you with a pre-purchased activated SIM card and a registered 3G Internet plan.

If you are traveling alone or the customer does not have a SIM card available, consider getting a SIM card at the airport where visitors arrive. The staff can assist you in choosing the one that meets your need. This will be more convenient.

Which carrier should you choose in Vietnam?

vietnam travel sim

Vietnam's three most popular mobile carriers are Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone. They are all state-owned enterprises with extensive mobile phone coverage and comparable pricing power. When MobiFone has the best quality of service with about 3,200 mobile users in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Viettel seems to have the most customers.

Price and 4G mobile SIM in Vietnam

vietnam travel sim

The price of the three carriers is not much different:

  • The on-net call fee is 1,000 VND / minute.
  • The domestic SMS fee is 250 VND.
  • The International SMS fee is 2,500 VND.
  • The high-speed 3G package is about 70,000 VND / month.
  • The difference between good speed and excellent speed is the location.

Prepaid Viettel sim

As we said, you can choose from countless prices and packages. Here are some excellent sim packages for you:

Data only Viettel-30,000 VND = 1.3 USD

  • 7 GB of data
  • Valid for seven days
  • Hot spot: yes

Data and calls Viettel-120,000 VND = 5.2 $

  • 2GB 4G Internet per day
  • 60 minutes of talk
  • Valid for 30 days  Hotspot: yes
  • Registered dial: * 098 * 172 #

Mobile prepaid card

Mobifone travel card - 200,000 VND = 9 $

  • Unlimited 4G Internet
  • Don't answer calls, don't send text messages
  • 14 days of validity

Mobifone travel card - 220,000 VND = 10 $

  • Unlimited 4G data
  • Talk for 100 minutes without texting
  • Valid for 30 days

How to install a Vietnam SIM card?

The salesperson will insert a SIM card for you at the airport and complete all the steps to choose a 4G plan. Then it will verify if it is valid or not. But no problem, SIM cards come in four formats: mini, micro, and nano. Cut the card into the desired format and insert it into the phone. No activation code is needed. Your SIM card takes effect immediately.

Some helpful tips for buying a SIM card in Vietnam

  • If you need help with the language, please download Google Translate on your phone before traveling.
  • Ask the seller to insert a SIM card for you, as they will know how to do this.
  • Move to the main form for better support and volume.
  • Mobifone is always recommended in big cities, but if you travel to remote areas, Viettel is the best.
  • You can buy a SIM card in most stores. If a Nano-SIM card is needed, they will adjust the size accordingly.
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Vietnam Travel Information

Sim cards in vietnam for tourists | how to buy & activate.

SIM Card Guide in Vietnam

Many travelers are concerned about Vietnam SIM cards as well as mobile coverage for staying connected in Vietnam. Indeed, buying a  SIM card in Vietnam to keep contact, information searching or map checking is necessary for a wonderful  vacation in Vietnam .

Vietnam SIM Cards

Why do You Have to Buy a SIM Card in Vietnam ?

The tourist agencies tend to call you to confirm the imminent arrival of your bus or any change related to your journey so equipping a SIM card in Vietnam is essential. Furthermore, not everywhere in Vietnam is provided with Wifi so you may need data to use the Internet.

What Documents are Requested When Buying a SIM Card in Vietnam?

No documents are requested. You can pay directly in cash in VND for convenience. Buying a SIM card in Vietnam by card or USD is not recommended. However, the shop still offers to change money if needed.

Where to Buy Vietnam SIM Cards?

Is it easy to get a SIM card in Vietnam? Definitely yes. A pre-activated Vietnam SIM card that costs less than 100,000 VND (5$USD) can be sold at the airports, via land borders, and nearly every shop on the streets. Recharge cards are widely available in small shops on the sidewalks. If your trip is organized by a travel agent, you are generally provided with an activated SIM card bought in advance by your tour guide or driver with a registered 3G Internet Package. In case you travel by yourself or a SIM card is not prepared by your clients, buy it at the airports of tourist destinations where the staff can speak English for more convenience. Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, and Da Nang Airport, the three biggest airports of Vietnam, inevitably offer this service as well. In addition, all types of SIM cards of different sizes (Full-size SIM, Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM, and Nano-SIM) are available in every mobile shop. In Vietnam, both prepaid SIM cards and postpaid SIM cards are sold, but a prepaid one is highly recommended for foreign tourists.

