Indian tourists in Vietnam purchase prepaid SIM cards from 3 major carriers — Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone — available at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). Vietnam prepaid SIM for tourists starts at approximately ₹310 and provides 4G data for 7 to 30 days.
This guide covers every Vietnam SIM card option for Indian tourists — INR prices, carrier comparison, airport purchase steps, eSIM options, and cheap Vietnam SIM prices across all plan durations.
Vietnam Tourist SIM Card: Physical SIM, eSIM, and Pocket WiFi
A Vietnam tourist SIM card is a prepaid physical nano or micro SIM card purchased at the airport or city stores in Vietnam, valid for 7 to 30 days, usable in any unlocked Indian phone. Indian tourists who prefer pre-departure setup opt for a Vietnam eSIM — a digital SIM activated via QR code on compatible smartphones, with connectivity ready the moment the plane lands. For family groups travelling with multiple devices, a Pocket WiFi router rented at the airport shares one data connection across up to 5 phones simultaneously.
| Feature | Physical SIM | eSIM | Pocket WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹310–₹1,035 | ₹375–₹1,500 | ₹200–₹400/day |
| Activation | 5–10 min at airport counter | Instant via QR code | Pick up at airport |
| Devices supported | 1 | 1 | Up to 5 |
| Best For | All unlocked phones | iPhone 12+, Samsung S21+ | Family groups |
| Available At | Vietnam airport / stores | Online before departure | Vietnam airports |
For Indian tourists travelling solo or as a couple to Vietnam, a physical SIM card or eSIM remains the most cost-effective connectivity option. Nearly all unlocked Indian smartphones work seamlessly with Vietnamese SIM cards. In practice, dual-SIM usage is the most common setup: travellers typically keep their Indian numbers active in Slot 2 while using a Vietnam SIM for mobile data in Slot 1 — a configuration that covers the majority of connectivity needs during the trip.
Where to Buy a Vietnam SIM Card as an Indian Tourist?
3 purchase locations exist for Indian tourists buying a Vietnam SIM card: the airport on arrival, city stores inside Vietnam, or a pre-departure eSIM purchase from India.
Buying a Vietnam SIM card at the airport is the fastest option — the process takes 10 minutes at any carrier counter in the arrival hall, with English-speaking staff who handle registration, activation, and SIM insertion on the spot.
Buying a Vietnam SIM Card at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone counters are located on the ground floor of Terminal 2, inside the arrival hall after immigration clearance. The counters are open 24 hours daily — positioned immediately after baggage collection, before the airport exit.
The 4-step Vietnam SIM card purchase process at Noi Bai Airport:
- Present an Indian passport at any Noi Bai carrier counter — passport registration is mandatory under Vietnamese government Decree 49/2017/ND-CP and takes 1–2 minutes
- Choose a Vietnam SIM plan by duration and data allowance — Noi Bai counter staff display all plan options in English with VND and USD prices side by side
- Pay in VND or USD — Noi Bai airport SIM counters accept both currencies, and most accept international Visa and Mastercard
- Allow Noi Bai counter staff to insert and activate the Vietnam SIM — the Indian tourist’s phone connects to the Vietnamese network within 5 minutes
SIM price range at Noi Bai airport: VND 125,000–375,000 (₹431–₹1,293) depending on plan and carrier.
Buying a Vietnam SIM Card at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone SIM card counters at Tan Son Nhat Airport are located in the international arrivals hall of Terminal 2, immediately after baggage collection. Viettel operates 2 dedicated branches in Tan Son Nhat’s international arrivals hall — Booth G.1.38/12 on the left side after customs clearance, and Booth G.2.44/02 on the right side. Tan Son Nhat Airport SIM card counters operate 24 hours daily; individual kiosks at Tan Son Nhat may close between 2 AM and 6 AM.
The Vietnam SIM card purchase process at Tan Son Nhat follows the same 4 steps as Noi Bai — passport registration, plan selection, payment in VND or USD, and staff-assisted activation — with the Indian tourist’s phone connecting within 5 minutes.
Indian tourists fly into Ho Chi Minh City via Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai routes and land at Tan Son Nhat. The SIM price range at Tan Son Nhat is identical to Noi Bai: VND 125,000-375,000 (₹431–₹1,293), depending on the plan selected.
