Viettel is the best Vietnam SIM card for most tourists, with 7 to 30-day plans from about 60,000 VND (₹220), sold at airport counters and carrier stores after passport registration. VinaPhone and MobiFone also sell tourist plans, and VinaPhone’s official tourist SIM includes international call minutes. Travellers who would rather skip the paperwork can buy a data-only eSIM online, which works from the moment the plane lands.
- Best overall: Viettel, for the widest coverage including Sapa, Ha Giang and the islands.
- Typical cost: 110,000–200,000 VND (₹405–₹735) at city stores including the SIM card, or 200,000–340,000 VND (₹735–₹1,245) for airport bundles.
- What to bring: a valid passport and an unlocked phone.
This guide covers 2026 prices by carrier, which SIM suits which trip, the choice between a SIM, an eSIM and a Pocket WiFi, where to buy, how to register and top up, how a local SIM compares with Indian roaming, and when buying one is not worth it.
Vietnam SIM Card Prices
A Vietnam tourist SIM plan costs from about 60,000 VND (₹220) to 199,000 VND (₹730) for 7 to 30 days across Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone, plus about 50,000 VND (₹185) for the physical SIM card on regular plans. Airport counters sell ready-made bundles for about 200,000–340,000 VND (₹735–₹1,245), so most travellers pay somewhere between the 2.
SIM Card Cost vs Data Plan Cost
A Vietnam SIM card price has 2 parts: the physical SIM card at about 50,000 VND (₹185) and the data plan loaded onto it. City carrier stores usually quote the 2 separately, which is why a plan advertised at 60,000 VND ends up costing about 110,000 VND at the counter, while airport counters sell a bundle at 1 total price. Asking for the total before paying avoids surprises, and the overall Vietnam cost from India puts the SIM next to flights, hotels and meals in the trip budget.
Tourist SIM Plan Prices by Carrier
Viettel tourist plans cost 60,000–180,000 VND (₹220–₹660) for 7 to 30 days, VinaPhone’s official tourist SIM costs 199,000 VND (₹730) for 15 days, and MobiFone’s TR-series travel plans start from about 100,000 VND (₹365).
| Carrier | Plan | Validity | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel | 5G60T / 5G80T / 5G150T | 7 / 15 / 30 days | 5GB a day | 60,000 / 80,000 / 150,000 VND (₹220 / ₹290 / ₹550) |
| Viettel | 5G180H | 30 days | 5GB a day plus 45 call minutes | 180,000 VND (₹660) |
| VinaPhone | Tourist SIM | 15 days | 1GB a day plus 50 local and 50 international minutes and 50 SMS | 199,000 VND (₹730) |
| VinaPhone | Regular prepaid plans | 30 days | From 1GB a day | From about 90,000 VND (₹330) |
| MobiFone | TR-series travel plans | Varies | Daily data | From about 100,000 VND (₹365) |
Plan prices exclude the 50,000 VND SIM card and should be confirmed at the counter before paying. The VinaPhone tourist SIM deactivates after 15 days and cannot be topped up, so longer trips need a regular prepaid plan.
Airport Counter vs City Store Prices
Airport counters charge more than city stores because they sell ready-made tourist bundles, typically 200,000–300,000 VND (₹735–₹1,100) at Tan Son Nhat and US$10–13 (₹950–₹1,235) at Da Nang. The airport is the fastest option on arrival, with no second trip once the phone is working, while city carrier stores sell the cheaper plans in the table above for travellers who can wait a day.
Best SIM Card in Vietnam for Tourists
Viettel is the best SIM card in Vietnam for most tourists because it has the widest coverage, including mountains, islands and rural areas, while VinaPhone suits travellers who want international call minutes and MobiFone suits city-only trips.
- Viettel: Viettel holds more than half of Vietnam’s mobile market and runs the largest 5G network, with more than 30,000 5G base stations, 90% outdoor and 70% indoor coverage, and about 20,000 more stations planned in 2026 towards 98% population coverage. It is the network most often recommended for Sapa, Ha Giang, the islands and remote beaches.