It is recommended to buy SIM card in the airport

Best Mobile Operators in Vietnam

The three most common mobile operators in Vietnam are Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone. They are all government-owned companies with wide network coverage for mobile calls and are likely to have similar prices. In fact, Viettel seems to have the biggest number of clients while MobiFone has the best quality service with around 3200 mobile phone subscribers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For all the mobile carriers, to check the balance, press *101# for the main account and *102# for the bonus account; and to top-up by voucher, type *100*# . If you’re bound to stay in Vietnam for a few months or longer, you need to extend the expiration date of each prepaid SIM card (100,000 VND for a 1-month extension). Contact International Support Center for any questions.

Vinaphone, Viettel and Mobilefone are the best SIM card operators in Vietnam

Prices & Data Speed of Vietnam Mobile & Internet SIM Cards

Prices do not differ so much between the 3 major operators: the price of a 1-minute local call is from 1, 000 VND; from 250 VND for local SMS and 2,500 VND for international SMS. Cellular coverage in Vietnam is extensive and stable at an affordable price. 3G High-Speed Data Package for 1 month is about 70,000VND. Speeds vary between good and very good, depending on geographical location. You can have full 3G signal everywhere in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and other urban areas or even in many remote parts like rural villages in Mekong Delta. Except for in some mountainous areas or in bad weather, data service is limited to access. Besides, 4G/LTE service is currently launched across the country for better usage of mobile applications in Vietnam.

prices and data speed of Vietnam sim cards

How to Install the Vietnam SIM card ?

At the airport, the salesman will offer to install the SIM card for you and take all the steps to choose the 4G package. Always accept, it will verify that it works, but there is no difficulty, the SIM card is available in 4 standards, mini, micro, and nano formats. Cut out the card in the desired format and insert it into your phone. No activation code and no number needed to activate, your SIM card is operational immediately.

Some Useful Tips to Buy SIM Cards in Vietnam

  • The official language is Vietnamese. Few locals speak English, so download Google Translate on your phone before traveling if you need help with the language.
  • Ask the sellers to install the SIM card for you because they will know how to do it. Otherwise, follow the instructions we have highlighted above or check the operator’s official website for advice.
  • Go to the official store to receive better assistance and avoid the crowd.
  • Mobifone is always recommended in big cities, but if you’re traveling to remote areas, Viettel is the best.
  • You will be able to buy SIM cards in almost any store. If Nano-SIM cards are needed, they will resize it accordingly.

vietnam travel sim

One thought on “ SIM Cards in Vietnam for Tourists | How to Buy & Activate ”

vietnam travel sim

If you intend to take a SIM with your name (registration information), you must bring passport to network operator agency. But traveler would like SIM that pre-registered (pre activated), he could buy on some shops on street without passport or personal information. There is a way to save your time by booking SIM online on some web sites such as Viet5g.com, he will delivers SIM card to you when come Vietnam.

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Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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Your Worry-Free Trip to Vietnam Starts With a TravelSim Prepaid SIM Card

Talk, text, data with vietnam prepaid sim card.

The Vietnam Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch.

Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local Viettel Mobile network. Your SIM can also be used in over  205  countries  across  340 networks . Use your mobile as if you were back home, saving you up to 85% on roaming charges. Free incoming calls.

The one-size-fits-all Prepaid Vietnam SIM Card is suitable for use in any unlocked cell phone or wifi device. Simply add prepaid credit anytime online. We’ve got you covered across Vietnam + more.

Configure Your TravelSim

Universal SIM size — Mini, Macro & Nano Size

Choose credit for calls & texts

Unlimited USA calls voice package includes unlimited calls from USA to USA and European Union numbers. It does not include calls to voicemail and other TravelSim numbers. You can make unlimited calls from USA to following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech.Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Barthelemy / St. Martin Island, Sweden, United Kingdom.

  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo Democratic Republic
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • Cook Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Netherlands Antilles
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Bosnia And Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Faroe Islands
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City
  • Afghanistan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana

Add the best data plan to SIM card

Find your zone, add extra number.

Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a UK phone number (+44) or a US phone number (+1).

