Should I get a new SIM card Vietnam for my trip?
Yes, you should get a Vietnam Data SIM Card for your trip. When traveling to Vietnam, it’s possible to connect to the Wi-Fi from your hotel or restaurants. But it can be difficult to find free Wi-Fi when you’re out and about. A Vietnam SIM Card will help you stay connected no matter where you are.
Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists and Cost
There are three main SIM card providers in Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. There is also a fourth provider called Vietnamobile, but its coverage outside of major cities is not very good, so we do not recommend it.
Here is a quick summary of the three SIM card providers in Vietnam:
| Item | Viettel | Vinaphone | Mobifone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Best | Great | Good |
| Speed | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Price | Very cheap | Very cheap | Very cheap |
The quick summary above shows that:
- Viettel and Vinaphone have similar coverage and speeds, with Viettel having better rural coverage.
- Mobifone has patchy rural coverage.
Where Can I Buy a Vietnam Travel SIM Card?
You may have two ways to buy a Vietnam travel sim card, which are:
- Buy a Vietnam sim card online
- Buy a sim card at a physical store in Vietnam.
Buy Vietnam SIM Card Online
It is highly recommended to get an eSIM if you want to purchase a Vietnam SIM card online and have an eSIM compatible device, as it eliminates the need to wait for delivery or visit a counter to get it. Additionally, it can be ordered no matter where you are, making it easier to prepare for your trip.
The eSIM will be installed on your phone via a QR Code sent to your email immediately after you make the order online before your departure date, and it will be activated immediately when you arrive in Vietnam.
You can buy on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/b/Vietnam-Cell-Phone-SIM-Cards/29778/bn_25753412
Buy SIM Card in Vietnam
There are thousands of places to purchase a tourist SIM card in Vietnam. You can find them at airports, travel agencies, local stores, and even some hotels. However, it is best to purchase a Vietnamese SIM card either at the airport or at one of the official stores of the mobile network providers.
Buying a Vietnam SIM Card at the Airport
When you arrive in Vietnam, the best and most convenient place to get a SIM card is at the airport. As soon as you leave the baggage claim area, you’ll see many kiosks selling SIM cards.
There are two advantages to buying your Vietnam SIM card at the airport:
- They register and activate SIM cards for tourists hundreds of times per day, making the process quick and efficient.
- You can use Grab (or one of the other ride-hailing services available in Vietnam) to get a ride from the airport, saving you money and hassle.
The price of a SIM card and data plan is fixed by each mobile carrier, so the prices offered should all be roughly the same. It’s worth checking a few different sales kiosks to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
A Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data package should cost between VND 150,000-350,000 (US $6.50-$15) depending on the length of your stay in Vietnam and the amount of mobile data you need.
Most of the kiosks in the airport accept credit card payments for Vietnamese SIM cards, so you don’t need to visit an ATM first.
FAQ for Hanoi Airport SIM Card
Q: Where can I buy a SIM card at Hanoi airport? A: You can purchase a SIM card at the arrivals section of Terminal 2, where there are various booths of mobile network providers.
Q: Which mobile network provider should I choose? A: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are the three biggest network providers in Vietnam, and all have booths at the airport. It is recommended to choose one of these for better coverage and network quality.
Q: What documents do I need to buy a SIM card? A: Foreign tourists need to show their passport and provide a copy of it. Vietnamese nationals need to show their national ID card or passport.
Q: Can I use my SIM card immediately after purchasing it? A: Yes, you can use it immediately after it has been activated, which typically takes around 5-10 minutes.
Q: Can I top up my SIM card at the airport? A: Yes, you can top up your SIM card at the airport or at any mobile network provider store throughout Vietnam.
Q: How much does a SIM card cost at Hanoi airport? A: The cost of a SIM card varies depending on the network provider and the package you choose. Typically, a basic package with data costs around 100,000 VND (~ $4.3 USD).
Q: What should I do if I have any issues with my SIM card? A: You can contact the customer service of your network provider for assistance. Their contact information is usually listed on the packaging of your SIM card.
Buying Vietnamese SIM cards at mobile operator’s offices
If you have already departed the airport without a SIM card, head to one of the branch offices of the mobile operators. Fortunately, these companies have offices conveniently located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Simply locate an office with their logo and enter.
- For Viettel offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities: check https://vietteltelecom.vn/cua-hang
- For Vinaphone offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities offices, check https://vinaphone.com.vn/ho-tro/diem-giao-dich
- For MobiFone offices for SIM cards in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces/cities, check https://www.mobifone.vn/ho-tro-khach-hang/vi-tri-cua-hang
Remember to bring your passport with you as they will need it to register your new SIM card.
We do not suggest buying your SIM card from a travel agency, street vendor, or local shop as you may have to pay a higher price and may have problems with registration.
How much data do tourists need?
For most trips, 3 or 5 GB of data will be enough for common internet use. If you’re using the internet a lot, or if you are away for a month, you should think about getting the 12 GB data package. But if you’re travelling for business, you may need a higher data package or a longer package.
What is the best SIM card to get in Vietnam?
We think the best SIM card in Vietnam is Viettel. They have the largest network and best coverage of any Vietnamese mobile carrier. If you can’t find a Viettel store, Vinaphone is recommended.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Vietnam?
You can purchase a Vietnam SIM card in two ways: online as an eSIM, or at a physical store. The best place to buy one is either at the airport upon arrival or at a mobile carrier’s store. There are also many small shops around the country that offer SIM cards.
How much does a SIM card cost in Vietnam?
The cost of a Vietnam SIM card may vary depending on the form and the data and validity included.
For an eSIM, it typically costs between US$9 and US$15;
For a physical SIM card: The SIM card itself usually costs around 50,000 VND (~$2.50). You usually purchase your Vietnam SIM card as part of a mobile data package that includes anywhere from 5GB to 30GB of data and costs between 150,000 and 300,000 VND ($6.50 to $15).
Can I get a SIM card at the Hanoi Airport?
Yes, you can get a SIM card at the Hanoi Airport. There are numerous kiosks selling SIM cards there.
Can I get a SIM card at the Ho Chi Minh airport?
Yes, you can! There are numerous counters at the Saigon airport (formerly known as the Ho Chi Minh airport) that offer SIM cards for all of Vietnam’s mobile providers, with Viettel and Vinaphone being the most popular.
