Using a Simcard in Vietnam – What Travelers Need to Know
Whether you’re exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruising through Ha Long Bay, or riding a motorbike in the Central Highlands, staying connected is key to a smooth and safe trip in Vietnam. From using ride-hailing apps like Grab, checking Google Maps, to keeping in touch with loved ones, having a local SIM card is both convenient and cost-effective.
This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know, whether you prefer a traditional SIM card or a modern eSIM, based on real experiences and updated travel insights.
Why Use a Local SIM Card in Vietnam?
A Vietnam Simcard is incredibly useful for travelers. While public Wi-Fi is widely available in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, it can often be slow, unsecured, or completely unavailable in more remote areas, such as national parks, countryside towns, homestays, or even on trains.
Having your mobile data through a Simcard means you’re not dependent on finding a café or hotel with decent Wi-Fi. You can navigate unfamiliar streets with Google Maps, book a Grab, check train schedules, translate menus, stay in touch with your hotel or guide, and update family or friends all from your phone, wherever you are.
Key Advantages of a Vietnam Simcard
- Affordable Plans: Local SIM cards are extremely cost-effective. For just a few dollars, you can get generous data packages and local call credit, valid for up to 30 days — perfect for most trips.
- Strong Coverage: Vietnam has widespread 4G and growing 5G access. Viettel, the largest and most reliable carrier, provides excellent signal strength even in remote or mountainous areas.
- Reliable Access Where Wi-Fi Fails: Wi-Fi is common but often inconsistent outside major cities. A SIM card ensures stable connectivity wherever you go — whether you’re staying in a village homestay, hiking in the mountains, or on an overnight train.
- Convenience on the Go: Having mobile data means you can instantly use maps, ride-hailing apps like Grab, translation tools, booking platforms, or simply stay in touch with local services and your loved ones back home.
Simcards are widely available — at airports, telecom stores, convenience shops, or even through your hotel or travel provider — and are often pre-activated for immediate use.
Before buying, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks (which include most global smartphones). Locked phones may require expensive roaming, with some providers charging up to $5 per minute for calls or offering inconsistent daily data packages.
Where to Get a SIM Card in Vietnam
✈️ At the Airport
For most travelers, the easiest option is to buy a SIM card as soon as you land. At major international airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), you’ll find multiple SIM card kiosks located in the arrival halls.
These airport counters are tourist-friendly: English-speaking staff will help you choose a plan, install the SIM, cut it to the right size, and activate your data package on the spot. While prices may be slightly higher than in town, the convenience is worth it — and you’re online before even leaving the terminal.
🏙️ In the City
You can also buy SIM cards at mobile carrier stores, phone shops, convenience stores, or even small roadside stalls. Just look for names like Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, or Vietnamobile.
Staff in official stores may ask for your passport for registration (which is legally required). Some tourist-oriented shops might bypass the ID check, but we recommend completing the official registration to avoid potential service disruptions.
💡 Tip: Many hotel receptionists are happy to assist with finding and setting up a SIM card nearby.
Which Mobile Network Provider Should You Choose?
Vietnam has four main mobile network providers, each with its own strengths:
- Viettel: The largest and most reliable provider in Vietnam, with unmatched coverage. even in remote areas, highlands, and offshore islands. By 2025, Viettel ranks among the top 3 fastest mobile networks in the world, according to global speed testing firm Ookla. It’s the best option if you’re traveling outside major cities or want the most dependable signal nationwide.
- Vinaphone: A strong competitor with excellent coverage in cities, towns, and coastal areas. Vinaphone is widely used by both locals and tourists, offering good speeds and dependable service across most regions.
- Mobifone: One of the oldest providers in Vietnam, with solid coverage in urban and populated areas. Its network quality and pricing are similar to Vinaphone, though coverage may be slightly less consistent in rural zones.
- Vietnamobile: The most budget-friendly option, with very cheap data packages. However, its coverage is limited mostly to major cities and can be unreliable in less-developed areas. It’s suitable for short stays in urban centers, but not recommended for off-the-beaten-path travel.
✅ Best Choice for Most Travelers: Viettel or Vinaphone are your safest bets. Both offer wide nationwide coverage, fast internet speeds, and tourist-friendly SIM packages that are easy to purchase at airports, convenience stores, and official telecom shops.
The good news is that pricing is competitive across all major providers, with only minor differences in call and data rates. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM networks before purchasing a SIM
How Much Does a Vietnam SIM Card Cost?
A prepaid tourist SIM card in Vietnam typically costs between 100,000 and 250,000 VND (approximately $4–$10 or EUR), depending on the provider, data allowance, and validity period.
Most SIMs come pre-packaged with generous data plans and optional call credits. Some are valid for 7 days, while others last up to 30 days — so it’s important to tell the vendor how long you’ll be staying and whether you need the SIM mainly for data, or also for making local calls.
