Using local SIM cards for Vietnam is a great way to stay in touch when you’re there. In this guide, we will equip you with the best-detailed guide about SIM card options for Vietnam!
I. Should I buy a SIM card for Vietnam traveling?
Yes, getting a Vietnam SIM card is highly recommended for travelers. It is much more reliable and affordable compared to free wifi or roaming.
While free wifi is pretty common in Vietnam, purchasing a local SIM card is still a better option because you can always access the internet, even when moving between locations or in areas without Wi-Fi.
A Vietnam SIM card surpasses public Wi-Fi security, outperforms pocket Wi-Fi devices in simplicity, and beats international roaming on cost. It’s the optimal choice for connectivity in Vietnam.
II. Buying a SIM Card for Vietnam – Things to consider
To help Vietnamese visitors choose the best SIM card plan for their trip, here are some considerations:
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Vietnamese network coverage
Vietnamese visitors can get a strong signal of mobile internet to almost every destination in the country, including major cities, or tourism areas.
In Vietnam, the 4G, and 5G networks are expanding rapidly, so visitors can expect a fast and reliable connection.
| Feature | Viettel | Vinaphone | Mobifone |
| Coverage | Best nationwide coverage, strong in both remote and rural areas. | There is great coverage in urban and suburban areas, slightly less in remote regions. | Good coverage in urban areas and popular tourist spots, weaker in rural or remote areas. |
| Market Share | 40% of mobile users in Vietnam. | 30% of mobile users in Vietnam. | Smaller market share compared to other providers |
| Network | 2G (900/1800 MHz)
3G (2100 MHz) 4G/LTE (1800/2600 MHz) 5G (planned). |
2G (900/1800 MHz)
3G (2100 MHz) 4G/LTE (1800 MHz) 5G (rolling out). |
2G (900/1800 MHz)
3G (2100 MHz) 4G/LTE (1800 MHz) 5G (planned) |
| Internet Speed | Fastest internet speeds among the three, especially in urban areas. | Comparable to Viettel in urban areas, slightly slower in rural areas. | Decent speeds, suitable for urban use; may experience slower speeds in less covered areas. |
| Best For | Visitors need wide coverage across urban and rural areas. | Travelers stay mostly in urban areas or along popular tourist routes. | Urban travelers not need extensive rural coverage. |
Vietnamese mobile internet speed
Vietnam has a reliable connection enough for both basic and heavy tasks: streaming videos, music, or downloading files.
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Price
Vietnam SIM Card is quite affordable compared to SIM Card in other countries, at about VND 50,000 to 500,000 (around $2.5 to $22) depending on the data package and duration.
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Validity start and expiration
The validity of a Vietnam SIM card begins once you activate it on your device. And, the expiration varies based on the data plan, which is usually ranging from 5 to 30 days.
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Where to buy a SIM card for Vietnam
To buy a SIM card for Vietnam, consider these places:
- Airports: You can find SIM Cards in kiosks and counters when you get to major airports in Vietnam. This includes Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport.
- Official Retail Stores: You can purchase SIM cards at official retail stores of Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and other local telecom providers in Vietnam.
- Convenience Stores: In big cities, you can also buy SIM cards at popular convenience stores (Circle K, Family Mart)
- Online: SIM cards can also be purchased online through websites and delivered to your accommodation or picked up at the airport.
- Hotels and Tourist Agencies: Some accommodations and travel agencies provide SIM cards to their clients.
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Best Vietnam SIM card providers for tourists
Visitors can buy SIM Cards from the top 3 major Vietnamese mobile network operators: Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone, which are also top Vietnamese mobile internet providers.
Viettel SIM Cards
Viettel is the largest mobile operator in Vietnam, renowned for its extensive coverage and reliable network quality.
Viettel offers many flexible SIM card plans for tourists, with varying amounts of data and validity periods to suit different requirements:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Features | Validity | Price |
| TOUR60 | 5GB at Max Speed | – Unlimited internet at reduced speed after 5GB | 15 days | 60,000 VND (~$2.5 USD) |
| TOUR100 | Unlimited Internet | – Unlimited internet
– Free first 20 minutes of each domestic on-net call – 20 minutes of international calls to select countries |
30 days | 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) |
| TOUR200 | Unlimited Internet | – Unlimited internet
– 100 minutes of domestic calls – 20 minutes of international calls to select countries |
30 days | 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) |
Vinaphone SIM Cards
Besides Viettel, Vinaphone is one of the largest network operators in Vietnam. It covers around 30% of the Vietnam mobile market.
