Traveling to Vietnam? One essential item you will need to stay connected during your trip is a prepaid SIM card with a data plan. Fortunately, Vietnam is one of the best destinations where you can easily purchase a SIM card at an affordable price. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in Vietnam before visiting this fascinating country and lists the top 3 service provider in Vietnam. Stay online with Wanderlust Vietnam!
Why Getting a SIM Card in Vietnam for Your Trip?
Public Wifi is widely available in Vietnam, in hotels, hostels, or resorts as well as in almost all restaurants and cafes. However, getting a SIM card is the way to go for a comfortable and smooth trip.
It is incredibly useful when you use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Uber to get around, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Translate to communicate with anyone who does not speak your language. A prepaid SIM card is also very cheap in Vietnam, so there is no reason not to buy one.
Forms of Vietnamese Tourist SIM Cards
Vietnam tourist SIM cards are available in two forms:
Physical SIM (Mini-SIM, Micro SIM, Nano SIM): This type is a chip that is installed or removed physically with your carrier’s plan. You can purchase physical SIM at physical stores.
eSIM (embedded sim): This type is built-in to your phone and downloads your carrier’s plans. You can get it online.
Top 3 SIM Cards and Service Provider in Vietnam and respective Costs
There are three main SIM card operators in Vietnam, including Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone. Viettel and Vinaphone are the best in terms of coverage and speeds.
Viettel
With 40% of all clients using its network, Viettel dominates the mobile market in Vietnam. With one of the greatest coverages in Vietnam (4G/LTE/5G), the best regional coverage in outlying locations, and affordable pricing, it has a lot to offer.
Viettel has several different prepared SIM card data packages available for tourists:
1 GB, 20 minutes domestic calls, 10 minutes international calls, valid for 5 days, VND 100.000 (~4€/US$4)
2 GB, 40 minutes domestic calls, 20 minutes international calls, valid for 10 days, VND 200.000 (~8€/US$9)
3 GB, 60 minutes domestic calls, 30 minutes international calls, valid for 15 days, VND 100.000 (~ 12€/US$13)
5 GB, 100 minutes domestic calls, 50 minutes international calls, valid for 25 days, VND 100.000 (~ 20 €/US$22)
Vinaphone
Vinaphone is Vietnam’s second operator, with good coverage and speed throughout the country. Here are the main Vinaphone tourist SIM card data plans:
Unlimited data, valid for 7 days, VND 200.000 (~8€/US$9)
Unlimited data, valid for 15 days, VND 250.000 (~ 10€/US$11)
Unlimited data, valid for 30 days, VND 300.000 (~12€/US$13)
Unlimited data means a maximum of 1GB per day at high speed before switching to 3G.
MobiFone
MobiFone occupied about 20% market share in Vietnam. Its coverage and data speeds are great in major cities and along the coast, but they can be poor in hilly areas.
Mobifone offers different types of tourist SIM cards as follows:
6GB, 60 minutes local calls, 100 local SMS, 30 minutes international calls to certain countries, valid for 30 days, VND 250.000 (~10€ / US$11)
10 GB, valid for 30 days, VND 200.000 (~8€ / US$9)
10 GB, 15-minute free calls to Korea, valid for 30 days, (9€/US$10)
Notes: The data plans and prices can be changed after the writing time (August 2023) due to the network carrier policy updates.
Where to Buy SIM Cards in Vietnam?
There are thousands of outlets offering SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam, such as counters at airports, travel agencies, hotels, and local stores. However, it is best to buy them at the airport or at mobile networks’ official stores.
At the Airport
Buying a SIM card at the airport upon your arrival in Vietnam is the most convenient way. As soon as you depart the baggage claim area of Vietnam's international airports, you will see a slew of SIM card kiosks. A SIM card in Vietnam and a prepaid data plan should cost between VND150.000 and VND 350.000 (6€/US6,5$ - 13€/US15$), depending on how long you want to stay and how much data you use.
The advantages of buying SIM cards at the airport include:
They register and activate hundreds of tourist SIM cards per day so they can get it set up quickly and correctly for you.
You can immediately use ride-hailing apps to get yourself a ride from the airport which save you money and time.
Most employees here can serve you in English as well as the requirements and demands of international travelers are known here.
Most of the kiosks are happy to take a credit card payment.
At the Offices of Service Providers
Buying tourist SIM cards at the offices of mobile operators is also a great option. You can head to one of the branch offices or official stores of mobile operators such as Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone. Luckily, they are conveniently located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and many other cities.
Buy Vietnam SIM Card online
You may get an eSIM QR Code and user manual online, or you can have a real SIM Card delivered to your location in Vietnam or picked up at the airport when you arrive.
If you want to buy Vietnam SIM online and have eSIM compatible devices, an eSIM is an ideal option. You do not have to wait for delivery or travel to a store to get it. It also can be ordered from any location. The eSIM will be installed on your smartphone via a QR Code sent to your email right after you order online before your departure and be activated when you arrive in Vietnam.
Some of the Vietnam eSIM providers can be listed as Gigago, Airalo, or Holafly,...
More Tips:
When buying SIM Card (away from the airport), make sure to bring money to pay for the fee and bring your passport to register.
When buying an eSIM or a physical SIM online, prepare a Debit/ Credit card to make payment and an address in Vietnam if you want to get it delivered to you.
Before leaving your home country, ensure your cell phone is unlocked for foreign use.
Getting a SIM card in Vietnam is undoubtedly a wise decision for any tourist looking to make the most of their journey in this captivating country. With the above information, I hope you find the perfect option to suit your needs.
Of course, Wanderlust Vietnam will assist you with the process of getting a SIM card in Vietnan, even directly when we pick you up from the airport.
Sources:
https://gigago.vn/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sim-card-hanoi-airport-vietnam-gigago.jpg
Screenshot on https://vietteltelecom.vn/en
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