Buying a Vietnam SIM Card from India Before Departure
3 pre-departure Vietnam SIM options are available for Indian tourists: Airalo Vietnam eSIM, Matrix.in, and Holafly Vietnam eSIM.
Airalo Vietnam eSIM starts at $4.50 USD (~₹375) for 1GB data over 7 days, purchased via the Airalo app, with the QR code delivered instantly by email. Airalo Vietnam eSIM runs on Viettel and Mobifone 4G networks — the 2 carriers with the widest coverage in Vietnam. Matrix.in is an India-based travel SIM retailer that delivers a physical Vietnam SIM card to an Indian address before departure, with Vietnam SIM plans starting at ₹599. Holafly Vietnam eSIM offers unlimited data plans starting at approximately ₹1,400, running on all 3 major Vietnam networks simultaneously.
Activate a Vietnam eSIM before boarding the India departure flight — no Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat counter queue on arrival. The limitation: Vietnam eSIM requires a compatible smartphone — covered in full in the eSIM section below.
Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone: Which Vietnam SIM Card Is Best for Indian Tourists?
Viettel is the best Vietnam SIM card for Indian tourists who travel across multiple cities — Viettel 4G covers 98% of Vietnam’s population, making Viettel the most reliable carrier on the full Hanoi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City circuit.
| Carrier | Coverage | Best For | 4G Speed | Starting Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel | 98% population | Multi-city itineraries | Strong nationwide | ₹690 |
| Mobifone | Urban-focused | Hanoi + HCMC only | Fastest in cities | ₹310+ |
| Vinaphone | Central Vietnam specialist | Hue + Da Nang + Hoi An | Strongest central Vietnam | ₹905+ |
Viettel Tourist SIM Plans
Viettel 4G covers all 9 major Vietnam tourist destinations, making Viettel the default recommendation for Indian tourists on multi-city Vietnam itineraries.
| Plan | Duration | Data | Airport Price (VND) | Airport Price (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR200 | 7 days | 5GB/day | 200,000 VND | ~₹690 | Short trips (7 days) |
| TOUR300 | 30 days | 5GB/day | 300,000 VND | ~₹1,034 | Full Vietnam itinerary |
Viettel eSIM is available for compatible phones at the same plan prices as Viettel physical SIM cards. The Viettel TOUR200 plan delivers 5GB of data per day for 7 days — 35GB of total data — sufficient for simultaneous Google Maps navigation, Grab ride-booking, WhatsApp video calls, and social media sharing throughout the trip.
Mobifone Tourist SIM Plans
Mobifone delivers the fastest 4G download speeds in Hanoi (averaging 45 Mbps) and Ho Chi Minh City (averaging 42 Mbps) among the 3 major Vietnamese carriers.
Mobifone tourist SIM plans offer data from 1GB to 250GB, validity from 1 to 30 days, priced from 90,000 VND to 250,000 VND (~₹310–₹862). Indian tourists should check the current Mobifone plan options at the Mobifone counter on arrival, as Mobifone tourist plan configurations are updated frequently.
Mobifone 4G signal weakens in remote areas — Mobifone Vietnam SIM is not recommended for Indian tourists trekking in Sapa, visiting rural Ha Long Bay islands, or travelling through Central Highlands destinations. Indian tourists on urban-focused itineraries covering only Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City receive the fastest 4G in-city experience from Mobifone among all 3 Vietnam carriers.
Vinaphone Tourist SIM Plans
Vinaphone 4G signal is the strongest across Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An — the central Vietnam triangle visited by Indian tourists on a 7–10 day itinerary.
| Plan | Duration | Data | Airport Price (VND) | Airport Price (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinaphone 10-day | 10 days | Unlimited | ~262,513 VND | ~₹905 | Central Vietnam circuit |
| Vinaphone 30-day | 30 days | 10GB | ~210,010 VND | ~₹724 | Budget long-stay option |
Indian tourists covering the full north-to-south Vietnam route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City use Viettel for consistent coverage across all 9 destinations.
