Staying connected in Vietnam is easy, affordable, and reliable. Whether you need internet for navigation, messaging, remote work, or sharing your travel experiences, Vietnam offers a wide range of SIM cards, eSIMs, and public Wi-Fi options for travelers.

Mobile internet quality in Vietnam

Vietnam has one of the fastest and most affordable mobile internet systems in Southeast Asia.

• 4G/LTE coverage is excellent in cities, tourist destinations, and along major transport routes
• 5G is gradually rolling out in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Mobile data speeds are generally stable and suitable for:
  • Google Maps & Grab
  • Video calls
  • Social media & cloud apps

In remote or mountainous areas, coverage may be weaker, but basic connectivity is usually available.

Major mobile network providers

The three most popular and reliable operators in Vietnam are:

Viettel

• Best overall coverage nationwide
• Strong signal in rural and remote areas
• Recommended for long trips or multi-region travel

Vinaphone

• Good speed and stability in cities
• Popular among business travelers

Mobifone

• Competitive prices
• Reliable in urban areas and tourist hotspots

All three support 4G and selected 5G areas.

SIM card options for travelers

Tourist SIM (physical SIM)

Tourist SIMs are widely available and easy to use.

Typical features

• Validity: 7 – 30 days
• Data-only or data + local calls
• Fixed data packages or unlimited daily data

Where to buy

• International airports (arrival halls)
• Mobile operator stores
• Convenience stores & travel agencies

💡 Airport SIMs are convenient but slightly more expensive than city stores.

eSIM for Vietnam

eSIM is a popular option for travelers who want instant connectivity.

Advantages

• No physical SIM needed
• Activate before arrival
• Keep your home SIM active

Things to check

• Your phone must support eSIM
• Most Vietnam eSIMs are data-only
• Local calls usually require internet apps (WhatsApp, Zalo, Skype)

eSIMs are ideal for short stays and digital nomads.

How much does a SIM cost?

Approximate prices (may vary by provider):

• 7–10 days: 5–10 USD
• 15–30 days: 10–20 USD
• eSIM packages: from 6 USD

Vietnam offers some of the best value mobile data in the region.

What you need to buy a SIM

To register a SIM card, you usually need:

• Passport
• SIM registration at the point of purchase (handled by the seller)

Registration is mandatory under Vietnamese law, so avoid unregistered SIMs.

Wi-Fi availability in Vietnam

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in:

• Hotels & homestays
• Cafés & restaurants
• Shopping malls
• Airports & coworking spaces

However:

• Public Wi-Fi may be slow or unstable
• Security is not always guaranteed

🔐 For banking or sensitive data, mobile data or a VPN is recommended.

Tips for staying connected

• Download offline maps before traveling
• Use messaging apps like Zalo (very popular in Vietnam)
• Keep a portable power bank for long days out
• Check your data usage if using unlimited plans with daily limits

Which option should you choose?

• Short trip (≤ 10 days): eSIM or tourist SIM
• Long trip / multi-region: Viettel physical SIM
• Digital nomad: Local SIM + monthly data plan
• Business traveler: eSIM + hotel Wi-Fi

Explore more travel essentials

You’ll find more detailed guides about mobile services, travel apps, and connectivity tips in our Vietnam travel guides and local destination articles — helping you stay connected and travel with confidence throughout Vietnam.