- VinaPhone: VinaPhone, owned by state-run VNPT, sells the only official 15-day tourist SIM with international call minutes included, which suits travellers who still call home by voice rather than through apps. VinaPhone eSIM plans with a +84 number are also sold online, from about US$12.90 (₹1,225) for 10 days with 5GB a day.
- MobiFone: MobiFone works well in the major cities but has weaker coverage in the remote northern mountains and rural areas, so it suits a trip that stays in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hoi An. Vietnamobile is a smaller 4th carrier that few tourists use.
Tourist SIM, eSIM or Pocket WiFi
A physical tourist SIM suits any unlocked phone and gives a Vietnamese number, a data-only eSIM connects from landing, and a Pocket WiFi suits families sharing data across several phones.
| Physical tourist SIM | Data-only eSIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From 60,000 VND (₹220) plus the SIM card | From about US$4.50 (₹430) for 1GB | About US$4–8 (₹380–₹760) a day |
| Vietnamese number | Yes | Usually no | No |
| Passport registration | At the counter | Usually online or not required | Deposit usually required |
| Devices | 1 | 1 | Usually up to 5 |
Free MobiFone eSIM on Arrival
MobiFone gives international visitors a free eSIM with 10GB of data valid for 24 hours, registered online before the trip with a passport photo and a portrait. The eSIM is installed from a QR code and activated by dialling 900 after landing, so it covers the first day while a longer plan is arranged. The steps are set out in the guide to the free MobiFone eSIM in Vietnam.
Phones That Support eSIM
iPhone XS and XR or newer, recent Samsung Galaxy S and Z flagships, and the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 15 and OnePlus Open sold in India support eSIM. The OnePlus 11, 12, 12R and 13R sold in India do not, which catches out travellers who assume every recent model qualifies, and the phone must also be carrier-unlocked. On an iPhone, the check is under Settings, then General, then About; on Android, under Settings, then SIM manager, looking for “Add eSIM”.
How to Set Up an eSIM Before Flying
Travellers install a Vietnam eSIM by scanning the QR code received by email, then switch it on as the data line after landing.
- Buy the eSIM online before departure.
- Scan the QR code on an iPhone under Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM, or on Android under SIM manager, then Add eSIM.
- Set the eSIM as the data line after landing in Vietnam.
- Keep the Indian SIM on the phone for calls and SMS.
Pocket WiFi for Families and Groups
A Pocket WiFi rents for about US$4–8 (₹380–₹760) a day and usually connects up to 5 devices, with pick-up at Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat airport. Most rentals need a refundable deposit, and the device has to be charged daily and stay with the group, which is awkward when people split up for the afternoon.
Regional eSIM for Vietnam and Cambodia Trips
A regional Asia eSIM covers Vietnam and neighbouring countries on 1 profile, which avoids buying a new SIM at each border. Coverage and pricing vary between providers, so the country list is worth checking, especially on Vietnam and Cambodia tours that combine Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Vietnam
Travellers can buy a Vietnam SIM card at carrier counters in the arrivals halls of Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang and Phu Quoc airports, at carrier stores in every major city, or as an eSIM online before leaving India.
- Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi): Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone counters sit in the Terminal 2 international arrivals hall, on both sides after immigration, and most stay open late into the night. Viettel also sells eSIMs at its airport counters, activated within minutes.
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City): official carrier counters sit in the Terminal 2 arrivals hall, where tourist SIMs typically cost 200,000–300,000 VND (₹735–₹1,100) and take under 10 minutes to set up. Long Thanh International Airport is due to take over some international routes in future schedules, so the airport named on the ticket is worth checking.
- Da Nang Airport: SIM card counters sit in the baggage claim area, with bundles at about US$10–13 (₹950–₹1,235), so the phone is working before the taxi rank.
