Vietnam SIM cards are a connectivity option popular among travelers visiting Vietnam for their affordability, flexibility and convenience.
Vietnam SIM cards are an effective way to stay connected in Vietnam, for both locals and tourists alike. With a Vietnam SIM, you will have access to calls, texts and most importantly for many travelers – access the Internet. However, there are many types of SIM cards available in Vietnam that may confuse people who have no basic knowledge of the Vietnamese telecommunication service system.
In this article, you will learn everything about SIM cards in Vietnam for tourists, including types, price, best plan options, where to buy, how to get them. We will also introduce you to a potentially better alternative: Vietnam eSIMs.
HIGHLIGHTS:
In this article
Yes. A Vietnam SIM card is a convenient, affordable, reliable, and easy way to stay connected while traveling Vietnam. Though public WiFi is widely available in Vietnam nowadays, the connectivity can be consistent, making a SIM card a more reliable option.
While convenient, using your home SIM card to roam while traveling in Vietnam is associated with high roaming charges, leading to unexpected expenses on your phone bill.
Moreover, roaming plans often come with limited data allowances, which may not be sufficient for navigating, using apps and staying connected. That is why using a Vietnam SIM card is obviously a better option.
Vietnam SIM cards are divided into different types based on criteria to suit your needs:
By format:
By function:
By payment method:
For most tourists who mainly need internet access, a prepaid Vietnam SIM card with data only is sufficient. This still gives you internet access to stay connected throughout the trip while saving money.
If your phone supports eSIM, a prepaid data-only Vietnam eSIM is the most common and secure option.
Vietnam has 04 major mobile network operators (MNOs): Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone and Vietnamobile.
1. Viettel: has the widest coverage, even in remote areas even on 4G/LTE. It is generally known for stable connections and offers a wide range of data packages. You should consider Viettel if you prefer coverage and reliability, especially if traveling outside of urban areas.
2. Vinaphone: has strong coverage in cities and hot attractions. It has competitive data plans, especially for data-heavy users. Its 5G network is now expanding in major areas. You should consider a Vinaphone if you visit mainly urban areas and want to get a lot of data with good money.
3. MobiFone: major cities in Vietnam enjoy MobiFone’s near-complete 4G service both indoors and outdoors. You can easily find its SIM cards at airports and stores. It offers good coverage in most populated areas. You should use MobiFone if you want readily available tourist plans.
4. Vietnamobile: is the least popular network operator in Vietnam, but rather known for affordable data plans. The coverage is basically strong in urban areas, but weaker in others. You should consider Vietnamobile if you are on a tight budget and stay mainly in cities.
For most travelers, Viettel and Vinaphone are the top choices, offering a good balance of coverage, speed and affordability.
The best Vietnam SIM cards are provided by top three major carriers, which are Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone.
Best Viettel tourist packages from Viettel are:
To buy these SIM packages directly from Viettel, you need to provide your passport and a portrait photo.
► You can see more details about Viettel SIM cards and eSIMs in Vietnam.
Best Vinaphone SIM packages for tourists are:
► Get more details about Vinaphone SIM cards in Vietnam.
The best tourist SIM package of MobiFone is called Happy Tourist HP2.
► We have a detailed guide for MobiFone SIM cards here.
How much data do I need for my Vietnam trip?
An average user often uses 3 – 5GB on a short trip for web browsing, checking email, navigating, and contacting people back home.
The price of a prepaid Vietnam SIM card ranges from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND (approximately USD 2 to USD 8) for a basic data plan.
However, in fact, tourist SIM card price for Vietnam often varies by provider, plan, data allowance and validity period.
Tourists can buy SIM cards for vietnam in 03 ways:
Buying the SIM card at Vietnamese airports like Noi Bai airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat airport (Ho Chi Minh City), etc. is the most convenient option. As soon as you leave the baggage claim area, you will find many kiosks of major mobile network operators in Vietnam like Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone that sell SIM cards.
Pros:
Cons:
If you are not in a hurry, we advise you NOT to buy an Vietnam airport SIM card but consider purchasing a SIM card in the city or online for better prices and a wider selection.
You can arrive in Vietnam already connected by buying a SIM card online before departure. This is a convenient alternative to airport purchase.
SIM cards for Vietnam are sold on international tourist SIM websites or e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopee, etc. Some websites like KKday or Traveloka also have another option to let customers pick up the SIM card at Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat airport in Vietnam.
A better alternative to a SIM card is to buy Vietnam eSIM online which is digital and you will get the SIM within 3-5 minutes. We will explain this in more detail in the next section.
Pros:
Cons:
If you miss grabbing a Vietnam SIM card at the airport, you can still find one in Vietnam’s city centers.
Vietnam SIM cards are available in official stores of major mobile network operators like Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone. Use Google Maps or their official websites to find the nearest locations:
Besides, convenience stores and phone shops in Vietnam also sell SIM cards. Look for signs advertising “Sim”, “Di động” (mobile), or logos of major Vietnamese mobile operators. You will find these clustered in commercial areas and shopping districts.
Pros:
Cons:
Tips:
You can buy a Vietnam eSIM from:
For tourists, we recommend purchasing an eSIM from a reputable eSIM provider like Gigago to avoid registration complexities.
Yes, you can buy prepaid Vietnam tourist SIM cards at one of major international airports in Vietnam, such as Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh city, Danang airport (DAN). You need to present passport for registration while purchasing.
There are many types of Vietnam SIM that tourists can choose from, but for the best value, you should choose a prepaid, data-only Vietnam SIM. Choose plan that fits your trip duration and data needs. This will help you save money on the voice calls and SMS you do not use. You can still stay in touch with people back home via voice apps using cellular data.
If you buy SIM for Vietnam online before departure, you just need provide name, email or phone number (optional), no personal documents. If you buy a Vietnam SIM at airports and stores in Vietnam, you need to present passport and possibly a portrait photo.
It depends on the plan you choose and the provider you buy your Vietnam SIM from. Basically, if you buy local Vietnam SIM, which is commonly among Vietnamese and long-term travelers, there will be a phone number associated with the SIM. If you buy data eSIM, it does not come with a Vietnamese phone number.
To add more credit to your Vietnam SIM card, you can go to the mobile carrier store that you are using services or go to street vendors, phone shops or convenience stores to buy more credit. It is easy to top up in Vietnam. Just make sure that the staff there can communicate to understand what you want.
Whether you use a physical SIM or eSIM during your trip, this guide will walk you through the simple process of reconnecting with your home network and avoid any unwanted roaming charges.
Using one eSIM in multiple countries simplifies international travel and connectivity. Modern eSIM technology lets travelers stay connected across borders without switching physical SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.
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