MobiFone SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Activate

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: October 2024

Mobifone offers various SIM card options for travellers and tourists visiting Vietnam. Its provides strong nationwide 4G/LTE coverage, high speeds, and offers many connectivity options for travelers to Vietnam including SIM cards, eSIM, and roaming services.

In this guide, we will provide key information about MobiFone in Vietnam including coverage, speeds, best connectivity options for travelers, where to buy MobiFone SIM cards and eSIM, how to activate and use MobiFone SIMs/eSIM in Vietnam.

I. Overview about MobiFone – What you need to know

MobiFone is the largest state-owned mobile network operator in Vietnam and has been operating since 1996. Here are some key facts about MobiFone:

• Founded: 1993
• Full company name: Mobile Phone Corporation (Mobifone)
• Types of services provided: Mobile/cellular voice and data services including 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, mobile internet, value added services, etc.
• Number of subscribers: Over 60 million (as of 2022)
• Coverage: Mobifone has nationwide coverage across Vietnam including major cities and rural areas.
• Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 3,000 stores and dealership points across Vietnam
• Customer support:
  • On-call support: 24/7
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • Support channels: Call centers, social media, app/online chat, stores
  • Customer care numbers: 19009999 (toll free), 19005678

II. MobiFone Coverage in Vietnam

MobiFone has worked hard over the past few decades to build out cellular network infrastructure across Vietnam’s diverse and mountainous terrain. As the largest mobile operator in the country, MobiFone now provides 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE coverage to over 90% of Vietnam’s population.

Major cities enjoy near-complete 4G service both outdoors and indoors. Throughout the smaller towns and villages, 3G signals predominate. While connectivity is reliable in these populated areas, coverage drops off in the remote countryside where only intermittent 2G service may be available.

III. MobiFone Speed in Vietnam

MobiFone has invested heavily in building out its 4G LTE network infrastructure across Vietnam, resulting in generally fast data speeds for users.

In the large metropolitan areas of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, customers on MobiFone can enjoy average download speeds upwards of 41 Mbps on their 4G devices both outdoors and indoors. The speeds are quick enough to browse the web, stream videos, and use other data-heavy apps and services without issue.

So with a MobiFone SIM card, you can stay connected across Vietnam with both good coverage and fast data speeds.

IV. Does MobiFone have eSIM in Vietnam?

Yes, MobiFone activated eSIM compatibility on their extensive 4G LTE infrastructure, allowing users to purchase and enable prepaid data plans remotely through digital distribution channels.

eSIM is an digital solution for travelers who want to save time for their Vietnam trip. More than that, eSIM provide the most convenience for a hassle-free travels: 

• Convenience – eSIMs eliminate the need to find a store and insert a physical SIM card. Profiles can be installed from any location.
• Flexibility – eSIM allows easy switching between mobile plans and carriers without inserting a new card. Profiles can be changed remotely.
• Security – Since there is no physical SIM card to lose or damage, eSIMs reduce security risks of SIM swap scams.
• Instant Connectivity – Once the eSIM profile is installed, data services are automatically activated immediately upon arrival in Vietnam. No waiting for activation of a physical SIM.
• Environmentally Friendly – No waste plastic SIM cards are generated with each new subscription. eSIMs are a greener option.

V. Top MobiFone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

There are several affordable SIM card packages available from MobiFone that are well-suited for tourists visiting Vietnam. Let’s check their best plans below:

All these options are simple to purchase locally or online and will ensuresmooth and cheaper cellular connectivity throughout the travelers’ time in Vietnam.

Highly recommend: The MFY and V180 packages last the entire typical 2-4 week tourists trip around Vietnam, provide ample data for all usage scenarios, and are affordable too.

VI. Where to Buy a MobiFone SIM Card

It’s quite easy to find and purchase MobiFone SIM cards in Vietnam. Here are the recommended channels:

1. Where to Buy MobiFone SIM Card for Vietnam

• MobiFone Stores – Available in all major cities. Staff speak English and can help set up

• Airport kiosk – MobiFone counters in both domestic & international arrival areas

2. Where to Buy MobiFone eSIM for Vietnam

• Online from the MobiFone website: Go to www.mobifone.vn, choose the eSIM option, select a data package, and pay online. The eSIM will be delivered via email within minutes.
• MobiFone stores in Vietnam: Major airports, railroad stations, and MobiFone branded stores in cities sell eSIM packages. You’ll need passport to verify identity.
• Travel agencies: Certain tour agencies offer bundled travel packages that include a MobiFone eSIM as part of the package.

VII. A Better Alternatives to MobiFone SIM Cards – Vietnam eSIM

The two other major mobile networks in Vietnam besides MobiFone are:

• Viettel – State-owned telco, also has wide coverage
• Mobifone – Second largest provider after MobiFone

These two leading Vietnamese mobile networks have extensive nationwide coverage with 4G speeds suitable for tourists. So you generally can’t go wrong getting a tourist SIM card from any major Vietnam provider. 

If you refer eSIM than a physical SIM card, GIGAGO eSIM allows you to easily stay connected in Vietnam without having to swap SIM cards. Its offers great value with multiple data package options from 7-30 days validity, provides seamless connectivity throughout your entire trip, and saves you from high roaming charges or looking for unstable WiFi connections.

VIII. How to Top-up MobiFone SIM card/eSIM

It’s easy to add more calling credits and data packs to use longer on your MobiFone SIM:

• MobiFone Stores – Go to physical stores, pay cash
• MobiFone App – Fastest way, add packs digitally via app
• Cards – Purchase top-up PINs from stores across Vietnam

The process is very quick whether doing it yourself on the apps or visiting a shop. Extra data packs start from 15,000 VND ($0.65) for 1 GB valid 7 days.

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

With a MobiFone SIM card, you can enjoy your trip with seamless mobile data, Vietnam’s preferred network for international tourists and travelers. However, don’t forget to consider GIGAGO eSIM, which is definitely the most convenient way for tourists while exploring Vietnam.