Vinaphone also offers Vietnam SIM Card plans such as:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Features | Validity | Price |
| Tourist SIM | 1GB/day | – 50 minutes of international calls
– 50 minutes local calls – 50 SMS |
15 days | 199,000 VND (~$8 USD) |
| VD120M | 1GB/day | – Free data for Facebook, TikTok, YouTube
– 1,500 minutes on-net calls – 30 minutes off-net calls |
30 days | 120,000 VND (~$5 USD) |
| VD159V | 6GB/day | – 1,500 minutes on-net calls
– 200 minutes off-net calls – 200 on-net SMS |
30 days | 159,000 VND (~$6.7 USD) |
| VD90 | 1GB/day | – 1,500 minutes on-net calls
– 30 minutes off-net calls |
30 days | From 90,000 VND (~$3.6 USD) |
| VD100F | 1GB/day | – Free data for Facebook | 30 days | From 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) |
| VD120N | 1.5GB/day | – 1,500 minutes on-net calls (max 10 minutes per call)
– 50 minutes off-net calls |
30 days | 120,000 VND (~$5 USD) |
| VD150 | 2GB/day | – 1,500 minutes on-net calls (max 10 minutes per call)
– 80 minutes off-net calls |
30 days | 150,000 VND (~$6 USD) |
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Mobifone SIM Cards
Mobifone is one of Vietnam’s top mobile network operators, known for providing solid network coverage, particularly in urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
While its coverage can not be compared to Viettel or Vinaphone, Mobifone is still a great option for its competitive pricing and generous data packages.
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Features | Validity | Price |
| MFV250 | 250 GB | – Large data allowance for heavy use, ideal for long stays or frequent internet access | 30 days | 250,000 VND (~$10.16 USD) |
| MFY | 200 GB | – Ample data for moderate to heavy usage needs | 30 days | 200,000 VND (~$8.13 USD) |
| MFY200 | 100 GB | – Good balance of data and cost, suitable for moderate data users | 30 days | 200,000 VND (~$8.13 USD) |
| V180 | 240 GB | – Extensive data, ideal for tourists needing high-speed internet throughout their stay | 30 days | 180,000 VND (~$7.31 USD) |
| V90 | 30 GB | – Affordable plan for light users, ideal for short trips | 30 days | 90,000 VND (~$3.66 USD) |
| MBF30 | 30 GB | – Short-term plan, provides ample data for a week | 7 days | 30,000 VND (~$1.22 USD) |
| BF30/D10 | 8 GB | – Budget-friendly, suitable for very short stays or minimal data usage | 1 day | 10,000 VND (~$0.41 USD) |
| KC90 | 1 GB | – Basic data plan, ideal for light users needing basic connectivity | 30 days | 90,000 VND (~$3.66 USD) |
Vietnam eSIM – trending alternative to traditional SIM Card
If you have a device compatible with eSIM technology, you can opt for eSIM as an alternative to SIM cards.
Prices for eSIMs are generally comparable to physical SIM cards, but they are more convenient for users as you can connect to the internet upon landing in Vietnam, and users don’t need to insert a card as well.
Why choose Vietnam eSIM?
- No need to physically swap SIM cards
- Can be activated remotely by scanning a QR code, you don’t need to visit a store or wait for delivery
- Easy to switch between multiple eSIM profiles
- Vietnam eSIM allows you to have multiple phone numbers on one device
- Using eSIM makes it easier to switch between local and international plans
You can get an eSIM for Vietnam from many reliable providers such as Vietnamesim.com, Airalo, Holafly, GetNomad,…
However, among those providers, Vietnamesim.com is considered to be the best provider for Vietnam tourists because of its flexible plans and affordable prices.
Here are some key features of Vietnamesim.com:
- Instant Activation: an eSIM QR code will be delivered via email right after your purchase
- Broad Coverage: Utilizes networks like Vinaphone, ensuring reliable connectivity across Vietnam.
- Hotspot Capability: Allows sharing data with other devices (except for some specific plans).
- Validity Flexibility: Options available for different durations, from short trips to longer stays
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Validity | Price | Network Coverage |
| GIGA7 | 7 GB | 8 days | $8.90 | Vinaphone |
| GIGA10 | 10 GB | 16 days | $11.90 | Vinaphone |
| GIGA15 | 15 GB | 30 days | $14.90 | Vinaphone |
| GIGA120 | 90 GB (3GB/day) | 30 days | $18.90 | Vinaphone |
| GIGA10U | Unlimited Data (1 Mbps) | 10 days | $11.90 | Vinaphone |
Final thoughts on getting a SIM Card for Vietnam
In conclusion, using a Vietnam SIM Card is an easy way to stay connected. With it, you can easily share your Vietnam trip with people back home. However, eSIM might be another option that should be taken into account for Vietnam visitors. Hope you have wonderful experiences in Vietnam.
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