- Phu Quoc Airport: SIM counters sit in the arrivals hall, and carrier stores in Duong Dong sell the same plans, which suits late arrivals when airport counters may have closed.
- City carrier stores: official Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone stores in every major city sell the cheaper plans above and register the SIM with a passport on the spot.
- Before leaving India: data-only Vietnam eSIMs cost from about US$4.50 (₹430) for 1GB online, and India-based sellers such as Matrix list Vietnam eSIMs at about ₹799–₹1,499 for 7–10 days. Sorting the SIM is one step in how to travel Vietnam from India, alongside flights, the arrival airport and the first day on the ground.
Landing with data already working is easier when it is arranged with the rest of the trip. Vietnamtour.in can add a SIM or eSIM to a private itinerary on request, so share the travel dates in the form below and a local expert will plan the route, transfers and connectivity together.
What to Bring and How to Register a SIM
Travellers need a valid passport to buy a physical SIM card in Vietnam, and the seller must register the SIM to that passport under Decree 163/2024/ND-CP.
- What to bring: a valid passport, a carrier-unlocked phone, the hotel address in Vietnam and some Vietnamese dong in cash, since counters ask for the hotel address and small ones often take cash only. The full checklist before your trip to Vietnam covers documents, money and apps.
- Registration rules for foreigners: under Decree 163/2024/ND-CP, in force since December 24, 2024, foreigners register a SIM with a passport valid for their visa or visa-free stay, and the carrier records a portrait photo. The SIM is tied to the passport and its stay period, so the Vietnam visa needs to be in order first.
- How to spot an unregistered SIM: if the seller does not scan or photograph the passport, the card is likely registered to someone else and can be cut off without warning, which happens most often with street stalls and hotel desks.
How to Top Up a Vietnam SIM Card
Travellers top up a Vietnam SIM with scratch cards sold at convenience stores and phone shops, at carrier stores, or through international online top-up services.
- Scratch card: buy the card, scratch off the panel and enter the code using the USSD code printed on the back.
- Carrier store: staff top up the SIM and add a new plan in 1 visit, the easiest route without Vietnamese.
- Carrier app: the MyViettel app is mostly in Vietnamese, so store staff are usually faster.
- Online: international top-up websites accept foreign cards and work from abroad.
The VinaPhone tourist SIM is the exception, since it cannot be topped up once its 15 days end.
Vietnam SIM Card vs International Roaming from India
A Viettel 15-day plan with a SIM card costs about 130,000 VND (₹475) for 5GB a day, while Indian roaming packs cost from about ₹951 for 4GB over 10 days on Jio and ₹1,198 for 3GB over 10 days on Airtel.
| Option | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio IR pack | ₹951 | 4GB plus 200 minutes and 25 SMS | 10 days |
| Jio IR pack | ₹1,551 | 8GB plus 200 minutes and 50 SMS | 14 days |
| Jio annual IR pack | ₹2,799 | 3GB plus 100 minutes and 50 SMS | 365 days |
| Airtel IR pack | ₹1,198 | 3GB plus 200 minutes and 20 SMS | 10 days |
| Airtel IR pack | ₹2,998 | 10GB plus 300 minutes | 30 days |
| Viettel 5G80T plus SIM card | 130,000 VND (₹475) | 5GB a day | 15 days |
| Viettel 5G150T plus SIM card | 200,000 VND (₹735) | 5GB a day | 30 days |
Jio groups its 2026 packs by country tier, so Vietnam’s coverage is worth confirming in the MyJio app before recharging. Roaming keeps the Indian number and needs no registration, which is its real advantage, but a local SIM gives far more data for less money, which is why most travellers staying longer than 3 days buy one on arrival.
Using a Vietnam SIM on a Dual-SIM Phone
Travellers should set the Vietnam SIM as the mobile data line and keep the Indian SIM active in the second slot, with international roaming switched on, to receive bank and UPI OTPs by SMS.