If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls. Data usage is not affected by phone numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min. Incoming SMS is free. US numbers can only receive calls, no SMS service available for US numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min

Here are all the countries you can travel to when you select this data plan:

Welcome to Esim Vietnam store

Country/region

  • Åland Islands USD $
  • Albania USD $
  • Andorra USD $
  • Argentina USD $
  • Australia USD $
  • Austria USD $
  • Belarus USD $
  • Belgium USD $
  • Brunei USD $
  • Bulgaria USD $
  • Canada USD $
  • China USD $
  • Croatia USD $
  • Czechia USD $
  • Denmark USD $
  • Egypt USD $
  • Finland USD $
  • France USD $
  • Georgia USD $
  • Germany USD $
  • Greece USD $
  • Hong Kong SAR USD $
  • Hungary USD $
  • Iceland USD $
  • India USD $
  • Indonesia USD $
  • Ireland USD $
  • Israel USD $
  • Italy USD $
  • Japan USD $
  • Kuwait USD $
  • Kyrgyzstan USD $
  • Liechtenstein USD $
  • Lithuania USD $
  • Luxembourg USD $
  • Malaysia USD $
  • Monaco USD $
  • Netherlands USD $
  • New Zealand USD $
  • Norway USD $
  • Paraguay USD $
  • Philippines USD $
  • Poland USD $
  • Portugal USD $
  • Qatar USD $
  • Russia USD $
  • Singapore USD $
  • South Africa USD $
  • South Korea USD $
  • Spain USD $
  • Sweden USD $
  • Switzerland USD $
  • Taiwan USD $
  • Thailand USD $
  • Türkiye USD $
  • United Arab Emirates USD $
  • United Kingdom USD $
  • United States USD $
  • Uruguay USD $
  • Vietnam USD $

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vietnam travel sim

Stay connected wherever and whenever in Vietnam

#1 Vietnam eSIM for tourists

Best pre-paid esim vietnam for travel.

vietnam travel sim

Find the most suitable Vietnam eSIM Plans, and Stay connected everywhere in Vietnam. 

  • Unlimited cellular data connection in Vietnam.
  • Receive your QR code and activate it instantly.
  • Easy to activate esim. No registrations or subscriptions by Passport and Portrait Photography
  • Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone.
  • Easily add additional plans after first valid days plan is finished
  • Must be activated in Vietnam. Plan starts on first usage
  • Includes Vietnam number for receiving calls, texts and app registrations

Featured products

A trip without any interrupted internet connection with our vietnam travel esim will be perfect..

  • Buy this prepaid eSIM for your trip and get  internet in Vietnam  in minutes. Unlike the physical SIM Card which you can pick up when you are in Vietnam, you can buy this Vietnam 7GB, 10GB, 15GB, 120GB...etc eSIM no matter where you are.  We will send you a QR code for downloading and installing it on your handset.  Learn more to   eSIM installation/activation
  • Owning a travel eSIM Card for Vietnam, you will: Be saved from crazy international roaming fees,have your local SIM remained on your phone for emergency calls and SMS, andhave your WhatsApp number kept on your phone to connect you with your friends and family.
  • Especially, you won’t suffer from any hidden charges with our eSIM Vietnam, as this plan is prepaid and covers all taxes in Vietnam.

Vietnam eSIM - GODATA Daily 5 GB Data For 20 days | Vietnamobile

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Vietnam Local eSIM For 7-15-30 Days | Up to 6GB/day

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Vietnam eSIM Daily 5GB + Free Calls for 10 days

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Vietnam eSIM Daily 3GB, Total 90GB For 30 days | Itel 90

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an esim.

The eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is type of programmable SIM card that is installed straightforwardly into a gadget. The eSIM supports the entire ordinary network like 4G/5G, similar as the customary physical SIM. Embedded SIM discovers its applications in associated vehicle, wearables, tablet, cell phones, laptop M2M, and numerous others. These kinds of SIM cards are inbuilt into devices and can't be eliminated. It depends on secure wireless remote SIM provisioning, which permits supporters of register remotely with network suppliers without a current SIM card. The eSIM helps make these associated devices work and supports new kinds of devices with less harm. Wearables are a classification that derives huge advantages from eSIMs, as it makes up for occupying additional space and harming the wearable's battery size by joining physical simulations that are more imperative to the device. Vehicle manufacturers are utilizing eSIM permit clients to rapidly associate their vehicles to cell phones. Laptop exploits the expansion of eSIM while offering brands and affiliates the chance to up-sell or cross-cell through adaptable information packages.

When will I receive my eSIM for Vietnam?

Once you place the order and make payment to us, the eSIM QR code will be immediately delivered to your email. You then just need to scan it to your phone, and activate your plan immediately if you are in Vietnam or when you land in our country.

In case you do not see the email in your inbox, please check your spam or email us at [email protected]

How much data do I need when I travel to Vietnam?

