Vietnam SIM Card: Complete Guide for Tourists in 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, it’s a good idea to prepare a Vietnam SIM card before you leave or buy one as soon as you arrive at the airport. It gives you instant Internet access, making it easy to navigate, book rides, contact your hotel, and look up travel information throughout your trip. In this guide, Wexplore Vietnam compares eSIMs and physical SIM cards, along with the latest prices and the best places to buy one!
Should You Get a Vietnam SIM Card for Your Trip?
Yes. Compared with international roaming, a Vietnam SIM card is much more affordable. Plans start at around USD 5 and still offer fast 4G/5G connectivity.
With a reliable Internet connection, you can:
- Use Google Maps for navigation.
- Book ride-hailing services such as Grab, Xanh SM, and Be.
- Translate menus, signs, and communicate with local people.
- Contact your hotel, tour guide, or emergency services when needed.
- Use popular Vietnamese apps like Zalo, MoMo, and BusMap.
Although free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, and airports, the connection can be unreliable and may pose security risks.
Vietnam Tourist SIM Card Options: eSIM vs Physical SIM
There are two main types of Vietnam SIM cards available for travelers: physical SIM cards and eSIMs.
- Choose an eSIM if your phone supports it and you want mobile data as soon as you arrive in Vietnam without visiting a SIM counter.
- Choose a physical SIM if your phone does not support eSIM, you want to save money, or you need a Vietnamese phone number for calls and text messages.
| Criteria | Physical SIM | eSIM |
| Format | A traditional SIM card that is inserted into your phone. | A digital SIM built into compatible devices and activated with a QR code. |
| Where to Buy | Available at airports, mobile carrier stores, and authorized SIM retailers. | Can be purchased online and installed before arriving in Vietnam. |
| Advantages | – Compatible with most mobile phones.
– Easy to remove and use in another device. – Widely available throughout Vietnam. |
– Quick activation without swapping SIM cards.
– Mobile data is ready as soon as you land if installed in advance. – No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM. – Multiple eSIM profiles can be stored on one device, depending on the model. – Works well with modern devices such as Apple Watch and some other smartwatches. |
| Disadvantages | – Can be lost or damaged when removed.
– Passport registration is required under Vietnamese regulations. – Usually purchased after arriving in Vietnam. |
– Only works on eSIM-compatible devices.
– Not supported by older phone models. |
Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists
In Vietnam, the three most highly rated mobile network providers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.
Viettel Vietnam Tourist SIM
Viettel is Vietnam’s largest mobile network, offering the country’s widest coverage. Its network reaches major cities, rural areas, mountains, and even remote islands, making it one of the best choices for international travelers.
Why choose a Viettel Tourist SIM?
- Widest network coverage in Vietnam.
- Stable connection, even in remote areas.
- Fast 4G speeds in most locations.
- Great for travelers visiting multiple destinations.
Viettel offers two types of SIMs:
- Regular prepaid SIM: Buy the SIM card (around VND 50,000 – 60,000) and choose a data plan that suits your needs.
- Tourist SIM: Comes with a prepaid data package and is ready to use after activation. However, it cannot be recharged or extended once it expires.
Viettel Prepaid Data Packages
| Data | Price | Activation Code | After Data Limit | Validity |
| 1 GB | VND 5,000 | ST5KM | Unlimited at 128 Kbps | Until midnight on the registration day |
| 1 GB | VND 5,000 | ST5K | Unlimited at 128 Kbps | Until midnight (auto-renews) |
| 2 GB | VND 10,000 | ST10K | Unlimited at 128 Kbps | Until midnight (auto-renews) |
| 3 GB | VND 15,000 | ST15K | Unlimited at 128 Kbps | Until midnight (auto-renews) |
| 3 GB | VND 70,000 | MIMAX70 | Unlimited at 3 Mbps | Until the end of the month |
| 4 GB | VND 30,000 | ST30K | Unlimited at 256 Kbps | 7 days (auto-renews) |
Useful SMS Commands
- Activate a data package: Send the package code (e.g., ST30K) to 191.
- Cancel auto-renewal: Send HUY [package code] to 191, then reply Y to confirm.
- Check your remaining data: Send KTTK to 191.
Viettel Tourist SIM Packages
| Data | Domestic Calls | International Calls | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 20 minutes | 10 minutes | 5 days | VND 100,000 (~USD 4.5) |
| 2 GB | 40 minutes | 20 minutes | 10 days | VND 200,000 (~USD 9) |
| 3 GB | 60 minutes | 30 minutes | 15 days | VND 300,000 (~USD 13) |
| 5 GB | 100 minutes | 50 minutes | 25 days | VND 500,000 (~USD 22) |
Notes:
- International calling minutes are valid only for 25 countries designated by Viettel.
