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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Yes, you need to provide your passport at local carrier stores to purchase any type of Vietnam SIM card plan while visiting.
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.
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.
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
When traveling to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam, having access to mobile data is extremely useful for maps, transportation, and communication. The most convenient option is to get a local Vietnam SIM card for your phone. This guide will provide complete details on how and where to buy the best SIM card […]
Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi can be an exciting yet stressful experience for travelers. Navigating a new country and language while making sure you have working phone service is key. Getting a local Vietnam SIM card should be at the top of your to-do list when passing through immigration and customs. This […]
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, […]
Vietnam is a beautiful country with rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people. As a tourist, having reliable internet access is crucial to enhance your travel experience. Viettel, the largest telecommunications company in Vietnam, offers various connectivity options for travelers including SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIM. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide key […]
Traveling to Vietnam can be an exciting experience, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. However, one aspect that can cause frustration is getting mobile data and internet access while visiting the country. Read on this guide for an in-depth look at using phone data roaming in Vietnam. I. Phone Roaming in Vietnam […]
Having reliable internet access when traveling Vietnam is crucial for navigating an unfamiliar place and staying connected. A Vietnam pocket WiFi can provide fast, secure, and consistent connectivity throughout your trip.