- 1. Is a Vietnam SIM card for tourists cheap and easy to buy?
- 2. Which Vietnam SIM card is better: Physical SIM or eSIM?
- 3. Process of purchasing a Vietnam SIM card for tourists
- 4. How to check remaining balance and data usage?
- 5. Extra tips while using a Vietnam SIM card for tourists
- 6. FAQs about Vietnam SIM cards for tourists
![Vietnam SIM card for tourists Vietnam SIM card for tourists](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/Vietnam-SIM-card-for-tourists.jpg)
Enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your trip with the right Vietnam SIM card for tourists (Source: Collected)
Getting a Vietnam SIM card for tourists is an essential part of your Vietnam travel. Staying connected is vital for navigation, communication, and documenting your adventures when exploring this beautiful country. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about buying and using a Vietnam SIM card for tourists, from costs and where to buy them to deciding between a physical SIM or eSIM, and more.
1. Is a Vietnam SIM card for tourists cheap and easy to buy?
Yes, Vietnam SIM cards for tourists are both affordable and easy to purchase. Here is a detailed look at the costs and where you can buy them.
1.1. Costs of a Vietnam SIM card for tourists
Vietnam SIM cards are known for their affordability. Prices vary depending on the data package and service provider but are generally very reasonable. Estimated costs for a standard SIM card from major providers like Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND. You can also purchase data-only SIM cards, which are cheaper and ideal if you only need internet access. Prices for data-only SIM cards range from 50,000 VND to 300,000 VND, depending on the data allowance.
1.2. Places to buy Vietnam SIM card for tourists
Buying a Vietnam tourist SIM card is very convenient, with multiple options available:
- At the airport: Most international Vietnamese airports have kiosks where you can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival. You can buy a Vietnam SIM card at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, Cam Ranh International Airport near Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc International Airport in Phu Quoc.
- At retail stores: Major providers have retail stores across the country. You can visit these stores to purchase a Vietnam SIM card and get assistance with the activation process.
- Online: Some providers offer the option to purchase SIM cards online and have them delivered to your hotel or airport. This is a convenient option if you prefer to have everything arranged before your arrival.
Check out: Vietnam country code: Guide for international dialing and other details
2. Which Vietnam SIM card is better: Physical SIM or eSIM?
2.1. Comparison
Here are some similarities and differences between a physical SIM and an eSIM:
Aspect | Physical SIM | eSIM |
Similarities |
|
|
Form Factor | A physical chip that needs to be inserted into the phone | An embedded, digital SIM that is built into the phone |
Accessibility | Can be bought online or offline but need to be picked up at a store | Can be bought online |
2.2. Pros and cons
Both physical SIM and eSIM have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Physical SIM | eSIM | |
Pros |
|
|
Cons |
|
|
More on: Vietnam travel requirements: What you need to know for a smooth trip!
3. Process of purchasing a Vietnam SIM card for tourists
3.1. Choose a Vietnamese SIM card provider
3.1.1. Viettel
Viettel is the market leader in Vietnam, with approximately 40% of all customers on its network. Viettel is known for offering the best coverage in both urban and remote areas (3G/4G/LTE), ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the country. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers who need dependable service in all regions, including remote areas. Viettel offers reasonably priced packages, further adding to its competitiveness.
3.1.2. VinaPhone
VinaPhone, the second-largest operator in Vietnam, holds 30% of the market share. It offers good coverage and speed throughout the country (3G/4G/LTE), making it another excellent option for a Vietnam SIM card for tourists. VinaPhone ensures strong connectivity in both urban and rural areas, providing reliable service for those traveling across different parts of Vietnam. Its packages are also reasonably priced.
3.1.3. MobiPhone
MobiFone, with around 20% of the market share, is in the process of becoming privatized. It offers good data speed and coverage in urban centers and along the coast, although coverage can be patchy in mountainous regions. MobiFone provides a reasonably priced option for tourists. However, its 4G/LTE network still needs improvement, and regional coverage can be inconsistent which might be a consideration for some travelers.
3.1.4. Vietnamobile
Vietnamobile is the smallest of the four main mobile network operators in Vietnam, with a market share of around 10%. Initially starting with 3G services in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, Vietnamobile has since expanded its coverage to include many other regions. By 2017, it had covered 90% of the population in all 63 cities and provinces with 3G. Despite this expansion, its coverage is still not as extensive as other providers, and its 4G/LTE services are more restricted. Vietnamobile is a good option for budget-conscious travelers who primarily stay in major cities.
![Vietnam SIM card for tourists Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/Viettel-VinaPhone-MobiFone-and-Vietnamobile.jpg)
Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile are the 4 main Vietnam SIM card providers (Source: Collected)
3.2. Select a SIM card package
3.2.1. Tourist packages
Tourist packages are special offerings designed for international travelers visiting Vietnam. Here are some noteworthy options from Viettel and MobiFone:
Viettel’s SIM Tour Package
To register for the SIM Tour Package, you will need a valid passport and visa. You can obtain the SIM Tour at any Viettel Telecom transaction center nationwide. Key features include:
- Automatic deactivation of the SIM card 60 days after activation or first use.
- Call rates of 690 VND/minute for both on-net and off-net calls, including international calls.
Available packages:
- TR60 Package (60,000 VND for 15 days): Includes 5GB of high-speed data, followed by unlimited standard-speed data.
