Tourist SIM and eSIM in Vietnam

Last update: 2026-02-17

Travelers to Vietnam can easily obtain a tourist SIM or eSIM online before arrival, at international airports upon landing, or directly at official mobile carrier stores, making it convenient to stay connected from the start of their trip.

Staying connected in Vietnam is simple and affordable. International travelers can choose between physical tourist SIM cards or digital eSIM plans, depending on device compatibility and travel needs.

Vietnam has strong nationwide 4G coverage and expanding 5G services in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Major Mobile Network Providers in Vietnam

Vietnam has three main telecom operators:

Provider	Coverage	Strength	Best For
Viettel	Nationwide	Strongest rural & remote coverage	Multi-destination travelers
Vinaphone	Nationwide	Stable urban network performance	City stays
Mobifone	Nationwide	Competitive prepaid packages	Short-term visits

All providers offer prepaid tourist SIM packages with high data allowances at reasonable prices.

International eSIM Providers Covering Vietnam

Travelers who prefer digital setup can purchase eSIM plans from international providers before arrival.

Provider	Type	Vietnam Coverage	Local Number	Best For
Airalo	Global eSIM marketplace	Yes	No (Data-only)	Quick setup, short trips
Holafly	Travel eSIM	Yes	No (Unlimited data options)	Heavy data users
Nomad	Travel eSIM	Yes	No (Data-only)	Flexible durations
GigSky	Global data provider	Yes	No (Data-only)	Business travelers

Important Notes:

Most international eSIM plans are data-only (no Vietnamese phone number).
Activation is typically done via QR code.
Device must support eSIM.
Plans can be installed before departure.

For travelers mainly using internet-based apps (Google Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, social media), data-only eSIM plans are usually sufficient.

Buying SIM or eSIM at Vietnamese Airports

You can purchase SIM cards upon arrival at major international airports:

Noi Bai International Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Da Nang International Airport

Physical Tourist SIM (Most Common Option)

Available immediately after immigration.
Passport required for registration (legal requirement).
Staff usually assist with activation.
Validity typically ranges from 7 to 30 days.
Includes a local Vietnamese phone number.

eSIM at the Airport

Some official carrier counters (especially Viettel) may support eSIM activation.
Availability can vary depending on staff and device compatibility.
Not all kiosks consistently provide eSIM service.

For guaranteed eSIM access, purchasing online before arrival is often more reliable.

SIM vs eSIM – Quick Comparison

Feature	Tourist SIM	International eSIM
Physical card required	Yes	No
Local Vietnamese number	Usually included	Typically no
Activation	Insert SIM	Scan QR code
Purchase location	Airport or carrier store	Online (before or after arrival)
Best for	Longer stays & local calls	Short stays & convenience

Choosing the Right Option

Need a local phone number for calls or local services? → Physical tourist SIM
Prefer convenience and no SIM swapping? → International eSIM
Traveling outside major cities? → Consider Viettel for broader coverage
Short business or transit trip? → eSIM may be the fastest solution

Selecting the right connectivity option depends on trip duration, data usage, and device compatibility.

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