- Data overage is charged at VND 9.76 per 50 KB.
- Viettel tourist SIM packages do not include SMS services.
Vinaphone Vietnam Tourist SIM
A Vinaphone tourist SIM is a great option if your trip mainly includes Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities.
Why Choose a Vinaphone Tourist SIM?
- Fast mobile data in urban areas.
- Reliable international connectivity.
- Affordable tourist SIM packages.
- Ideal for streaming YouTube, making video calls, and working remotely.
Like Viettel, Vinaphone offers both regular prepaid SIM cards and tourist SIM packages for international visitors.
Vinaphone Prepaid Data Packages
| Data | Price | Activation Code | Overage Charge | Validity |
| 1 GB | VND 5,000 | DATA D5 | VND 75/MB | Until midnight on the registration day |
| 2 GB | VND 10,000 | DATA D2 | VND 75/MB | Until midnight on the registration day |
| 3 GB | VND 15,000 | DATA D3 | VND 75/MB | 3 days |
| 4.8 GB | VND 30,000 | DATA BIG70 | VND 75/MB | 7 days |
Useful SMS Commands
- Activate a data package: Send the package code to 1543.
- Cancel auto-renewal: Send HUY D5, HUY D2, HUY D3, or HUY BIG70 to 888.
- Check your remaining data: Send DATA to 888.
Vinaphone Tourist SIM Packages
| High-Speed Data | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited* | 7 days | VND 200,000 (~USD 9) |
| Unlimited* | 15 days | VND 250,000 (~USD 11) |
| Unlimited* | 30 days | VND 300,000 (~USD 13) |
Note: Vinaphone’s “Unlimited” plans include up to 1 GB of high-speed data per day. After you use the daily 1 GB allowance, your connection is reduced to 3G speed until the next day.
Mobifone Vietnam Tourist SIM
A Mobifone tourist SIM offers reliable connectivity in major cities and popular tourist destinations. However, its network coverage in rural and remote areas is not as extensive as Viettel’s.
Why Choose a Mobifone Tourist SIM?
- Strong coverage in cities and lowland areas.
- Stable connection at popular tourist attractions.
- Well-rated customer service.
- Competitive data plans at affordable prices.
Mobifone offers both regular prepaid SIM cards and tourist SIMs for international visitors.
Mobifone Prepaid Data Packages
| High-Speed Data | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited* | 7 days | VND 200,000 (~USD 9) |
| Unlimited* | 15 days | VND 250,000 (~USD 11) |
| Unlimited* | 30 days | VND 300,000 (~USD 13) |
Useful SMS Commands
- Activate a data package: Send the package code to 9084.
- Cancel auto-renewal: Send HUY [package code] to 999.
- Check your remaining data: Send KT DATA to 999.
Mobifone Tourist SIM Packages
| Package | Validity | Price |
| 6 GB data + 60 minutes of domestic calls + 100 domestic SMS + 30 minutes of international calls (selected countries) | 30 days | VND 250,000 (~USD 11) |
| 10 GB data | 30 days | VND 200,000 (~USD 9) |
| 10 GB data + 15 free minutes of calls to South Korea | 30 days | Around USD 10 |
Note: Mobifone tourist SIM packages may vary depending on the time of purchase and the sales location. If you need international calling, check the package details and eligible destinations before buying.
Vietnam SIM Card Cost and Data Packages
The price of a Vietnam SIM card starts at around USD 5, depending on the mobile carrier and the plan you choose. Most Vietnam SIM cards come with one of these two options:
- Data-only plan: A lower-cost option that includes mobile data only.
- Combo plan: Includes mobile data plus domestic calling minutes, making it a good choice if you need to contact hotels, Grab drivers, or local services in Vietnam.
| Plan Type | Data Allowance | Validity | Store Price | Airport Price | Best For |
| Basic Plan | 1–2 GB/day | 30 days | ~VND 150,000 (~USD 6) | ~VND 250,000 (~USD 10) | Web browsing and Google Maps |
| High-Data Plan | 4–6 GB/day | 30 days | ~VND 200,000 (~USD 8) | ~VND 350,000 (~USD 14) | Social media, video calls, and YouTube |
| Unlimited Plan | Unlimited (high-speed data is subject to a fair usage limit) | 30 days | ~VND 300,000 (~USD 12) | ~VND 500,000 (~USD 20) | Heavy users and digital nomads |
| Short-Term Plan | Unlimited or fixed data | 7–15 days | ~VND 120,000 (~USD 5) | ~VND 200,000 (~USD 8) | Short trips |
For most travelers, a Vietnam SIM card with 2 – 4 GB of data per day is more than enough for using Google Maps, social media, video streaming, and staying in touch during your trip.