For most trips to Vietnam, 3GB or 4GB of data will be enough to cover your common internet usage, including searching google maps, and browsing websites.

But if you have a high demand for internet, including watching Netflix, Youtube, or calling via Facetime, or if you are traveling in Vietnam for almost a month, a higher data volume is recommended. 

In addition, in order to save your data, you may opt to use free WI-FI as much as possible.

When does my Vietnam eSIM data plan start?

Your plan starts when you activate your eSIM, not from the time you scan its QR code and add it to your phone.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes, you will keep it and all your conversations and contacts. You can use it just like normal.

How quick is the internet with Vietnam eSIM?

Vietnam eSIM connects you to the mobile network of Vinaphone – one of the 2 biggest mobile networks operators in Vietnam. Its coverage is excellent in big cities and in the countryside as well.

As revealed by Speedtest Intelligence® for Q1 2022, Vinaphone was the fastest mobile operator among top providers in Vietnam with a median download speed of 42.43 Mbps, had the lowest latency at 19 ms.

Do I have turn on my eSIM Data roaming?

Yes, you are required to do so to get the best coverage. This will not incur any additional charges, as long as you have already set up the Gigago eSIM.

What happens if I use up my data or my days of validity?

If your data has been used up or your eSim validity comes to an end, your eSIM card will no longer work and you will not be able to connect to the internet. If you want more data, buying a new plan is the best choice.

When should I set up my eSIM Vietnam?

As you need Wi-FI to set up your eSIM, we recommend that you install your eSIM before departure for Vietnam. And then, activate your eSIM when you land in Vietnam.

How To Check Your Mobile Data Usage?

Here's how to check mobile data usage for your ios/android phone:

+ For IOS : go to setting>> cellular/ mobile data and check data usage in "current period roaming " + For Android : go to Settings >> Connections and check data usage in "Data usage"

How can I delete the eSIM once I’ve used up my data?

To delete the eSIM, you go to your phone settings, and then your eSIm, and select Remove the data plan. After confirming, your eSIM will be removed.

How can I delete Vietnam eSIM once I’ve used up my data?

To delete the eSIM, you go to your phone settings, and then your eSIM, and select Remove the data plan. After confirming, your eSIM will be removed.

Let customers speak for us

Vietnam eSIM - GODATA Daily 5 GB Data For 20 days | Vietnamobile

easy to buy, easy to active, and working pefect, and very nice price value for the service. The best esim card option for Vietnam

bought one of these off the interwebs. it worked just fine. thanks.

Vietnam Tourist eSIM 10GB - 16 days

Great service. Internet service was excellent.

Vietnam Tourist eSIM 15GB - 30 days

easy to set up & team was very helpful & diligent

Works well, simple to install

Viettel eSIM Daily 5GB For 30 Days

Good 4G throughout Vietnam. Easy to buy and activate. Really cheap. Best buy.

Very happy with the eSIM. Easy to install and after turning phone off and on upon arrival in Vietnam I had instant service.

Viettel eSIM Daily 5GB For 15 Days

Easy to install, good fast internet and good coverage

Easy process, quick and transparent process. Good connectivity, except in Halong Bay area.

Hat super funktioniert, schnell und unkompliziert.. Internet überall, guter Service

Support was responsive and answered my questions right away. Make sure you are in country. You can use as hotspot but not the amount of data you bought.

Right from the start excellent connection. Not any problems. Even in the countryside!

I was happy to pay the same price with calls

A great product, should give me more than enough data for my trip

How does Vietnam eSIM work?

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Check your phone is compatible with eSIM

Make sure your mobile phone is compatible with eSIM . Check that your phone is not locked

vietnam travel sim

Buy your eSIM online

Sellect your suitabel esim plans for your Trip to Buy Pre-paid esim data plans.

vietnam travel sim

Scan the QR code To Activate eSIM in Vietnam

It’s easy. Just scan the QR code we send you & enjoy browsing the web.

My phone support eSim?