- Insert the Vietnam SIM or turn on the eSIM.
- Set the Vietnam line as the mobile data line.
- Keep the Indian SIM active for calls and SMS.
- Activate international roaming on the Indian SIM before departure, in the MyJio or Airtel Thanks app.
WhatsApp stays linked to the Indian number throughout and simply uses data from the Vietnam SIM, so no reinstallation or re-verification is needed.
Recommended SIM by Trip Type
The right Vietnam SIM depends on 3 things: trip length, whether the phone supports eSIM, and whether the route includes mountains or islands.
| Trip type | Recommended option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 7 days, eSIM-ready phone | Data-only eSIM bought before departure | From about US$4.50 (₹430) for 1GB |
| Up to 7 days, any unlocked phone | Viettel 5G60T plus SIM card | 110,000 VND (₹405) |
| 8–15 days, including Sapa, Ha Giang or islands | Viettel 5G80T plus SIM card | 130,000 VND (₹475) |
| Up to 15 days, needs local and international minutes | VinaPhone Tourist SIM | 199,000 VND (₹730) |
| Up to 30 days | Viettel 5G150T plus SIM card | 200,000 VND (₹735) |
| Family or group with mixed phones | Pocket WiFi | About US$4–8 (₹380–₹760) a day |
| Vietnam plus Cambodia or Laos | Regional Asia eSIM | Varies by provider |
Prices in this table are city store prices; airport counters charge more for the same plans.
When a Vietnam SIM Card Is Not Worth Buying
A local SIM adds little value on trips of 1 to 2 days, for groups sharing 1 Pocket WiFi, or on phones locked to a single carrier.
- Short trips: an Indian roaming pack, or the free 24-hour MobiFone eSIM, avoids the registration queue for a stay of 1 or 2 nights.
- Groups of 4 or more: 1 Pocket WiFi covers mixed phones without registering a SIM for each person.
- Carrier-locked phones: a locked handset only accepts its original carrier’s SIM, so roaming is the only route.
FAQs About Vietnam SIM Cards
How much should I pay for a SIM card in Vietnam?
A fair price is about 110,000–200,000 VND (₹405–₹735) at a city carrier store, including the SIM card, for 7 to 30 days of data. Airport bundles cost more, at about 200,000–340,000 VND (₹735–₹1,245), in exchange for being ready before leaving the terminal.
How much does a Viettel SIM card cost?
A Viettel tourist plan costs 60,000–180,000 VND (₹220–₹660) for 7 to 30 days with 5GB a day, plus about 50,000 VND (₹185) for the SIM card. Viettel airport bundles cost more because the SIM and plan are sold together.
Can I buy a SIM card at Vietnam airports?
Yes, Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone counters operate in the arrivals halls of Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang and Phu Quoc airports. Setup takes under 10 minutes with a passport, and Viettel also sells eSIMs at its airport counters.
Can travellers buy a Vietnam SIM card without a passport?
No for a physical SIM, because Vietnamese law requires passport registration. A data-only eSIM bought online is the workaround for anyone whose passport is with a hotel or an embassy.
Will WhatsApp work with a Vietnam SIM?
Yes, WhatsApp stays linked to the Indian number and simply uses mobile data from the Vietnam SIM or eSIM. No re-verification is needed.
Which SIM works best in Sapa, Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc?
Viettel is the most recommended carrier for mountains, islands and remote beaches because of its wider rural coverage. MobiFone and VinaPhone work in the towns, but coverage thins out on trekking routes and boat trips.
SIM and eSIM Setup with Vietnamtour.in
Vietnamtour.in can arrange a Vietnam SIM or eSIM on request as an optional add-on, so travellers land with data ready instead of queuing at the airport. The service is customised per traveller rather than included in standard tours by default, and any of the Vietnam tour packages can add SIM or eSIM setup to the itinerary.
