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Vietnam SIM card for tourists

Vietnam SIM card for tourists: A comprehensive guide

31/05/2024 3.064 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

A Vietnam SIM card for tourists is essential for ensuring connectivity, navigation, and communication throughout your trip in Vietnam.
Vietnam SIM card for tourists

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.
Places to buy Vietnam SIM card for tourists

There are many places available to purchase a Vietnam SIM card for tourists (Source: Collected)

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
  • Both allow users to access mobile networks in Vietnam.
  • They provide voice, text, and data services to users.
  • Both require compatible devices to function properly.
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
  • Widely available at retail stores across Vietnam
  • Removable and transferable between devices
  • Can be easily, remotely activated
  • Can be stored with other eSIMs on a compatible phone. No need for physical SIM card swapping when switching carriers.
  • Suitable for devices with limited physical space for a SIM card slot.
  • No risk of physical damage or loss.
Cons
  • Can be physically damaged or lost.
  • Only works with eSIM-enabled phones.
  • Relatively new technology, may not be familiar to some users.

 

Physical SIM and eSIM

There are two types of Vietnam SIM card for tourists: Physical and digital (Source: Collected)

More on: Vietnam travel requirements: What you need to know for a smooth trip!

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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.

Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile

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.

SIM card package - Tourist packages

Explore Vietnam hassle-free with a Vietnam SIM card for tourists (Source: Collected)

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
  • Free 10 minutes of on-net calls
  • 5GB of data (standard rates after 5GB)
  • Free on-net SMS 
  • Free 5 minutes of off-net calls 
  • Free access to the TV360 app
MI7D 7,000 VND/day
  • 700MB of data, valid for 24 hours after registration (standard rates after 700MB)
3FB30 90,000 VND/90 days
  • Unlimited data access to Facebook and Messenger
VinaPhone D7 7,000 VND/day
  • 1.2GB of data, valid for 24 hours
V30K 30,000 VND/30 days
  • 1GB of data per day 
  • Free 1,500 minutes of on-net calls 
  • Free 20 minutes of off-net calls
BIG90 90,000 VND/30 days
  • 1GB of data per day for 30 days
MobiFone NH 10,000 VND/day
  • 8GB of data per day 
  • Free on-net calls under 10 minutes 
  • Free on-net SMS 
  • Free 5 minutes of off-net calls per day 
  • Free access to VIP content on Nhaccuatui.com 
D15 15,000 VND/3 days
  • 3GB of high-speed data for 3 days
MBF30 30,000 VND/7 days
  • 30GB of high-speed data
Vietnamobile D10 15,000 VND/day
  • 10GB of high-speed data
N3 5,000 VND/day (12 AM to 6 AM)
  • 3GB of high-speed data
M25T 35,000 VND/30 days
  • 3GB of high-speed data

 

SIM card package - Standard packages

Vietnam SIM cards for tourists offer many benefits (Source: Collected)

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
  • Prepaid: Dial *101# and press Call
  • Promotional balance: Dial *102# and press Call
  • Postpaid: Text KTLL (in-network) or KTNM (out-of-network) to 109
 Open My Viettel app > Log in > View balance
VinaPhone Call 18001091
  • Prepaid: Dial *101# or *111# and press Call
  • Postpaid: Dial *123# and press Call
 Open My VNPT app > Log in > View balance
MobiFone Call 9090 (prepaid) or Call 9090/18001090 (postpaid)
  • Prepaid: Dial *101# and press Call
  • Postpaid: Dial *112# and press Call
 Open My MobiFone app > Log in > View balance
Vietnamobile Call 789 (subscribers) or Call 0922789789 (non-subscribers)
  • Dial *101# and press Call (Free)
  • Postpaid: Dial *102# and press Call
 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)
  • Basic 4G plans: Text KT DATA to 999
  • Plus 4G plans: Text KT [Plan Name] to 999
  • If unsure: Text KT ALL to 999
 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.

Explore: Vietnam solo travel: Unveil the rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures!

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.

can use an international SIM card in Vietnam if it supports roaming

Stay connected on your with a Vietnam SIM card for tourists (Source: Collected)

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.

During your trip in Vietnam, to elevate the enjoyment, be sure to visit VinWonders, a chain of entertainment complexes spread across the country. Each venue, including VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Wave Park and Water Park, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc, offers thrilling games, captivating shows, and interactive activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Furthermore, for a comfortable stay while exploring Vietnam’s various destinations, you should book accommodations provided by trustworthy providers such as Vinpearl.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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