Before you purchase an  eSim Vietnam data package , you need to first make sure that your phone supports the eSim functionality. Unfortunately, this is not available for all phones. You can find a list of supported smartphones here

vietnam travel sim

  • iPhone XS series
  • iPhone SE 2 (2020)
  • iPhone 11 series
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series

vietnam travel sim

• Samsung Galaxy S20 series

• Samsung Galaxy S21 series

• Samsung Galaxy S22 series

• Samsung Galaxy S23 series

• Samsung Note 20 series

• Samsung Galaxy Fold series

• Samsung Galaxy Flip series

vietnam travel sim

Google Pixcel

  • Google Pixel 2 series
  • Google Pixel 3 series
  • Google Pixel 4 series
  • Google Pixel 5 series
  • Google Pixel 6 series
  • Google Pixel 7 series
  • Google Pixel 8 series

vietnam travel sim

Other Phones

  • Huawei P40, P40 Pro
  • Huawei Mate 40 pro
  • Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3Pro
  • Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
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Vietnam eSIM For Travel & Tourist

Best esim for vietnam travel.

Find the most suitable Vietnam eSIM Plans, and Stay connected everywhere in Vietnam.

All our mobile data plans come with Vinaphone 4G – one of the 2 biggest mobile network operators in Vietnam.

  • Unlimited cellular data connection in Vietnam.
  • Receive your QR code and activate it instantly.
  • Easy to set up. No registrations or subscriptions.
  • Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone.
  • Easily add additional plans after the first valid day’s plan is finished
  • Must be activated in Vietnam. The plan starts on the first usage
  • The Cheapest eSIM Vietnam includes Vietnam number for calls, texts, and app registrations
  • 24/7 customer service in English. Forget about roaming or searching for public WiFi networks.

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BEST SELLING ESIM FOR VIETNAM TRAVEL

A trip without any interrupted internet connection with our vietnam travel esim will be perfect..

  • Buy this prepaid eSIM for your trip and get internet in Vietnam in minutes. Unlike the physical SIM Card which you can pick up when you are in Vietnam, you can buy this Vietnam 7GB, 10GB, 15GB, Unlimited Data…etc eSIM no matter where you are. We will send you a QR code for downloading and installing it on your handset. Learn more to eSIM installation/activation
  • Owning a cheap eSIM for Vietnam , you will: Be saved from crazy international roaming fees, have your local SIM remain on your phone for emergency calls and SMS, and have your WhatsApp number kept on your phone to connect you with your friends and family. Especially, you won’t suffer from any hidden charges with our eSIM Vietnam, as this plan is prepaid and covers all taxes in Vietnam.

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LET CUSTOMERS SPEAK FOR US

The most daring travelers have already tried vietnam esim. will you.

Efficient and Effective – Good Support Team

I recently purchased a 120gb data SIM card from Vietnam esim and I must say, it was the best value for money SIM I could find. Which I used to call my family back home. I was impressed by their customer service, as they responded instantly to my queries via WhatsApp.

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the service I received from Vietnam esim. Their support team was efficient, and effective, and went above and beyond to ensure my issue was resolved. I would definitely recommend this SIM card to anyone looking for a good value-for-money option while traveling in Vietnam.

First using eSIM

It’s my first time using eSIMs. It offers different data plans, really cheap and I can even use it for a month. Even though I was traveling to many places in Vietnam, my phone was still connected. It’s so amazing! Just following clear instructions, everything went smoothly with Vietnam eSIM. I can freely share photos and videos with my followers through a stable connection. If you like traveling like I do, you will definitely enjoy Vietnam eSIM. Florin Stefan Morar From United States

ls Tourist in Vietnam ist es absol sinnvoll seine Datenrate im Internet zu haben.

Nur so ist es möglich, sich immer ein Grab-Taxi zu organisieren oder sich ganz einfach per Google Maps zu orientieren. Datenroaming aus Europa ist extrem teuer. Ich habe mich entschieden, für mein iPhone eine Daten-eSim zu kaufen.

Dank Vietnamesim.info war es absolut günstig und einfach, die passende Karte zu finden und zu installieren. Alles klappte ganz einfach über das Hotel-Wlan im Internet und per eMail. Innerhalb einer halben Stunde konnte ich die eSim kaufen und installieren. Der Service ging sehr schnell, kompetent und freundlich. Vielen Dank! Jetzt bin ich flexibel und sicher auch in den Straßen von Vietnam unterwegs.

What is ESIM?

An easy way a Vietnam eSIM works is that when you purchase one eSIM Package from our website, you will receive a QR code via email, that you can scan and use to activate eSIM onto your phone. It is simply instead of you having to buy a physical sim at a store with complicated procedures

vietnam travel sim

Traveling to Vietnam by purchasing an eSIM online!

eSIMs are easy to activate on your device, without the need for physically interacting with SIM cards. They also allow you to use a physical SIM at the same time – namely, your local line. Travel eSIMs are especially useful as you can acquire them digitally right before you travel, thus eliminating the need for individual SIMs or phones for your travel destination. You can also easily switch phones by registering your new device with your cellular network provider!

