Last checked: 21 September 2026. Package names and prices change often; the figures below are typical tourist packages as of August 2026.
You will use your phone constantly in Vietnam: maps, ride-hailing apps, translation, restaurant reviews, messages to your hotel. Hotel and café Wi-Fi is widespread, but it will not help you in a taxi or on a street corner. A local data package is cheap and makes every day easier.
The only real question is whether to choose an eSIM or a physical SIM card.
The short answer
- Choose an eSIM if your phone supports it and you want data working the moment you land
- Choose a physical SIM if your phone does not support eSIM, or you would like someone to set it up for you
- Budget: roughly 150,000–300,000 VND (about US$6–12) for 15–30 days of generous data
- Bring your passport: SIM cards in Vietnam must be registered to the user’s identity
eSIM or physical SIM?
| eSIM | Physical SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Works on arrival | Yes, if installed before you fly | After you buy it at the airport or in town |
| Keep your home number active | Yes, side by side | Only on dual-SIM phones |
| Phone compatibility | Newer phones only; phone must be unlocked | Any unlocked phone |
| Setup | Scan a QR code yourself | Staff usually insert and activate it for you |
| Price | Usually a little higher | Usually a little cheaper |
Check your phone first. In your phone settings, look for “Add eSIM” or “Add cellular plan”. Also check that your phone is unlocked, meaning it is not tied to your home carrier. A locked phone will not accept a Vietnamese SIM or eSIM.
Typical tourist packages
Vietnam’s three main networks are Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone. All three cover the cities and main tourist routes well. Viettel is often cited as having the widest coverage in remote mountain areas.
| Type | Network | Data | Validity | Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical SIM | MobiFone | 4 GB per day | 30 days | 150,000 |
| Physical SIM | Vinaphone | 5 GB per day, plus calls within the network | 15 days | 170,000 |
| Physical SIM | Viettel | 5 GB per day, no calls | 30 days | 230,000 |
| eSIM | MobiFone | 4 GB per day, plus calls within the network | 30 days | 250,000 |
| eSIM | Viettel | 5 GB per day, no calls | 30 days | 300,000 |
At about 26,300 VND to the US dollar, that is roughly US$6–12. Airport counters stock similar packages and are the most convenient option, though prices can be higher than shops in town, so compare before you buy.
Where to buy
- Before you fly (eSIM): buy online from a network or a reputable eSIM seller and install it at home while you still have Wi-Fi. Switch it on when you land.
- At the airport: SIM counters sit in the arrivals halls of the main international airports. Staff will set it up and test it before you leave.
- In town: official Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone stores. Avoid unofficial resellers: if something goes wrong, you may not be able to get it fixed or refunded.
Choose a package that lasts your whole stay. Topping up is easy, with top-up cards sold at convenience stores, but it is simpler not to need it.
Travelling as a couple, group or family?
Put data on at least two phones. If your group splits up, one heading back to the hotel and one staying out, both still have maps, ride-hailing and messages.
Apps to download before you go
- Grab, Xanh SM or Be for rides and food delivery. There is no Uber in Vietnam
- Google Maps, with offline maps downloaded for each city
- Google Translate, with the Vietnamese language pack downloaded for offline use and the camera translation feature
- WhatsApp or Zalo: Zalo is Vietnam’s most-used messaging app, and many hotels, drivers and guides use it
Frequently asked questions
Can I just use international roaming?
You can, but for most travellers it is far more expensive than a local package. Check your home carrier’s daily rate for Vietnam before deciding.
Is free Wi-Fi safe to use?
Wi-Fi is available in almost every hotel and café, but public networks are not always secure. Use your mobile data for banking and payments.
Will my SIM work in the mountains and on Ha Long Bay?
Coverage is good on the main tourist routes, including most of Ha Long Bay and Sapa town. It can drop in deep valleys and remote villages, which is where Viettel usually performs best.
Do I need a Vietnamese phone number?
Not strictly, but it helps. Some drivers, restaurants and delivery services will call or message a local number.
Package names, data allowances and prices change often. Check with the network or seller before you buy.
Still preparing? Read our guides to the Vietnam e-visa and daily travel costs.