If you plan to visit Vietnam, it is essential to have a phone equipped with a local SIM card to stay connected at all times. Access to free Wi-Fi may be limited in some public places or remote areas, making purchasing a Vietnam SIM card for tourists upon arrival very important.

However, with so many SIM card options available in Vietnam, it can be difficult to know which plan to choose. In this article, we present to you an essential guide to buying a SIM card in Vietnam for tourists.

Do You Need to Buy a SIM Card in Vietnam?

Traveling to Vietnam has never been easier thanks to all the services available. Now that you have free WiFi everywhere, why do you still need a Vietnamese SIM card for tourists?

Can you imagine traveling without an internet connection? Of course, you can resort to paper maps or ask the locals for help, but still, it can be super challenging, especially when you're in a new and unfamiliar place. Without an internet connection, you can't use applications like Google Maps to find directions, use ride-hailing apps like Grab, or locate a nearby restaurant. Moreover, in case of emergencies, you might need your phone to contact your bank, loved ones, or your travel agency.

If you're traveling to Vietnam with a local travel agency, using a SIM card in Vietnam for tourists allows you to easily communicate with them about your schedule, hotel reservations, and pick-up times, or if any problem comes up like delays or changes in the itinerary. So, staying connected is kind of crucial.

Did you know that international roaming data plans limit your internet connection speed? Why pay $5-$10 per day for limited services when you can get a prepaid Vietnamese SIM card for tourists with 10 GB of data for only $5? By purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, you'll enjoy the fastest 4G network connection and plenty of data for a minimal cost.

Before buying a Vietnam SIM card for tourists, make sure your phone is compatible with the frequencies used in Vietnam and is unlocked for use with a local SIM card. You can also check the offers from different mobile operators to find the best option for your needs.

How Much Is a SIM Card in Vietnam?

The cost of a SIM card in Vietnam for tourists can vary depending on the chosen plan and duration. On average, the price of a SIM card is around 160,000 to 350,000 VND ($6-$15), depending on the duration and how much data you want, providing you with initial credit for calls, messages, and data usage based on the selected plan. So, how do you choose a SIM card that suits your budget and needs?

Best SIM Cards in Vietnam for Tourists

Viettel, Mobiphone, Vinaphone, and Vietnamobile are the main mobile operators in Vietnam, offering extensive network coverage throughout the country and a variety of prepaid and postpaid mobile plans.

Viettel and Vinaphone are roughly similar in terms of coverage and speed, but Viettel has an advantage in rural areas. We suggest sticking to these two providers. Mobifone has uneven coverage in rural areas.

Prepaid Viettel SIM Cards for Tourists

Viettel is the leading mobile operator in Vietnam, with approximately 40% of all subscribers using its network. This operator is owned and managed by the Ministry of Defense. Viettel offers regular plans as well as data plans specifically designed for tourists in Vietnam.

If you choose to use a standard Viettel SIM card in Vietnam for tourists, you will need to purchase the SIM card, which costs around 50,000 to 60,000 VND (approximately 2 to 2.5 EUR), and then subscribe to a data plan. On the other hand, if you buy a prepaid tourist SIM card, you only pay for the data plan, but you cannot recharge this SIM card.

Prepaid Viettel SIM Cards for Tourists

The VinaPhone Tourist SIM card costs 199,000 VND (about 7.5 euros) and offers benefits such as

- 50 minutes of free international calls

- 50 minutes of free calls within Vietnam

- 50 free SMS and 1GB of data per day for 15 days

After the free minutes, domestic calls cost 1,580 VND/minute, and domestic SMS costs 250 VND/message. If you use more data than the provided quota, additional charges are 75 VND/50 KB.

Prepaid MobiFone SIM Cards for Tourists

For those needing more data along with local calls and SMS, MobiFone offers a 6 GB plan with 60 minutes of local calls, 100 local SMS, and 30 minutes of international calls to certain countries for only 250,000 VND (about 10 EUR). This plan is valid for 30 days.

If you don't need local calls or SMS, MobiFone also offers a 10 GB data plan for only 200,000 VND (about 9 USD), also valid for 30 days.

Are eSIM Cards Available in Vietnam?

You can find eSIM cards in Vietnam for tourists offered by Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone.

The eSIM cards have many practical advantages over traditional SIM cards and can be activated directly on your mobile phone. However, it is only compatible with certain Android smartphone models and newer iPhones.

The benefits of eSIM include saving money and space, the ability to activate multiple data plans at the same time, and online ordering. After ordering and paying online, you will receive a QR code to activate your eSIM in just a few moments.

However, eSIM requires a stable internet connection to activate the virtual card, which can be a disadvantage if you are traveling to rural or remote areas of Vietnam.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Vietnam?

At the Airport

The easiest place to buy a SIM card in Vietnam for tourists is at the airport. As soon as you leave the baggage claim area at one of Vietnam's international airports, you can find dozens of stalls selling SIM cards.

Noi Bai Airport: Stores selling SIM cards and calling cards are in Halls A1 and A2, located on the 1st floor.

Tan Son Nhat Airport: The SIM card sales counter is located in Terminal 2, in the international arrivals hall, near exit C10.

Da Nang Airport: At baggage claim, you’ll see an information stand that also sells SIM cards (not available after 10 PM).

However, it is important to note that SIM cards sold at the airport can often be more expensive than those available at other stores outside the airport.

Outside of Airports

Major mobile operators in Vietnam, such as Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone, have stores throughout the country, including in shopping malls, major cities and tourist areas. The prices are a bit cheaper but you will have to fill out a form, present your identity papers, choose between several options, etc.

You can also buy a Vietnam SIM card for tourists in small phone shops on the street, but this is the solution that we do not recommend unless the salesperson speaks English very well. This is certainly the most economical option but requires the most communication with the seller. It's very easy to find these shops, because there are usually words like "SIM" or "GB" in front of the shop on the banner.

Vietnam SIM Card Shortcuts 

*101#: check your credit balance

*100#: check your SIM card number

*900#: subscribe to mobile data plans

*147#: enable or disable international calls

191: contact Viettel customer service

198: contact Vinaphone customer service

9090: contact Mobifone customer service

Conclusion

For hassle-free travel without interruptions in connectivity, purchasing a SIM card in Vietnam for tourists is a great option for foreign tourists. Not only will this allow you to stay in touch with loved ones and contact emergency services, but it will also give you easy access to all important information for your trip.

If you want to simplify your trip and personalize each step according to your preferences, we will be happy to help you create a tailor-made itinerary. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

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