- TR100 Package (100,000 VND for 30 days): Includes 10GB of high-speed data, followed by unlimited standard-speed data, along with 20 minutes of free on-net calls and 20 minutes of free international calls to selected destinations, including China, South Korea, USA, Hong Kong, Russia, and ten ASEAN countries.
MobiFone’s Happy Tourist – HP2 Package
MobiFone’s Happy Tourist – HP2 package offers a substantial data allowance along with voice and SMS services, catering to short-term stays. Key features include:
- 8GB of data
- 40 minutes of domestic and international calls
- Valid for 30 days (non-renewable)
- Package cost: 109,000 VND
This package enables users to send messages and make calls to both domestic and international numbers without geographical restrictions. Tourists can visit any MobiFone transaction point nationwide to obtain a Vietnam SIM card and register for the package.
3.2.2. Standard packages
In addition to tourist-specific SIM card packages, Vietnamese telecom providers offer a variety of standard packages that meet different needs, usage patterns, and stay durations. Here are some basic plans from the major providers:
Provider | Package | Price | Benefits |
Viettel | 1N | 10,000 VND/day |
|
MI7D | 7,000 VND/day |
|
|
3FB30 | 90,000 VND/90 days |
|
|
VinaPhone | D7 | 7,000 VND/day |
|
V30K | 30,000 VND/30 days |
|
|
BIG90 | 90,000 VND/30 days |
|
|
MobiFone | NH | 10,000 VND/day |
|
D15 | 15,000 VND/3 days |
|
|
MBF30 | 30,000 VND/7 days |
|
|
Vietnamobile | D10 | 15,000 VND/day |
|
N3 | 5,000 VND/day (12 AM to 6 AM) |
|
|
M25T | 35,000 VND/30 days |
|
3.3. Activate your SIM card in Vietnam
If you receive a Vietnam eSIM card, you will be provided with a guide for installation and usage. If you get a physical Vietnam SIM card for tourists, simply ask the salesperson to insert it into your phone and guide you through the steps to select a 4G plan. If a Nano-SIM card is required, they will adjust the size accordingly. No activation code is necessary, as your SIM card will take effect immediately.
Check out: Travel to Vietnam tips: 17 things travelers whisper to each other!
4. How to check remaining balance and data usage?
When using a Vietnam SIM card for tourists, you should keep track of your remaining balance and data usage. Here are three common methods to check your balance and data usage: via hotline, via USSD & text message, and via mobile apps.
Checking remaining balance
Provider | Via hotline | Via USSD & text message | Via mobile apps |
Viettel | Call 900 |
|
Open My Viettel app > Log in > View balance |
VinaPhone | Call 18001091 |
|
Open My VNPT app > Log in > View balance |
MobiFone | Call 9090 (prepaid) or Call 9090/18001090 (postpaid) |
|
Open My MobiFone app > Log in > View balance |
Vietnamobile | Call 789 (subscribers) or Call 0922789789 (non-subscribers) |
|
Open Vietnamobile app > Log in > View balance |
Checking data usage
Provider | Via hotline | Via text message | Via mobile apps |
Viettel | Call 1800 8098 | Text KTTK to 191 | Open My Viettel app > Log in > View data usage |
VinaPhone | Call 18001091 | Text DATA to 888 | Open My VNPT app > Log in > View data usage |
MobiFone |
Call 9090 (200 VND/min) or Call 18001090 (Free) |
|
Open My MobiFone or MobiFone Next app > Log in > View data usage |
Vietnamobile | Call 789 | Text KT DATA to 345 | Open My Vietnamobile app > Log in > View data usage |
Discover Vietnam trip planner: All you need for planning your dream trip!
5. Extra tips while using a Vietnam SIM card for tourists
There are several tips that you should keep in mind to enhance your experience when using a Vietnam SIM card for tourists.
- Familiarize yourself with the local dialing codes. Vietnam’s country code is +84.
- Monitor and manage your data usage wisely. Set data limits on your device and use Wi-Fi whenever possible to optimize your usage.
- Selecting the right data package that aligns with your needs. Take the time to explore your options and pick the one that best fits your usage patterns.
- For cost-effective international communication, use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Consider using a dual-SIM phone. This allows you to switch easily between your home SIM and the local Vietnam SIM card without constantly swapping SIM cards.
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6. FAQs about Vietnam SIM cards for tourists
6.1. What is the best SIM card for tourists in Vietnam?
The best SIM card for tourists in Vietnam is often considered to be from Viettel due to its extensive coverage, even in remote areas, and affordable pricing.
6.2. Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?
Yes, you need your passport to buy a Vietnam tourist SIM card as it is required for registration and verification purposes.
6.3. Can I use an international SIM card in Vietnam?
Yes, you can use an international SIM card in Vietnam if it supports roaming, but using a local SIM card is usually more cost-effective.
6.4. Can I keep my Vietnam SIM card for future trips?
You can keep your Vietnam tourist SIM card for future trips, but be aware that most tourist SIM cards expire after a certain period of inactivity, typically 60 days.
6.5. Can I get a refund for my unused SIM card balance?
No, refunds for unused SIM card balance are generally not available, so it is advisable to choose your plan based on your expected usage.
***Note: The information provided above may change over time due to updates in the policies of the SIM card providers. If you are planning to use their services, contact them directly for the most updated information.
With a Vietnam SIM card for tourists, you can stay connected in the country easily and affordably. Whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. By following this guide, you can ensure a hassle-free experience from purchase to activation, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
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