How Does SIM Card & Internet Work in Vietnam?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Buy a Viettel SIM at the airport for the best nationwide coverage — 30 days of data costs around 150,000 VND with your passport.
2What You Need to Know
Vietnam has excellent and affordable mobile data coverage in cities and major tourist destinations. Viettel has the broadest nationwide network including rural and mountainous areas; Vinaphone and Mobifone are solid alternatives. SIM cards are sold at the airport arrivals hall, phone shops, and convenience stores for around 100,000–200,000 VND including data. A passport is required for SIM registration. Airalo and other eSIM providers also work in Vietnam if your phone supports eSIM.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy a Viettel SIM at the airport immediately after landing — the desk is in the arrivals hall and takes about 5 minutes.
- 2If you prefer not to swap SIMs, Airalo sells Vietnam eSIM plans starting around $5 USD for 3GB — activate before your flight.
- 3Wi-Fi is free and fast at most cafes, hotels, and restaurants — Vietnam has some of the fastest average internet speeds in Southeast Asia.
How does this compare?
SIM Card & Internet rules in nearby and similar countries:
Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport on arrival — data coverage is excellent nationwide.
Tourist SIMs from AIS or TrueMove cost 299–499 baht at the airport and give you 15–30 days of data with excellent coverage in cities and resort areas.
Singapore has outstanding 5G coverage throughout the entire country, and tourist SIM cards are easy to buy at Changi Airport on arrival.
Traveling to Vietnam?
You might also need:
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
Pocket WiFi Rental
Unlimited mobile internet in your pocket. Rent a WiFi hotspot device for your entire trip.
NordVPN
Stay secure on public WiFi and access your home country's content while abroad.
More About Vietnam
Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam but is appreciated in tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Grab (motorbike or car) dominates city transport, while cheap buses, the scenic Reunification Express train, and budget airlines connect cities.
Updated 2025-06
Travel insurance is critical — private hospitals like FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) and Vinmec (Hanoi) provide quality care but are expensive without coverage.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam enforces extremely strict drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking, and any criticism of the Communist Party government is illegal.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 113; Ambulance: 115; Fire: 114; Tourist support hotline: 1800 599 920 (free).
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or pagodas; everywhere else dress is casual and beach towns are very relaxed.
Updated 2025-06
📱 See SIM Card & Internet rules in all countries
Compare all countries →