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

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.

I. Do you need a Vietnam SIM card?

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.

Why you shouldn’t use your home SIM card in Vietnam

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. 

Benefits of using a Vietnam SIM card: 

• Cost effective: SIM cards offer much more affordable data and call rates in comparison with roaming.

• High speed, stable Internet: you can easily search for tourist information, navigate with Google Maps, find restaurants, translate languages and share your favorite moments on social media. 
• Save money: you can avoid roaming fees and the hassle of finding reliable WiFi.
• Travel light: you do not need to carry a bulky portable WiFi device and no more charging for such device.

II. Which types of Vietnam SIM Cards to choose?

Vietnam SIM cards are divided into different types based on criteria to suit your needs: 

By format:

• Physical SIM: The traditional SIM Card that you insert into your phone.
• eSIM: A digital SIM embedded in your phone, offering greater convenience and security. However, not all phones support eSIMs. Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before you buy one.

By function: 

• Data only: Provide internet access for browsing web, apps, and communication by using mobile data. You can stay in touch with your loved one by using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media channels. 
• Data + voice/SMS: includes both data and calling/texting capabilities. 

By payment method: 

• Prepaid: best for travelers to Vietnam, offering flexibility and control over spending.
• Postpaid: more common among locals, requiring a contract and billing cycle.

So which type to choose? Physical Vietnam SIM vs. eSIM

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.

III. Which is the best mobile network in Vietnam? 

Vietnam has 04 major mobile network operators (MNOs): Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone and Vietnamobile. 

There are also 02 big mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) namely iTel and Wintel, which offer competitive pricing but may have limited coverage.  

Here are some highlights of each MNO:

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. 

You can see the coverage maps of each mobile network in the image below:

From the image, we can give some advice on choosing mobile network operator for your Vietnam trip:

• If you head to remote areas, prioritize coverage with Viettel.
• If you stay mostly in cities, Vinaphone is a good choice. 

For most travelers, Viettel and Vinaphone are the top choices, offering a good balance of coverage, speed and affordability. 

IV. Best Vietnam SIM cards for tourists

The best Vietnam SIM cards are provided by top three major carriers, which are Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone. 

1. Viettel SIM cards

Best Viettel tourist packages from Viettel are:

• TOUR60: 5GB at max speed + unlimited internet, 15 days = 60,000 VND – $2.41 USD
• TOUR100: Unlimited internet + 20 minutes free on-net calls + 20 minutes international calls, 30 days = 100,000 VND – $4.02 USD
• TOUR200; Unlimited internet + 100 minutes domestic calls + 20 minutes international calls, 30 days = 200,000 VND – $8.05 USD

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.

2. Vinaphone SIM cards

Best Vinaphone SIM packages for tourists are:

• 1GB/day + each 50 min for local and international calls + 50 SMS, 15 days = 199,000 VND – $8.01 USD

► Get more details about Vinaphone SIM cards in Vietnam.

3. MobiFone SIM cards

The best tourist SIM package of MobiFone is called Happy Tourist HP2.

• 8GB of high speed data + 40 mins local and international calls, 30 days = 109,000 VND – $4.39 USD

► We have a detailed guide for MobiFone SIM cards here.

V. How much does a Vietnam SIM card cost?

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.

VI. Where to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card for tourists?

Tourists can buy SIM cards for vietnam in 03 ways: 

• at international airports upon arrival,
• online before departure,
• in the city centers of Vietnam.

Let’s see each way in details:

1. Buy at Vietnam airports upon arrival

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:

• Instant connection: Get your SIM card and stay connected instantly upon arrival.

Cons:

• Higher prices: Prices are usually higher than in the city center or online.
• Registration requirements: you need to show your passport and have your photo taken as part of the registration process.
• Limited opening hours: kiosks may be closed if your flight arrives late or early.
• Potential queues: Long lines are possible during peak hours.
• Unexpected data usage: Some users have reported data running out unexpectedly before the validity period ends.

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.

2. Buy online before departure

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. 

You just need to select your desired plan, make a payment, then the SIM card will be shipped to your location. No need to present personal documents like passports. 

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: 

• Convenience: secure your SIM card before departure, save time and effort upon arrival.
• Variety: choose from a wide range of data allowance and validity options.
• Easy registration: typically requires only your name, address, phone number, and payment information – no passport needed.

Cons:

• Shipping time (physical SIMs): it may take a few days to receive your SIM card. If you order late, you can risk not receiving the SIM card on time, before departure. 
• Device compatibility (eSIM): ensure that your device is compatible with eSIM functionality before purchase.

3. Buy in the city center after arrival

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: 

• Viettel store locations
• Vinaphone store locations
• MobiFone store 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: 

• Competitive pricing: expect better prices and a wider range of SIM plans to choose from compared to airport kiosks.

Cons:

• Time consuming: It might take time and effort to locate a store. 
• Registration: You will need to show your passport and may be asked for a photo for registration.
• Limited selection (sometimes): while official stores offer many plans, smaller retailers may have limited options, focusing on basic needs.

VII. Why should I buy a Vietnam eSIM? Where and How?

If your device supports eSIM, you can use a better alternative to  traditional SIM cards for Vietnam travel.

Here is why:

• 100% online: Buy, set up and activate your eSIM before or upon arrival, skipping airport queues.
• Instant connectivity: once activated, your eSIM will automatically connect to the supported network at your destination.
• Convenient and secure: there is no physical SIM card switching, you can reduce the risk of loss or damage.
• Easy switching: you can switch between plans and carriers easily to ensure you always have the best deal.

Where to buy a Vietnam eSIM

You can buy a Vietnam eSIM from:

• Reputable eSIM providers: Gigago, Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, etc.
• Vietnamese mobile operators: Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone (may require passport registration)

For tourists, we recommend purchasing an eSIM from a reputable eSIM provider like Gigago to avoid registration complexities. 

Benefits of buying a Vietnam eSIM from Gigago:

• No documents needed:only your name, email address, and (optionally) phone number.

• Diverse eSIM plans: choose from data-only plans, plans with data + voice + SMS, various validity periods (8-30 days).
• Competitive pricing: access affordable plans starting from $8.9 for 7GB of data.
• Reliable coverage and speed: experience the best networks in Vietnam, including Viettel, Vinaphone, Itel, and Wintel.
• 24/7 multiple language customer support: Get assistance in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese through live Chat, hotline, WhatsApp, Telegram, and more.

How to buy a Vietnam eSIM?

1. Visit the Gigago’s Vietnam eSIM page
2. Select a Vietnam eSIM plan that fits your needs
3. Provide your name and email address (phone number optional)
4. Make a payment to complete the order
5. Receive eSIM profile via email and install it – it is that simple!

VIII. FAQs