Why purchase an eSIM in Vietnam?

If you plan to take a Vietnam trip, have you prepared all the necessary things in your luggage? Personal items, visa, plane ticket, and an important thing – internet connection. eSIM for Vietnam travel is one of the most convenient to stay connected in Vietnam.

If you were to use roaming data, you could be charged high fees. Secondly, they are very easy to acquire and you do not need to physically interact with any mobile service provider of an eSIM in Vietnam, keeping your travels as streamlined as possible!

vietnam travel sim

CHECK THE COMPATIBILITY OF YOUR DEVICE

  • Before you purchase an  eSim Vietnam data package , you need to first make sure that your phone supports the eSIM functionality. Unfortunately, this is not available for all phones. You can find a list of supported smartphones. More than 200+ devices support eSIM. Look up if your device is compatible.
  • GOOGLE PIXEL
  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th and 5th generation)
  • iPad (7th, 8th and 9th generation)
  • iPad Mini (5th and 6th generation)
  • Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Apple watch SE

vietnam travel sim

  • Galaxy S23, S23+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 5
  • Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 4
  • Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
  • Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
  • Galaxy Watch
  • These devices are not compatible: Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20/S21 (US versions), Galaxy Z Flip 5G (US versions), Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Versions from the US and Hong Kong), Galaxy Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong).

samsung-galaxy-s23-series

  • Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6Pro
  • Google Pixel 5
  • Google Pixel 3, 3XL
  • Google Pixel 3, 3aXL
  • Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4XL
  • These devices are not eSIM compatible: Google Pixel 3 devices from Japan, Australia, and Taiwan, Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia.

vietnam travel sim

  • Huawei P40, P40 Pro
  • Huawei Mate 40 pro
  • Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3Pro
  • Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Sony Xperia 10 IV
  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
  • Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G
  • Microsoft Surface Duo
  • Nuu Mobile X5
  • Honor Magic 4 Pro
  • Fairphone 4

vietnam travel sim

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VIETNAM ESIM

If you still have questions about this service? We are here to help

You can check if your smartphone works with eSIM in our up-to-date esim-supported device list. Remember that, to use eSIM, your device must be carrier unlocked.

After your successful payment, the eSIM QR code and installation guide will be delivered to your email immediately. Scan the QR code using your camera, then when you land in Vietnam, you can stay connected with the supported local network. If you didn’t receive your eSIM plan within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder or promotion folder first, then contact us via [email protected]

Your data plan starts when you activate your plan, not from the time you scan the received QR code and add it to your device.

Yes, you need to enable Data roaming mode to access the Internet with eSIM. Rest assured that if you only enable data roaming with Vietnam eSIM, you will not be charged.

Once you purchase an eSIM, you will receive it immediately to your email address. You then just need to scan the QR code to activate the SIM. Note that no refunds can be made once you have purchased your eSIM. See our refund policy for more information.

Yes, you can keep your WhatsApp number and all your contacts and conversations. You can use it like normal during your trip in Vietnam.

In most cases, once an eSIM plan is set up, it can’t be reinstalled or reissued. If you have trouble, please don’t remove your eSIM plan – instead, contact us via [email protected] first.

If you have not installed the eSIM on your device, you can get the QR code back by contacting our 24/7 customer support team at [email protected] or our online chat. We will resend the QR code.

After your order, we will send a QR code to your email. You can either open it on your computer or print the QR code. On your mobile, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add data plan and scan the QR code. Now, you will be able to switch between your Vietnam eSIM data plan and the original plan from your carrier. The data package will work only when you arrive in Vietnam. After landing, turn on data roaming and switch your cellular data to eSIM plan. All eSIM products come with a complete installation guide.

Yes, Vienam eSIM plans work everywhere in Vienam. We choose and offer the best data packages that provide the best nationwide data coverage.

Yes, the Vietnam eSIM can be shared with other devices.

No. You can’t scan the same QR code on multiple devices. Besides, one QR code can be used once.

