Jarrod Suda
Guide
Apr 21, 2024
Advertiser disclosure
These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine visiting a foreign country without mobile connection. You may need to call a rideshare, find your hotel on maps, connect to the internet when away from Wi-Fi, or translate signs in a foreign language.
However, using international roaming with your home carrier to get data could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why prepaid eSIM cards are the fastest growing option for international tourists who own an eSIM-compatible device.
In this guide, you’ll find the 5 best prepaid SIM and eSIM options available for tourists in Vietnam in 2024, including their pricing and data plans. Let’s get going!
Airalo is our top choice to avoid expensive international roaming fees. Airalo offers eSIMs tailored to you, from 5 days up to months at a time, covering hundreds of countries, with both multi-country and various GB plans available.
The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Vietnam For Travel in 2024
- 01. Where can I buy prepaid SIM cards in Vietnam? scroll down
- 02. Do I need to register my prepaid SIM in Vietnam? scroll down
- 03. Physical prepaid SIM cards in Vietnam scroll down
- 04. Best prepaid eSIMs in Vietnam scroll down
- 05. What are the largest mobile network operators in Vietnam? scroll down
Facts About Prepaid SIMs in Vietnam
| 📞 Need a local phone number? | Consider a physical SIM card |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Only need access to data? | Get an eSIM instead |
| 📱 Does your phone accept eSIMs? | Read our list of devices |
| 📊 Unlimited data for 1 days | $6 with Holafly |
| 💸 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 with Airalo |
| 🌟 20GB for 30 | $32 with Airalo |
Where to Buy Physical Prepaid SIM Cards For Vietnam
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Vietnam is straightforward for tourists, requiring passport presentation and registration.
Anete Lūsiņa 
1. vietnam Airports
At major airports like Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City or Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you'll find kiosks and stores selling SIM cards for purchase upon arrival.
2. Network Provider Retail Stores in Vietnam
In town, you can buy SIM cards at official stores of network providers, convenience stores, and tourist areas, ensuring authenticity and reliability.
3. Online
You could also consider having a physical prepaid SIM card shipped to your house before you travel by shopping on online sites (like Amazon). You’ll often find destination-specific travel SIM cards that partner with the large vietnam networks (like Viettel or Vinaphone) to connect your phone to mobile data.
Alternatively, you could consider buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.
The easiest online option, and the one that we highly recommend, is to purchase an eSIM. These digital SIMs can be instantly activated straight from your smartphone from apps like Airalo and Holafly, which then give you seamless access to data in your travel destination.
Registration Process For Prepaid SIM Cards in Vietnam
In Vietnam, registration is necessary, and you'll need to show your passport to the issuer.
It's worth noting that an increasing number of countries are requiring registration from mobile phone users for security reasons, where purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires consumers to provide proof of identity.
For the countries that have these Know-Your-Customer (KYC) laws, registration will also apply to eSIMs. However, eSIMs do have the benefit of digital registration as opposed to the hassle of an in-person process. If your eSIM is data only (no local phone number), then you may be able to get connected without registering your info.
Cheap Physical Prepaid SIM Card Options For Vietnam Travel
Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam:
1. Viettel
Viettel provides three prepaid packages in Vietnam.
For 70,000 VND, subscribers receive 30 GB of data for 30 days, capped at 1 GB per day. At 135,000 VND, users get 150 GB of data with TV360 Basic for 30 days, capped at 5 GB per day. For longer-term needs, Viettel offers a 810,000 VND plan with 900 GB of data and TV360 Basic for 180 days, also capped at 5 GB per day.
2. Vinaphone
Vinaphone offers four prepaid packages to suit different preferences.
Vinaphone offers several plans: they range from 120,000 VND where you get 1 GB of daily data and 10 free minutes for in-network calls to 159,000 VND where you receive 6 GB of daily data, 1,500 free minutes for in-network calls, 200 free minutes for off-network calls, and 200 free in-network SMS.
Best Digital Prepaid e-SIMs For Tourists in Vietnam
Want to ditch physical plastic SIM cards? You can conveniently download and active the following international eSIMs from your smartphone instead.
3. Airalo
Airalo is an excellent eSIM provider for international travel. For Vietnam, they offer eSIMs from 1GB for 7 days at $4.50 up to 20GB for 30 days at $32, and other plans in between. It was super easy for us to set up in the app and purchase instantly.
More info: Read our Airalo review or visit their website.
4. Holafly
Holafly offers unlimited data volume packages for international travel. Holafly's data packages for Vietnam cost between $6 and $139 once off and are valid from 1 to 90 days, offering peace of mind that you'll never run out of data.
Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Vietnam, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.
More info: Read our Holafly review or visit their website.
5. Yesim
Yesim, a Swiss-based eSIM service, offers flexible plans for 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. The pricing of these eSIMs for Vietnam range from $11 to $41.80.
The 3GB plan is good for 7 days while the 5GB one is good for 15 days. The 15GB and 30GB plans both last for 30 days.
To make sure your phone can support eSIM cards, read our list of eSIM-compatible phones.
Largest Mobile Network Operators in Vietnam
eSIMs are great because they connect to the best network available wherever you are. Your phone might connect to Viettel or Vinaphone, depending on your location, at no extra cost. In contrast, if you buy a SIM card directly from one vietnam telecom provider, then your phone will only access that provider's network.
In Vietnam, expect to see these names as you connect to data on your travels:
- Mobifone: Competitive pricing and reliable network, providing high-quality telecommunications services.
- Vinaphone: Innovative services and comprehensive network coverage.
- Viettel: Extensive network coverage and affordable mobile plans, providing reliable connectivity nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid SIM Cards For Travel in Vietnam
Should I buy a SIM card before traveling to Vietnam?
Yes, it is wise to plan ahead, but you can also opt for an eSIM even 24 hours before your trip if you have an eSIM-compatible phone. The best part about eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly is that the plans won’t activate until you connect within the plan’s designated country. This means you won’t be on the clock until your trip finally starts.
What is the best prepaid SIM card for Vietnam in 2024?
We believe Airalo offers the best prepaid eSIMs in Vietnam and around the world in 2024, with options that are 5G compatible, starting from 1GB for 7 days at $4.50 up to 20GB for 30 days at $32.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Check our list to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.
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