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 information about Viettel SIM card and compare the best internet options to help you stay connected during your Vietnam trip.
Viettel is the leading telecom operator in Vietnam established in 1989. Here are some key facts about the company:
Viettel has the most extensive network in Vietnam covering over 99% of the population.
Viettel has extremely robust coverage across Vietnam, reaching nearly all corners of the country. As the largest mobile network operator in Vietnam by subscribers, Viettel operates nationwide 3G and 4G LTE infrastructure that covers over 99% of the population.
Both densely populated urban areas and remote rural villages have access to Viettel’s mobile and broadband services. In cities, Viettel’s 4G and 3G connectivity is excellent for social media, web browsing, calls and texts. In remote areas, the 2G network allows for basic functions like calls, texts and limited internet.
The company has played an important role in connecting rural communities through universal service programs. In addition to mobile voice and data, Viettel provides fiber optic and wireless internet access to homes and businesses.
Viettel has invested heavily in building out a high-speed telecommunications network across Vietnam. The average 4G LTE speeds provided are around 53 Mbps.
While network congestion may cause slower speeds during peak times or events, Viettel continues expanding infrastructure to boost capacity and speeds across Vietnam. In major metropolitan areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, 4G download speeds often surpass 60 Mbps.
Viettel started rolling out 5G connectivity in 2020, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps now available in key economic zones. Through their fiber broadband services, residential users can access internet speeds of 100 Mbps with FTTH
Here we compare the pros and cons of Viettel’s connectivity options suitable for tourists in Vietnam:
| Options | Pros | Cons |
| SIM Card | Cheap rates for local data Convenient to insert into own phone Wide availability | Limited validity Need an unlocked phone |
| Pocket WiFi | Long battery life Share connection with group | Expensive rental costs Limited availability |
| Roaming | Use existing number abroad | Very expensive roaming rates Limited data allowance |
In summary, getting a local Viettel SIM card is the best option for most travelers to stay connected in Vietnam. SIM cards provide affordable data rates, wide availability, and the convenience of using your own smartphone.
Viettel offers prepaid SIM cards with special tourist data packs at low rates.The main options are:
| 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 |
The key is picking a package that matches your typical data needs and usage patterns over the validity period to get the best value. 1N, ST15K, ST30K and SD30S would suit most users.
Yes, Viettel introduced eSIM support in Vietnam starting 2022. eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to activate a Viettel plan digitally on eSIM supported smartphones without needing to insert a plastic SIM card.
Viettel currently provides a prepaid Viettel Data eSIM start from 5GB/day, priced at 135,000 VND (approx. $4). This offers visitors the convenience of skiping SIM card installation.
Viettel SIM cards and eSIM plans are conveniently available at airports, malls, convenience stores, and Viettel shops across Vietnam.
As a tourist, we recommend purchasing your Viettel SIM at the airport on arrival for convenience. SIM card prices are the same across most outlets in Vietnam.
You can find Viettel SIM Card at:
The easiest option to buy a Viettel eSIM for tourists is to get it online.
However, you can also purchase and activate a Viettel eSIM at stores to assist customers.
Activating your Viettel SIM or eSIM is quick and easy on arrival to Vietnam:
To activate your physical Viettel SIM:
To activate eSIM purchased online:
Adding more data is easy via the Viettel app using international credit cards or can be topped up conveniently at stores nationwide.
Here are some ways to top up your Viettel SIM card:
It’s very convenient to top-up Viettel with just about any payment method. Digital options via apps provide fastest activation of data packages for immediate use.
While Viettel is clearly the top network, there are some alternatives travelers can consider for connectivity in Vietnam:
All major carriers now offer similar prepaid tourist SIM card packs around $5 with 4G data, though Viettel generally has the most reliable performance. Still, checking all operator stores on arrival is wise to compare latest promotions.
Purchasing international roaming or travel SIM card from your home country is also possible, but much pricier compared to grabbing a local Vietnamese SIM.
If you value flexibility, convenience and virtual solutions are more inclined to choose eSIM over physical SIM cards, GIGAGO eSIM is the simplest and most convenient way to stay connected while exploring Vietnam. They offer affordable daily and multi-day data packages on Vietnam’s top networks, with plans starting from just $8.90
No, free SIM cards are not provided, you must purchase a prepaid pack. But tourist SIMs cost only ~$4 with data included.
Yes, Viettel has 24/7 call support in English at 18001191. You can also access customer service through Viettel’s chatbot or email.
Viettel SIM is only intended for use domestically in Vietnam. International roaming can be enabled, but at expensive rates of $5-10/day for basic usage.
Yes, Viettel has excellent rural population coverage of 92% on 2G/3G networks for voice calls and texts. Mobile data works where 3G/4G signal is available.
Online purchased eSIM activation takes up to 24 hours. If urgently needed upon arrival, getting regular Viettel SIM is instant. eSIM adoption still has room to grow.
In summary, Viettel is one of the best telecom providers in Vietnam, offering quality connectivity. Their wide coverage, fast speeds, and excellent local rates make staying connected seamless for visitors.
As more tourists bring eSIM-capable devices, GIGAGO’s various affordably priced Vietnam eSIM data packs equip travelers with the communication capabilities to fully embrace their experience in Vietnam.
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