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IMAGES

  1. Vietnam Travel SIM Card Unlimited Fast DATA

    vietnam travel sim

  2. Vietnam travel sim card 30 day 10GB data highspeed 4G I 40' voice calls

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  3. The Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Viettel vs. MobiFone vs

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  4. Vietnam Travel Sim 15 Days (4GB/ day) Unlimited Data

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  5. Vietnam Travel Sim 30 Days (2GB/ day) Unlimited Data

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  6. Best Vietnam SIM cards for tourists

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Vietnam SIM cards for tourists

    4. Best Vietnam SIM Cards for tourists & Cost. 4.1 Viettel Vietnam tourist sim. 4.2 Vinaphone Vietnam tourist sim. 4.3 Mobifone Vietnam tourist sim. 5. Where to buy a Vietnam travel sim card. 5.1 Buy Vietnam sim online. 5.2 Buy sim card in Vietnam.

  2. The Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Viettel vs. MobiFone vs

    For less than $20 USD you can have an entire month of practically limitless high-speed data. Prices vary depending on what deals Viettel, MobiFone and Vinaphone are running at any given time but you can expect to pay 150,000-350,000 VND ($6.50-$15 USD) for a SIM card and data package.

  3. Best Tourist Sim Card for Vietnam in 2024

    Nowadays whenever I travel to Vietnam I always use an e-sim card. I mostly order an e-sim card for Vietnam through Airalo, but recently I just visited Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and I used the Vinaphone e-sim card with 30 GB for $19.90 USD from SimOptions. It was a great timing to review this e-sim card.

  4. The Vietnam Tourist SIM Card Guide

    Yes, you do need a SIM card in Vietnam. Having a mobile data connection allows you access to apps will make your trip run MUCH more smoothly. A few of the essential mobile apps that need a data connection to use when you're on-the-go include: Maps — A maps app is absolutely essential to find the exact locations you want to go to, as you can ...

  5. Vietnam SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

    They currently offer two data plans in Vietnam: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90. 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90. Browse your options on SimOptions. Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Vietnam or, if you're traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

  6. Best Tourist Sim Cards in Vietnam in 2024

    Vietnam Sim Card Prices. A Tourist Sim Card in Vietnam costs between 200k VND and 500k VND in August 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose. Alternatively, an eSim in Vietnam will cost between $4.50 USD and $32 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider ...

  7. Best SIM Cards in Vietnam for Tourists: Types + Prices + How to Buy

    Tips for Using Vietnam SIM Effectively for Tourists. Using a Vietnam SIM card effectively can help you stay connected and make the most of your travels. Here are some tips to optimize your SIM card usage: 1. Check Network Coverage. Before purchasing a SIM card, research the network coverage of the mobile operator in the areas you plan to visit.

  8. Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: All You Need To Know

    The best Vietnam SIM Card is Viettel because of the best coverage and great package options. How much does a Vietnam SIM Card cost? A Vietnam SIM Card costs about 50.000 VND ($2) for the physical SIM and about 100.000 VND ($4) for a data plan with about 3 to 5 GB of data.

  9. Buyer's Guide for Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists

    Additionally, having a local Vietnam SIM card can be a cost-effective alternative to international roaming charges. We have curated a comprehensive guide to help you explore your options for Vietnam SIM cards for your trip. Understanding Vietnam SIM Cards: Physical SIM: This traditional option requires inserting a chip into your phone. It's ...

  10. Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists: Types, Prices, Where to Buy

    The most convenient way to buy a Vietnam SIM is buying eSIM online, but make sure you have an unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone. Best time to buy a Vietnam SIM card for travel: before departure; Expect to pay from 100,000 - 300,000 VND ($5 - $14 USD) for a SIM card and prepaid data plan.

  11. Best Vietnam Sim Card for Travelers in 2024

    Whether you choose to buy your SIM card online now or wait until you make it to Vietnam, opting for a provider like Viettel will be your best bet. With the best coverage, especially in rural areas, Viettel means that you stay connected during your whole trip. # travel tips. Katie McGrain.

  12. Best Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: Guide to Price & Usage Tips

    A Vietnam SIM card is a subscriber identity module (SIM) card specifically designed for use in Vietnam, which provides users with a local Vietnamese phone number and allows them to access cellular networks for voice calls, text messaging, and mobile data services within Vietnam.. Travelers to Vietnam often purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to avoid high roaming charges from their home ...

  13. Buying a Prepaid Vietnam sim Card

    Our choice for the best prepaid Vietnam travel SIM card is a SIM Card of Viettel, followed by Vinaphone, the 2 biggest mobile operators in Vietnam. In case you need to contact a lot of persons in Vietnam via phone or SMS, buy a regular SIM, but in case you just want to use data, buy the data-only SIM. You can buy a prepaid Vietnam data SIM in ...