Vietnam Tourist SIM Data Plans 4G 5G
4G is available in all 9 major Vietnam tourist cities — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam 5G coverage is no longer limited to urban areas: Viettel operates 30,000 5G base stations covering 90% of outdoor areas nationwide across all 34 provincial capitals as of the end of 2025, making Viettel the only carrier in Vietnam running a full 5G Standalone network.
| City | Viettel 4G | Mobifone 4G | Vinaphone 4G | 5G Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strongest | ✅ Good | ✅ Viettel, VNPT, Mobifone |
| Ha Long Bay | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Ninh Binh | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Hue | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Strongest | ✅ Available |
| Da Nang | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Strongest | ✅ Fastest 5G in Vietnam |
| Hoi An | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Strongest | ⚠️ Limited |
| Nha Trang | ✅ Strong | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ✅ Available |
| Da Lat | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Ho Chi Minh City | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strongest | ✅ Good | ✅ Viettel, VNPT, Mobifone |
For a 7-day Vietnam trip, the Viettel TOUR200 covers the complete Hanoi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City circuit without requiring a top-up. All Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone tourist SIM plans allow mobile hotspot sharing — relevant for Indian couples or families where one person holds the data SIM and shares connectivity with a second device.
Cheap Vietnam SIM Card Prices for Indian Tourists
A Vietnam tourist SIM card costs ₹310 to ₹1,034 for Indian travelers, depending on the carrier and plan duration. Viettel’s TOUR200 7-day plan costs ₹690 at the airport counter, while Vinaphone’s 10-day unlimited plan costs ₹905. Airport counter prices are 10–15% higher than city store prices.
| Carrier | Plan | Duration | Data | Airport Price (INR) | City Store Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel | TOUR200 | 7 days | 5GB/day (35GB) | ₹690 | ₹595–₹630 |
| Viettel | TOUR300 | 30 days | 5GB/day (150GB) | ₹1,034 | ₹890–₹940 |
| Mobifone | Tourist plans | 1–30 days | 1GB–250GB | ₹310–₹862 | ₹270–₹740 |
| Vinaphone | 10-day unlimited | 10 days | Unlimited | ₹905 | ₹730–₹775 |
| Vinaphone | 30-day | 30 days | 10GB | ₹724 | ₹615–₹660 |
| Airalo eSIM | Xin Chao | 7 days | 1GB | ₹375 (pre-departure) | — |
A full cost comparison between local Vietnam SIM card plans and Jio/Airtel international roaming packs is covered in the roaming comparison section below.
Vietnam eSIM for Indian Tourists
Vietnam eSIM requires a compatible smartphone released after 2018 (Apple) or 2021 (Android) — not all Indian phones support eSIM. Activating a Vietnam eSIM before the India departure flight eliminates the Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airport counter queue — the Vietnam eSIM connects automatically the moment the plane lands.
OnePlus India critical warning: OnePlus phones purchased in India — including OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 Indian variants — do not support eSIM due to hardware restrictions on the India ROM. Only OnePlus 11, 12, and 13 purchased as global or EU variants support eSIM. Indian tourists with OnePlus phones purchased in India purchase a physical Vietnam SIM card at the airport arrival counter instead.
Which Indian Phones Support Vietnam eSIM?
iPhone XS and all later iPhone models support Vietnam eSIM. Samsung Galaxy S21 and all later Galaxy flagship models support Vietnam eSIM. OnePlus India variants default to physical Vietnam SIM as noted above.
| Brand | Compatible Models | eSIM Supported Since | How to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series | 2018 | Settings → General → About → “Available SIM” |
| Samsung | Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, Z Fold 3+, Z Flip 3+ | 2021 | Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 11, 12, 13 — global/EU variant only | 2023 | Settings → SIM & Network → Manage eSIM card |
| Vivo | X80, X90 series | 2022 | Settings → SIM & Network → Add eSIM |
| Realme | GT 2 Pro and later flagship models | 2022 | Settings → SIM & Network → Add eSIM |
Indian phones purchased before 2020, budget Android devices under ₹15,000, and all OnePlus India variants do not support Vietnam eSIM — purchasing a physical Vietnam SIM card at the Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat airport arrival counter instead.
