How to Get Mobile Internet in Vietnam for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Latest update: November 2024

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. As more and more travelers visit Vietnam each year, having constant access to mobile internet has become extremely important when exploring the country. This article will provide an in-depth guide on how to get mobile internet in Vietnam for travelers.

In this article

I. Mobile Internet in Vietnam – Coverage and Speed

When visiting Vietnam, one of the first things travelers should understand is the country’s mobile internet connectivity landscape. This section will cover mobile internet coverage areas across Vietnam, as well as typical download/upload speeds.

1. Vietnam Mobile Internet Coverage

Mobile Internet in Vietnam - Coverage map — Mobile Internet in Vietnam – Coverage map. Source: nperf

Vietnam has an extensive mobile broadband network that reaches over 99% of the population. The three major telecom operators in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone. All three provide good 4G/LTE coverage across most major destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Sapa and Phu Quoc Island. However, there may be some coverage gaps in rural or remote areas. Most tourist hotspots and cities have fast, reliable mobile internet from one or more providers though.

Viettel: Viettel is Vietnam’s largest telecom company with an extensive 4G/LTE and 3G network nationwide. It covers over 95% of the population across nearly all major population centers and provinces.
Vinaphone: Vinaphone’s mobile network has strong 4G presence in major economic regions and traffic hotspots, covering around 85% of the population. Its LTE service operates on popular 900/1800MHz bands, delivering internet speeds up to 150Mbps in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Mobifone: Mobifone’s nationwide service territory is comparable to its two main competitors with about 70-75% 4G population coverage and over 90% for 3G. It has invested in expanding LTE on 1800MHz to provide high-speed 4G to most urban centers and provincial capitals.

2. Vietnam Mobile Internet Speed

In terms of connectivity speeds, Vietnam’s networks can provide relatively fast internet. According to recent data from Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, Vietnam ranks 51st in the world for median mobile internet speeds. The average reported download speed in Vietnam was 49.12 Mbps, while the average upload speed was 20.08 Mbps.

City rank:

When looking at speeds within Vietnam, the major cities tend to rank highest. Ho Chi Minh City typically reports the fastest speeds, averaging around 60 Mbps for downloads. Hanoi’s speeds are also solid, reaching 50 Mbps on average. Other populous cities and provinces like Da Nang, Hai Phong and Binh Duong are catching up, with speeds in the 40-50 Mbps range.

Countries neighbors:

In comparison to neighboring countries, Vietnam’s mobile internet ranks favorably. Thailand ranks 60th overall with average speeds of 42 Mbps. Malaysia sits at 38th place with speeds of around 46 Mbps. Only Singapore and Hong Kong have significantly faster networks amongst Southeast Asian nations.

Just keep in mind, rural regions or more remote tourist sites may have reduced connectivity speeds, or rely more on 3G networks. But major urban areas, transportation hubs, and most tourism hotspots generally offer fast 4G/LTE mobile broadband nowadays.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Vietnam?

Mobile internet in Vietnam - Connectivity Options — Connectivity Options in Vietnam

Now that we’ve covered the mobile internet landscape in Vietnam, what are the best options for short-term connectivity? Tourists visiting Vietnam have four main ways to gain mobile broadband access:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
SIM Card	Low cost, reliable coverage, can buy anywhere	Need to insert SIM, cannot change easily	Long term visitors
Vietnam eSIM	No physical SIM, easy to change plans online, reliable coverage	Higher cost than local SIM	Short term visitors, frequent travelers
Public WiFi	Free	Unreliable connectivity, security issues	Quick web searches
Pocket WiFi	Can share with group, no SIM setup	Higher cost than SIM/eSIM, extra device	Groups traveling together

Overall both local SIM cards and eSIM data plans offer the most affordable and flexible internet access for short term visitors.

For tourists looking for the best Internet experience without the stress of Vietnam SIM cards, a GIGAGO Vietnam eSIM is the clear choice. It provides all the connectivity benefits locally at the tap of your phone’s screen.