  14. Best SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam

    4. Best Vietnam SIM Cards for tourists and Data packages. In Vietnam, three primary providers of SIM cards can be identified: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. -> Viettel is the best SIM card available in Vietnam. They provide the finest coverage and the largest network among Vietnamese mobile carriers.

  15. Vietnam SIM card for tourists: A comprehensive guide

    More on: Vietnam travel requirements: What you need to know for a smooth trip! 3. Process of purchasing a Vietnam SIM card for tourists 3.1. Choose a Vietnamese SIM card provider 3.1.1. Viettel. Viettel is the market leader in Vietnam, with approximately 40% of all customers on its network.

  16. SIM Cards in Vietnam: The Best Prepaid Plans

    Here is a quick introduction to your Vietnam travel eSIM options: Airalo: Xin Chao (Vietnam only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) Alosim: Vietnam. Holafly: Vietnam & Asia - all variants include unlimited data.

  17. Viettel Tourist Sim

    Let Viettel's TOUR SIM. be your traveling companion. Select your plans. TOUR60. 60.000 VND. ️ 5GB at Max Speed. ️ 15-day Unlimited Internet with good speed. TOUR100. 100.000 VND.

  18. Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel: 6 Providers Compared (2023)

    TripRoaming eSIM for Vietnam. Price: From $4.71. Data: 1-30 GB. Valid for: 3-30 days. Network: Viettel. Perks: Flexible packages, hotspot enabled. TripRoaming offers greater flexibility with its eSIMs. Packages range from 1 GB of data with 3 days validity right up to 30 GB with 30 days validity. If you're a light user, they also have a 7-day ...

  19. Sim cards for tourists in Vietnam: All you need to know

    Here are some excellent sim packages for you: Data only Viettel-30,000 VND = 1.3 USD. 7 GB of data. Valid for seven days. Hot spot: yes. Data and calls Viettel-120,000 VND = 5.2 $. 2GB 4G Internet per day. 60 minutes of talk. Valid for 30 days Hotspot: yes.

  20. SIM Cards in Vietnam for Tourists

    For all the mobile carriers, to check the balance, press *101# for the main account and *102# for the bonus account; and to top-up by voucher, type *100*#. If you're bound to stay in Vietnam for a few months or longer, you need to extend the expiration date of each prepaid SIM card (100,000 VND for a 1-month extension).

  21. 9 Best Vietnam eSIM & SIM Cards for Tourists

    TripRoaming's Vietnam eSIM on GetYourGuide. 1GB for 3 days. $4.74 $4.74. GET PLAN. This very popular and well-reviewed Vietnam eSIM on GetYourGuide provides strong nationwide connection in Vietnam as well as 7 more countries including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and South Korea.

  22. Prepaid International SIM Cards For Vietnam

    The Vietnam Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch. Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local Viettel Mobile network. Your SIM can also be used in over 205 countries across 340 networks. Use your mobile as if you were back home, saving you up to 85% on roaming charges.

  23. VIETNAM ESIM FOR TOURISTS

    Owning a travel eSIM Card for Vietnam, you will: Be saved from crazy international roaming fees,have your local SIM remained on your phone for emergency calls and SMS, andhave your WhatsApp number kept on your phone to connect you with your friends and family. ... Embedded SIM discovers its applications in associated vehicle, wearables, tablet ...

  24. Vietnam eSIM For Travel & Tourist

    A trip without any interrupted internet connection with our Vietnam travel eSIM will be perfect. Buy this prepaid eSIM for your trip and get internet in Vietnam in minutes. Unlike the physical SIM Card which you can pick up when you are in Vietnam, you can buy this Vietnam 7GB, 10GB, 15GB, Unlimited Data…etc eSIM no matter where you are.

  25. DIGI TRAVEL Sim Card Singapore Malaysia Thailand

    DIGI TRAVEL Sim Card Singapore Malaysia Thailand | Simcard Singapore | Simcard Thailand | Simcard Malaysia di Tokopedia ∙ Promo Pengguna Baru ∙ Pasti Ori ∙ Garansi 7 Hari ∙ Cicilan 0% ∙ Kurir Instan. ... Hai DIGIFRIENDS, kita juga menjual eSIM 6 Negara & Sim Card Vietnam nih, berikut linknya dibawah ini ya : - https://www.tokopedia ...