How to Set Up a Vietnam eSIM on an Indian Phone
- Purchase the Vietnam eSIM from Airalo, Holafly, or Matrix.in — a QR code arrives by email within minutes of purchase
- On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR Code
- Save the Vietnam eSIM profile to the phone — do NOT activate the Vietnam eSIM yet; activation happens automatically on arrival in Vietnam
- On arrival in Vietnam, go to Settings and confirm the Vietnam eSIM is enabled as the data SIM
- Set the Indian SIM (Jio/Airtel) as the default for calls and SMS — the Indian SIM remains active for UPI OTPs and WhatsApp account verification
The full Vietnam eSIM setup process takes 5 minutes on any compatible phone and is best completed the day before departure from India.
Is a Vietnam eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM Card for Indian Tourists?
A Vietnam eSIM is better for Indian tourists with compatible smartphones who want connectivity before landing; a physical Vietnam SIM card is better for older phones, OnePlus India variants, or travelers who prefer in-person support at the airport counter.
Vietnam eSIM delivers 4 advantages over a physical Vietnam SIM: Vietnam eSIM activates before departure from India, Vietnam eSIM requires no physical SIM swap on arrival, the Indian SIM remains active in Slot 2 simultaneously with Vietnam eSIM in Slot 1, and the Vietnam eSIM QR code is delivered instantly by email after purchase.
Physical Vietnam SIM delivers 3 advantages over Vietnam eSIM: physical Vietnam SIM works on all unlocked phones regardless of model year or brand, in-person Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat carrier staff provide setup support in English, and a physical Vietnam SIM is straightforward to replace at any carrier store if the phone is lost or damaged.
| Trip Style | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Solo traveler with iPhone 12 or newer | Vietnam eSIM |
| Family group with mixed phone models | Physical Vietnam SIM (airport counter) |
| Budget traveler with Android under ₹15,000 | Physical Vietnam SIM |
| OnePlus phone purchased in India | Physical Vietnam SIM — India variant does not support eSIM |
| Traveler activating before flight from Mumbai or Delhi | Vietnam eSIM |
Can Indian Tourists Top Up a Vietnam SIM Card?
Yes — Indian tourists top up a Vietnam SIM card at convenience stores, carrier apps, carrier stores, or airport counters across Vietnam. 4 top-up methods are available for all 3 major Vietnam SIM carriers:
- Scratch card (thẻ cào): Viettel and Mobifone scratch cards are available at Circle K, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven stores across all 9 major Vietnam tourist cities. Scratch card denominations: 20,000 VND (~₹69), 50,000 VND (~₹172), 100,000 VND (~₹345), 200,000 VND (~₹690).
- Carrier app: The MyViettel app and Mobifone app both accept international Visa and Mastercard for digital Vietnam SIM top-up — no physical store visit required.
- Carrier store: Viettel and Mobifone stores are located in every major Vietnamese city — Viettel store staff and Mobifone store staff assist with top-up and plan extension in person.
- Airport counter: Vietnam SIM top-up is available at the same Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone counters at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat where the SIM was originally purchased.
Adding 50,000 VND (~₹172) of Viettel credit extends most Viettel tourist data plans by 3 additional days. The current INR to VND conversion reference is ₹1 = 290 VND — verify the live rate before calculating top-up amounts.
Vietnam SIM Card vs Indian International Roaming
Indian tourists who choose a local Vietnam SIM card over Jio international roaming save between ₹309 and ₹2,309 on a 7-day trip — the cost saving over Jio IR grows significantly on trips longer than 7 days.
Jio international roaming does not operate on a per-day pricing model. Jio IR operates on pack-based pricing with fixed data allowances and fixed validity periods. The correct comparison is total pack cost versus total Vietnam SIM card cost for the same trip duration:
| Option | Pack Price | Data | Duration | Cost Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio IR Pack (basic) | ₹999 | 1GB | 7 days | ₹999/GB |
| Jio IR Pack (standard) | ₹2,999 | 5GB | 7 days | ₹600/GB |
| Airtel IR Pack | ₹1,199–₹3,999 | 1–5GB | 7–10 days | ₹350–₹700/GB |
| Viettel TOUR200 | ₹690 | 35GB (5GB×7) | 7 days | ₹20/GB |
| Airalo Vietnam eSIM | ₹375 | 1GB | 7 days | ₹375/GB |
For any Vietnam trip longer than 3 days, a local Vietnam SIM card or Vietnam eSIM is the financially superior choice for Indian tourists — the Viettel TOUR200 at ₹690 provides 35 times more data than the basic Jio IR pack at ₹999 for less total cost.
