Guides & Tips

Stay Connected with a Vietnam SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know

huyhai

3 min. to read

Planning a trip to Vietnam? One of the first things you’ll want to sort out is how to stay connected. A Vietnam sim card is a must-have for any traveler, as it offers affordable and convenient access to mobile data. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Vietnam mobile data, including the different types of Vietnam prepaid sim cards, available plans, and costs.

Table of Contents

1. Why You Need a Vietnam SIM Card

Public Wi-Fi is not always a practical Tourism Guide to Vietnam and it could be a dangerous Information Handbook as well! It means you are constantly in doubt about whether you should leave your hotel without a Vietnamese Travel Information work! Getting a local Vietnam SIM card you will save on several things:

Cheap Data: Vietnam has some of the cheapest mobile data in SE Asia.
Connectivity: From rich countries such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or a beautiful place such as Ha Long bay, you can always connect.
Easy Accessibility: SIM cards can be found everywhere at airports, convenience stores and telecom outlets all over the country.

For short term travel, Vietnam prepaid SIM are the best options because you will not be forced to some contracts that usually come with national plans.

If you need or want to explore some tours to Vietnam, you can explore some Vietnam tours below or contact us via WhatsApp or visit the Sun Getaways Travel Fanpage.

2. Where to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card

Purchasing a Vietnam SIM card is straightforward, and there are several convenient locations to get one:

Airports: At the airports such as Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) or Noi Bai (Hanoi, Vietnam), you can easily find kiosks to sell SIM cards from a number of providers. And you can get them as soon as you arrive, with no waiting time.
Mobile Provider Stores: There are multiple stores of mobile Providers in every city for the sale of SIM. Prominent suppliers contain Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. These shops do tend to have staff who can speak English, so it is easier for foreign travelers to buy things there.
Convenience Stores: Chain stores like Circle K, Vinmart, or 7-Eleven often sell Vietnam SIM cards. While the selection might be limited, these are great options if you need a quick purchase.
Online: The SIM could alternatively be bought online. There are many sites and travel agencies that deliver and you can even have a SIM card sent to your hotel beforehand.

💻 If you want to explore travel around Vietnam, you can read more: 15 Days Discover the Best of Vietnam

3. Top Telecom Providers in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts a vibrant telecommunications market with numerous service providers. However, a few names stand out and dominate the market share. Here are the top 3 telecom providers in Vietnam:

Viettel

Position: As the largest mobile network operator in Vietnam, Viettel is renowned for its extensive network coverage, stable service quality, and competitive pricing.
Advantages:
- Nationwide mobile network coverage.
- Good call quality and stable internet speed.
- Diverse range of packages to suit various customer needs.
- Professional customer service.
Disadvantages:
- Customer app interface can be less user-friendly.

MobiFone

Position: One of the oldest and most reputable telecommunications providers in Vietnam, MobiFone is known for its stable service quality and attractive promotions.
Advantages:
- Good call quality, especially in rural areas.
- Numerous attractive promotions.
- Professional customer service.
Disadvantages:
- Prices can be higher compared to other providers.

Vinaphone

Position: Vinaphone is one of the three largest mobile network operators in Vietnam, famous for its high-speed 3G/4G services and diverse packages.
Advantages:
- High-speed internet, especially in major cities.
- Diverse range of packages to suit various needs.
- Good call quality.
Disadvantages:
- Prices can be higher than other providers for some packages.

4. Top Mobile Data Plans and cost of Vietnam SIM Cards

Viettel Vietnam tourist sim

Data	Price	Activation Code	Overuse	Notes	Guide
1GB	VND 5,000 ~ US $0.22	ST5KM	unlimited @ 128 kbps	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date, + not auto renew	+ For activation, text the code to 191.+ To stop auto-renewal, text HUY CODE to 191 and confirm with Y.+To check data balance, text KTTK to 191.
1GB	VND 5,000 ~ US $0.22	ST5K	unlimited @ 128 kbps	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date, + Auto renew
2GB	VND 10,000 ~ US $0.45	ST10K	unlimited @ 128 kbps	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date, + Auto renew
3GB	VND 15,000 ~ US $0.7	ST10K	unlimited @ 128 kbps	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date, + Auto renew
3GB	VND 70,000 ~ US $3.2	MIMAX70	unlimited @ 3 Mpbs	+Valid until the final date of the month.
4GB	VND 30,000 ~ US $1.4	ST30K	unlimited @ 256 kbps	+ Valid until 24:00 of the 7th date, + Auto renew

Mobifone Vietnam tourist sim

Data	Price	Activation Code	Overuse	Notes	Important
1GB	VND 5,000 ~ US $0.22	D5	VND 75/MB	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date	+ For activation, text the code to 9084.+ To stop auto-renewal, text HUY {CODE} to 999.+To check data balance, text KT DATA to 999.
8.8GB	VND 30,000 ~ US $1.4	HD120	VND 75/MB	+ Valid for 30 days

Vinaphone Vietnam tourist sim

Data	Price	Activation Code	Overuse	Notes	Important
1GB	VND 5,000 ~ US $0.22	DATA D5	VND 75/MB	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date	+ For activation, text the code to 1543.+ To stop auto-renewal, text HUY {D5/D2/D3/BIG70} to 888.+To check data balance, text DATA to 888.
2GB	VND 10,000 ~ US $0.45	DATA D2	VND 75/MB	+ Valid until 24:00 of the registration date
3GB	VND 15,000 ~ US $0.7	DATA D3	VND 75/MB	+ Valid until 24:00 of the 3^rd date
4.8GB	VND 30,000 ~ US $1.4	DATA BIG70	VND 75/MB	+ Valid Until 24:00 of the 7^th date

💻 You can read more: Everything You Need to Know About Vietnam WiFi and Internet

5. How to Activate Your Vietnam SIM Card

Activating your Vietnam SIM card is a straightforward process:

Insert the SIM Card:
- Power off your phone.
- Remove your existing SIM card.
- Insert the Vietnam SIM card into the designated slot.
- Power on your phone.
Follow Provider Instructions:
- The specific activation process may vary depending on the telecom provider.
- Refer to the instructions provided with your SIM card or check the provider’s website for detailed steps.
Dial Activation Code or Send SMS:
- You may need to dial a specific code or send an SMS to activate your plan.
- The provider will provide the necessary instructions.
Seek Assistance if Needed:
- If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the staff at the point of purchase. They can guide you through the activation process.

6. Tips for Using Mobile Data in Vietnam

To optimize your mobile data experience in Vietnam, consider these tips:

Check Compatibility:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Vietnam’s GSM networks.
- This is crucial to avoid any connectivity issues.
Monitor Data Usage:
- Keep track of your data consumption to avoid unexpected charges.
- Use data usage tracking apps to monitor your usage and set data limits.
Save Data:
- Download offline maps and guides before your trip to reduce data usage.
- Limit streaming services like Netflix or YouTube to Wi-Fi connections.
- Compress images and videos before sharing them to save data.

By following these steps and tips, you can seamlessly activate your Vietnam SIM card and enjoy a smooth mobile data experience during your trip.

7. Conclusion

Staying connected in Vietnam is hassle-free with a local Vietnam SIM card. Whether you’re navigating bustling streets, exploring remote countryside, or sharing your adventures online, having reliable Vietnam mobile data will enhance your travel experience. With affordable prices and convenient options, there’s no reason not to get a Vietnam prepaid SIM for your trip.

Prepare ahead, choose the right plan, and enjoy seamless connectivity throughout Vietnam!