Note: Please check eSIM-compatible devices list before purchasing.

III. Internet Rates in Vietnam

When looking at prepaid data options from Vietnamese carriers, tourists will find very reasonable mobile broadband rates. Both data SIM cards and eSIM plans offer wallet-friendly prices compared to roaming. Here’s an overview:

* The exchange rate is 1 USD = 23,500VND

Connectivity	Data Package	Price in VND	Price in USD
Local SIM Card (Viettel)	5GB/7 days	79,000 VND	$3.30
Local SIM Card (Vinaphone)	10GB/15 days	149,000 VND	$6.30
Local SIM Card (Mobifone)	8GB/30 days	198,000 VND	$8.40
Vietnam eSIM	Varies	From 150,000 VND	$6.51
Roaming (Viettel)	1GB/1day	199,000 VND	$8.50
Roaming (Vinaphone)	1GB/1day	149,000 VND	$6.30
Roaming (Mobifone)	250MB/1day	99,000 VND	$4.20
Public Wifi	N/A	Free	Free
Pocket Wifi Rental	5GB/day	50,000VND+$3/day	$2.10+/day

*The above prices are just a reference and they can be varied following times. Please contact the providers to get the exact cost.

Overall, internet in Vietnam is very affordable across various access options. Vinaphone and Viettel offer the best value for tourists.

► Our recommendation: By choosing GIGAGO Vietnam eSIM, you can explore Vietnam stress-free with superior internet to call cabs, translate signs and post travel pictures along the way. As the 1st eSIM provider for Vietnam, GIGAGO ensures smooth coverage across the country on Vietnam’s top networks. You can also change data packages seamlessly if your needs change.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Vietnam

If going the local SIM card route, getting a Tourist “Prepaid” SIM with a data package from providers Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone is highly recommended. These data-only SIMs offer wallet-friendly rates tailored to foreign travelers visiting Vietnam.

Here are some Vietnam SIM card plans:

Viettel

Package	Price	Data/Allowances
ST5K	5,000VND ~$0.20	500MB for 24 hours
ST5KM	5,000VND ~$0.20	1GB for 24 hours
ST10K	10,000VND ~$0.40	2GB for 24 hours
1N	10,000VND~$0.40	5GB/day, 10 mins on-net calls, 5 mins off-net calls
ST15K	15,000VND~ $0.60	3GB high speed for 3 days
ST30K	30,000VND~ $1.2	7GB high speed for 7 days
SD30S	30,000VND~ $1.2	14GB (2GB/day) for 7 days

Vinaphone

Package	Price	Data/Allowances
VD150	150,000VND/month ~$6.1	2GB/day data, ≤10min on-net calls (max 1500 mins), 80mins off-net calls
VD120N	120,000VND/month ~$4.88	1.5GB/day data, ≤10min on-net calls (max 1500 mins), 50 mins off-net calls
VD100	100,000VND/week ~$4.06	8GB/day data, ≤10min on-net calls (max 1500 mins), 500 mins landline calls, 100 SMS
VD50	50,000VND/week ~$2.03	5GB/day data, ≤10min on-net calls (max 1500 mins), 200 mins landline calls
V499	499,000VND/month ~$20.28	5000 mins on-net calls, 1000 mins off-net calls
V399	399,000VND/month ~$16.21	4000 mins on-net calls, 800 mins off-net calls

Mobifone

Package	Price	Validity	Data
MFV250	250,000 VND ~$10.16	30 days	250 GB
MFY	200,000 VND ~$8.13	30 days	200 GB
MFY200	200,000 VND ~$8.13	30 days	100 GB
V180	180,000 VND ~$7.31	30 days	240 GB
V90	90,000 VND ~$3.66	30 days	30 GB
MBF30	30,000 VND ~$1.22	7 days	30 GB
BF30	10,000 VND ~$0.41	1 day	8 GB
D10	10,000 VND ~$0.41	1 day	8 GB
KC90	90,000 VND ~$3.66	30 days	1 GB

*The prices listed in the table are for reference only and may not reflect the current rates. Please check directly with the mobile operators for their latest price lists and terms.