Where to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card?
You can buy a Vietnam SIM card online before your trip, at the airport when you arrive, or from an official mobile carrier store in Vietnam.
Buy a Vietnam SIM Card Online
If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase and install a Vietnam SIM card before your trip through platforms such as Airalo, Nomad, or Klook. After payment, you’ll receive a QR code to activate your eSIM.
Advantages:
- Internet access as soon as your flight lands.
- No need to queue at airport SIM counters.
- Quick and easy setup.
Disadvantages:
- Usually more expensive than a physical SIM card.
- Only works with eSIM-compatible devices.
Best for: Travelers who want to save time and stay connected immediately upon arrival in Vietnam.
Buy a Vietnam SIM Card at the Airport or Mobile Stores
At major international airports such as Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), you’ll find official counters selling local SIM cards from the country’s major mobile carriers.
Advantages:
- Buy a SIM card immediately after immigration.
- Staff can help with registration and installation.
- No need to search for a mobile store in the city.
Disadvantages:
- Prices are typically 30 – 50% higher than in city stores.
- Some plans advertised as “unlimited” may reduce your speed after you use the high-speed data allowance.
Best for: Short-term visitors who want Internet access right away and don’t mind paying a little extra.
You can also buy a prepaid SIM at official Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone stores throughout Vietnam. Prices are usually fixed, and you’ll have more plans to choose from.
Advantages:
- Better prices, typically VND 150,000–200,000.
- More official plans with larger data allowances.
- Less risk of paying inflated airport prices.
Disadvantages:
- You need to visit a store after arriving in Vietnam.
- Finding the store may be inconvenient if you don’t have Internet access yet.
Best for: Travelers staying longer or those looking for the best value on a travel SIM.
How to Activate and Use a Vietnam SIM Card?
Under Vietnamese regulations, international visitors must present a valid passport to register and activate a Vietnam SIM card. The registration process is handled by the staff at the point of purchase and usually takes only a few minutes.
How to Register Your Vietnam SIM Card?
- Present your original passport.
- The staff will scan or photograph your passport to complete the registration.
- You will receive an SMS confirming that your registration is successful.
- Your Vietnam SIM card is typically activated within 10 minutes.
How to Start Using Your Vietnam SIM Card?
- Insert the physical SIM into your phone, or scan the QR code if you’re using an eSIM.
- Restart your device.
- Wait for the welcome SMS from your mobile carrier. It will include details about your plan and data allowance.
- Check your balance or remaining data using the carrier’s USSD code or SMS command.
Your Vietnam SIM card usually connects to the network almost immediately after activation. To check your balance or remaining data, use the following commands:
| Mobile Carrier | Check Balance | Check Remaining Data |
| Viettel | Dial *101# | Send KTTK to 191 |
| Vinaphone | Dial *101# | Send DATA to 888 |
| Mobifone | Dial *101# | Send KT DATA to 999 |
FAQs About Vietnam SIM Cards
What is the best SIM card in Vietnam for tourists?
Viettel is the best Vietnam SIM card for most travelers thanks to its widest network coverage, especially in rural and mountainous areas.
Can tourists buy a SIM card in Vietnam?
Yes. You can buy either a physical Vietnam SIM card or an eSIM at airport kiosks (such as Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports) or at official mobile carrier stores across Vietnam.
Do I need a passport to buy a Vietnam SIM card?
Yes. A valid passport is required to register and purchase a Vietnam SIM card.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM in Vietnam?
An eSIM is the more convenient option if your phone supports it. You can buy and activate it before your trip, enjoy Internet access as soon as you land, and keep your primary SIM active for calls and messages.
How much does a Vietnam SIM card cost?
A Vietnam SIM card typically costs between VND 100,000 and VND 400,000, depending on the data allowance and validity period.
Choosing the right Vietnam SIM card helps you save money and stay connected throughout your trip. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, Wexplore Vietnam can assist with your visa application and recommend the best SIM card and data plan for your itinerary. Contact us today at +84 904 879 729.