Sample SIM Plans in 2025:
| Provider | Plan | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity |
| Viettel | DL70 | 200,000 | 5GB per day | 30 days |
| Vinaphone | VD89 | 150,000 | 10GB total | 30 days |
| Mobifone | M120 | 120,000 | Unlimited* | 7–15 days |
*Note: “Unlimited” often refers to high-speed data up to a daily cap, after which speeds may slow.
Before you leave the store or kiosk, ask the staff to activate the SIM for you and confirm that both mobile data and call functions are working. This ensures you’re ready to go without delays or technical issues.
Also consider asking which network has the strongest coverage in the areas you’ll be visiting, especially if you’re heading to rural regions or mountainous areas.
Activating Your Vietnam SIM Card
Setting up a Vietnamese SIM card is usually quick and hassle-free. Here’s what to expect:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone (most modern smartphones are compatible).
– For eSIMs, follow the activation QR code or link provided by the telecom provider.
Power on your phone and wait for the network signal to appear. - You’ll receive a welcome SMS from the mobile operator with details such as your new number, balance, and plan info.
- In some cases, you may be asked to verify your passport. This is usually handled by the seller, but occasionally you may need to send a text or confirm details manually.
⚠️ Always ask the seller to activate the SIM and check that calls and mobile data work before leaving the shop or kiosk.
How to Dial in Vietnam
Knowing the correct dialing format will help you stay connected with local services, guides, or international contacts.
Country code for Vietnam: +84
Dialing Formats:
- Cellphone to landline: 0 + Area Code + Phone Number
Example: Call a Hanoi number 38333333 → Dial 024 38333333 - Cellphone to cellphone: 09y xxx xxxx or 03y xxx xxxx
Most mobile numbers start with 09 or 03. - International calls: 00 + Country Code + Number
Example: Call Australia 123456789 → Dial 00 61 123456789
Topping Up Your SIM Card
If you run out of data or call credit, topping up is easy and available almost everywhere.
Top-Up Options:
- Scratch Cards
– Available at mini-marts, convenience stores, and mobile shops
– Scratch to reveal the code
– Dial: *100*<code># to top up - Mobile Apps
– Download the provider’s app (Vietnamese only, some support English)
– You can top up using a local bank card, or ask your hotel to help
Check Balance: Dial *101#
Calling and Messaging with Your Vietnam SIM
Most travelers rely on messaging apps like WhatsApp, Zalo, or Telegram, but having a local SIM is still essential when you need to:
- Book a car transfer or tour
- Contact your hotel or guide
- Stay reachable during emergencies
Here’s what you can expect in terms of local telecom costs:
- Local calls typically cost around 1,000 VND per minute.
- International calls usually range from 3,000 to 5,000 VND per minute, depending on the country and carrier.
- Local SMS messages cost approximately 350 VND each.
- International SMS messages are about 2,500 VND each.
💡 If you plan to make a lot of international calls, using data-based apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger will be much more affordable — and often more reliable.
eSIM Options for Vietnam
If your phone supports eSIM (like most newer iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models), you can skip the hassle of inserting a physical SIM altogether. An eSIM allows you to connect to a local network digitally — often before you even land in Vietnam.
Where to get one:
- At some Vietnamese airports, SIM counters (availability may vary)
- Directly from official carrier stores like Viettel or Vinaphone
- Through international providers such as Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad, which allow you to purchase and activate a plan online in minutes
Things to keep in mind:
- Not every phone model supports eSIM, so double-check compatibility first
- eSIM packages can be slightly more expensive than physical SIMs
- Some Vietnamese carriers may have limited eSIM offerings for tourists
Wi-Fi Availability in Vietnam
Free Wi-Fi is widely available across Vietnam. You’ll find it in most hotels, cafés, restaurants, shops, and even on some buses and trains. Staff are usually happy to share the password — just ask politely.
However, while convenient, public Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable. Speeds can vary greatly, connections may drop when you’re on the move, and networks are often unsecured. If you’re traveling between cities, visiting rural areas, or relying on real-time navigation and communication, a local SIM card ensures you stay connected without interruption.
Having mobile data gives you peace of mind — no need to hunt for a café just to check a map or message your hotel.
Extra Tips for Staying Connected
- Choose a SIM at the airport for a smooth arrival
- Keep your SIM packaging in case you need your number or PIN later
- Double-check that your phone is unlocked
- Save your Vietnamese number in your phone right away
- Ask vendors to activate and test your SIM on the spot
Stay Connected, Stress-Free
Having a Vietnamese SIM card makes all the difference — whether you’re arranging a tour pickup, checking directions, or translating a menu. It’s affordable, simple to set up, and enhances your travel freedom.
Planning Your Trip?
At ALO Travel Asia, we specialize in tailor-made journeys through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Our team is here to assist you with everything from detailed itineraries to local etiquette, including tipping advice based on your exact travel plans.
🚊 Let us take care of the details. 📧 Contact us today for expert planning, local insight, and personalized travel support.
👉 Check out reviews of our tours on TripAdvisor. Your satisfaction in every aspect of your trip, including tipping practices, is our priority.