E-Visa Application Guide

Vietnam Tourist SIM & eSIM — Best Options in 2025 (Networks, Plans, Where to Buy & Setup)

Posted on by VietnamEntryVisa

For most travelers, a Viettel Tourist SIM/eSIM offers the widest coverage and reliable 4G/5G at low cost. Expect VND 100,000–250,000 (~US$4–10) for 7–30 days with generous data. Buy at airport kiosks for instant activation or official stores in the city for the lowest price. eSIM lets you activate before landing and keep your home number active.

Who This Guide Helps

  • “What’s the best SIM card in Vietnam for tourists?”

  • “Viettel vs Vinaphone vs Mobifone—who has the best coverage/speeds?”

  • “Where do I buy—airport, store, or online? eSIM or physical SIM?”

  • “How much data do I need, and what does it cost in 2025?”

  • “How do I stay connected on Grab/Maps/WhatsApp without roaming fees?”

Ideal for: short vacations, business trips, long stays, digital nomads, and anyone who wants fast data, local calls, and no bill shock.

1) Quick Picks — Best Vietnam SIM/eSIM for Tourists (2025)

  • Best overall coverage (cities + rural/mountains): Viettel

  • Great in cities & along the coast: Vinaphone

  • Good for urban stays & popular destinations: Mobifone

  • Best for “land-and-go” convenience: Airport kiosks (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang)

  • Best for keeping your home number active: eSIM (dual-SIM support)

2) Network Comparison

Network Coverage Speed Tourist-Friendly? Best For
Viettel Excellent nationwide (incl. rural) 4G/5G in major cities ✅ Most travelers, off-grid routes
Vinaphone Very good (cities/coastal) 4G ✅ Beach/coastal itineraries
Mobifone Good (urban/popular spots) 4G ✅ City breaks & mainstream routes

Tip: If you’ll visit mountains, national parks, or rural areas, pick Viettel. If you’ll stay mostly in cities or along the coast, Vinaphone and Mobifone are also strong.

3) Best Tourist Plans (Typical 2025 Offers)

3.1 Viettel Tourist SIM/eSIM — Recommended

  • Data: ~5–10 GB/day high-speed, then reduced speed

  • Validity: 7–30 days

  • Price: VND 100,000–250,000 (~US$4–10)

  • Extras: Often free on-net calls (Viettel→Viettel)

3.2 Vinaphone Tourist SIM

  • Data: 6–15 GB total high-speed

  • Validity: 15–30 days

  • Price: VND 150,000–200,000 (~US$6–8)

  • Best for: City/coastal itineraries

3.3 Mobifone Tourist SIM

  • Data: ~4 GB/day

  • Validity: 7–30 days

  • Price: VND 120,000–200,000 (~US$5–8)

  • Extras: Often includes local call minutes

Fair Usage Policy (FUP): High-speed data is capped per plan; speeds may reduce after you hit the cap.

4) Where to Buy (and What You’ll Need)

  • ✈️ Airports (HAN/SGN/DAD): Fastest and most convenient; costs slightly more. Staff help with setup.

  • 🏬 Official stores: Viettel/Vinaphone/Mobifone shops across cities—best prices and full support.

  • 🛒 Convenience stores (Circle K/FamilyMart): Handy but limited plan variety.

  • 🌍 Online pre-order / eSIM: Pay online, QR activation; pick up at airport (physical) or activate before you fly (eSIM).

What to bring:

  • Passport (for mandatory SIM registration)

  • Cash/card (VND accepted; many accept cards)

  • 5–10 minutes for registration & activation

5) eSIM in Vietnam

  • Activate before you land (scan QR) → online immediately on arrival

  • Keep your home SIM active for bank OTPs / WhatsApp (dual-SIM)

  • No plastic swapping; ideal for iPhone, Pixel, Samsung and newer devices

  • Great for multi-country trips—switch plans digitally

Buy eSIM from Viettel or reputable providers. Ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

6) How Much Data Do You Need?

  • Weekend city break (2–4 days): 5–10 GB total is plenty

  • Classic 10–14 day itinerary: 30–60 GB total or ~4–6 GB/day

  • One month / remote work: Daily GB plans or large monthly bucket (consider Viettel for rural backup)

7) Setup & Troubleshooting

  • How do I activate? Staff will register your SIM using your passport; insert SIM (or scan eSIM QR), toggle mobile data, and you’re live.

  • APN settings? Most phones auto-configure; if not, ask staff at purchase.

  • No data on arrival? Toggle Airplane Mode, ensure Data Roaming is ON for eSIM, restart.

  • Top-ups & add-ons: Visit official shops/apps for extensions or extra data.

  • Coverage concerns? Choose Viettel for remote routes and mountains.

8) Real-World Use Cases

  • Ride-hailing: Grab + Zalo messaging with drivers

  • Navigation: Google Maps + live traffic

  • Travel admin: Confirm hotels/tours, receive flight updates

  • Messaging & calls: WhatsApp, FaceTime, local calls (drivers/hotels)

9) Quick Decision Guide — SIM vs eSIM

  • I need instant data on landing & keep my home number: eSIM

  • I want the absolute cheapest price: Official store in the city (physical SIM)

  • I’m visiting rural/mountain areas: Viettel (SIM or eSIM)

  • I’m staying mostly in cities/coast: Vinaphone or Mobifone are fine

FAQ

Q: What’s the best SIM for Vietnam in 2025?
A: Viettel for overall coverage; Vinaphone/Mobifone are strong in cities/coasts.

Q: eSIM or physical SIM?
A: eSIM for pre-arrival activation and dual-SIM convenience; physical if you prefer in-person setup or the lowest city-store price.

Q: Typical cost for a month?
A: About VND 150,000–250,000 (US$6–10) for generous data on a tourist plan.

Q: Is 5G available?
A: Yes, in major cities (availability varies by network/area).

At VietnamEntryVisa.com (operated by Nguyen Adventure, trusted since 2010 with excellent Trustpilot/Tripadvisor reviews), you can bundle:

  • Vietnam e-Visa assistance (Standard, 1-Day, Same-Day, Holiday)

  • Airport pickup & tourist SIM/eSIM setup on arrival

  • Trip essentials (guidance on ports of entry, local tips)

Plan your connectivity now and skip roaming fees.
Apply for your Vietnam e-Visa and request SIM/eSIM assistance → VietnamEntryVisa.com