V. Data eSIM for Vietnam – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet in Vietnam for Tourists

An eSIM or embedded SIM is a digital alternative to a physical SIM card that allows users to remotely activate mobile data plans for their devices without inserting a physical card.

As eSIM connectivity is embedded directly into newer phones and devices, visitors flying into Vietnam can take advantage of this technology to easily sign up and instantly activate affordable LTE data plans online upon arrival at the airport, giving them convenient mobile internet access anywhere in the country for the duration of their trip without worry of roaming fees or needing to track down a SIM card.

1. Buy eSIM Directly from Vietnam Operators

Major telecoms like Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone do offer prepaid tourist eSIM plans with data, rates averaging $4 for 1GB/day. Check the details below:

Operator	Package	Price (VND)	Price (USD)	Data/Features	Code
Viettel	SD135	135k/month	5.85	5GB/day
	MXH100	100k/month	4.3	1GB/day, free social media data	MXH100 DY to 9123
	MXH120	120k/month	5.16	1GB/day, free calls <10min, 30min off-net calls, free social media data	MXH120 DY to 9123
	SD120	120k/month	5.16	2GB/day	SD120 DY to 9123
Vinaphone	BIG90	90k/month	3.86	1GB/day, speed reduced after	BIG90 to 888
	MAX200	200k/month	8.6	2GB/day, reduced speed after	MAX200 to 888
	BIG120	120k/month	5.16	2GB/day, speed reduced after	BIG120 to 888
	D60G	120k/month	5.16	4GB/day, 1500 min free on-net calls, 50min off-net calls	DK D60G to 888
Mobifone	ESIM1	90k	3.86	6GB/day	BV ESIM1 to 9084
	ESIM6	540k	23.2	6GB/day	BV ESIM6 to 9084
	ESIM12	1.08M	46.4	6GB/day	BV ESIM12 to 9084

For most travelers, signing up directly through Vietnam mobile carriers isn’t the simplest eSIM approach. More flexible and tourist-friendly alternatives are available.

2. Buy eSIM from GIGAGO

Dedicated eSIM providers like GIGAGO offer prepaid data plans optimized specifically for international travelers visiting Vietnam. These tourist eSIM options provide excellent, seamless connectivity for visitors.

With strong local operator partnerships, GIGAGO provides another eSIM solution for getting mobile connectivity during Vietnam travels. Their eSIM profiles work instantly with unlocked phones and tablets from popular brands like iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel etc.

Let’s take a look closer at Gigago Vietnam eSIM plans:

VI. FAQs

Can I use my regular SIM card from home in Vietnam?

Yes you can, but it’s very expensive to roam internationally on most standard plans. Expect to pay at least $5-10 for each GB used if not enabled an “international travel” roam package.

How can I reduce mobile data charges in Vietnam?

Getting a local Vietnam SIM card or separate eSIM data plan can reduce standard roaming fees by 5-10x typically. Both options offer affordable prepaid LTE/4G rates once activated.

Do I need to register my passport to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?

Yes, you need to provide your passport at local carrier stores to purchase any type of Vietnam SIM card plan while visiting.

Is there good WiFi coverage in Vietnam?

Public WiFi is available at most hotels, cafes, restaurants and tourist sites but quality varies dramatically. Having your own mobile/SIM data connection is more reliable for important internet access needs.

Can my phone or tablet use eSIM?

If manufactured within the last 2-4 years, most iPhones, newer Samsung Galaxy/Foldables, Google Pixel and other flagship devices support eSIM functionality. Check your model specifications to confirm.

VII. Conclusion

With high smartphone penetration and widespread 4G coverage, mobile data has become an essential part of digital life in Vietnam. Visitors can easily purchase SIMs or eSIM plans upon arrival to explore Vietnam with reliable connectivity.

With Vietnam eSIM from GIGAGO, all kinds of visitors to Vietnam can get smoothly connected to fast 4G networks right from the start of their amazing trip