Indian passport holders require an approved Vietnam entry visa before boarding any flight to Vietnam. Beyond SIM card costs, understanding the full scope of travelling to Vietnam from India — covering visa fees, flights, accommodation, and activities — helps Indian travelers plan every step before departure.
Indian tourists who budget in advance typically save 20–30% compared to last-minute bookings. A detailed breakdown of the full trip cost from India in INR covers every spending category from flights and hotels to food and activities.
Do Indian Tourists Need to Register a Vietnam SIM Card with Their Passport?
Yes — all foreign nationals, including Indian tourists, must register a Vietnam SIM card using their passport at the point of purchase. Vietnam SIM card passport registration is a government requirement under Decree 49/2017/ND-CP.
The 3-step Vietnam SIM card passport registration process at any airport counter:
- Hand the Indian passport to Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat carrier counter staff
- Carrier counter staff record the passport number and scan the document — the full registration step takes 1–2 minutes
- Carrier counter staff activate the Vietnam SIM card under the traveler’s identity — no additional forms or fees required beyond the SIM plan price
Vietnam eSIMs purchased through Airalo or Holafly include automatic registration — Indian tourists purchasing pre-departure Vietnam eSIMs do not present their passports at an airport counter on arrival.
Vietnam SIM card passport registration is one of several documentation steps that Indian tourists complete on arrival in Vietnam. Carry printed or digital copies of the Vietnam visa approval letter, return flight tickets, and hotel booking confirmations — a complete Vietnam travel checklist for Indians covering every document and item needed before departure ensures Indian travelers clear Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat immigration without delays.
How to Use a Vietnam SIM Card on a Dual-SIM Indian Phone
Set the Vietnam SIM card as the default data SIM and keep the Indian SIM (Jio/Airtel/Vi) active on SIM Slot 2 for calls, WhatsApp account verification, and UPI payments.
The 4-step dual-SIM configuration for Indian tourists using a Vietnam SIM card:
- Insert the Vietnam SIM card in SIM Slot 1 of the Indian phone
- Set the Vietnam SIM as the mobile data SIM — on iPhone: Settings → Cellular → set Vietnam SIM as “Primary” for data; on Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → set Vietnam SIM as mobile data SIM
- Keep the Indian SIM active and not disabled — the active Indian SIM receives SMS OTPs for Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and Indian banking apps without incurring roaming data charges
- Set the Indian SIM as the default for outgoing calls — incoming calls from India connect to the Indian number without roaming charges on the Indian caller’s end
UPI note: Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm UPI transactions require the Indian SIM to receive SMS OTPs. Disabling the Indian SIM during Vietnam travel blocks all UPI payments — keep the Indian SIM active throughout the Vietnam trip for uninterrupted UPI access.
WhatsApp note: WhatsApp calls use data from the Vietnam SIM in Slot 1, while the WhatsApp account remains linked to the Indian number on the Indian SIM in Slot 2. WhatsApp calls and WhatsApp account verification both function simultaneously without any additional reconfiguration.
Indian tourists who rely on Grab for airport transfers, city-to-city travel, and day trip logistics in Vietnam require a working Vietnam SIM data connection at all times. The Vietnam SIM card provides the data layer that makes Grab, Google Maps, and booking apps functional from the moment the plane lands — keeping the Vietnam SIM active throughout the trip ensures uninterrupted access to navigation, ride-hailing, and real-time translation apps across all destinations.
When Should Indian Tourists NOT Buy a Vietnam SIM Card?
3 specific scenarios exist where buying a local Vietnam SIM card adds unnecessary complexity for Indian tourists:
- Trips under 3 days are the first scenario that shouldn’t buy a Vietnam SIM Card, as a Jio IR pack at ₹999 or Airtel IR pack at ₹1,199 is simpler than registering and configuring a local Vietnam SIM card — the cost difference between Jio IR and Viettel TOUR200 is minimal on a 1–2 day visit.
- Travel groups of 4 or more people are the second scenario where a single Pocket WiFi rental at ₹200–₹400 per day — connecting up to 5 devices simultaneously — costs less per person than 4 individual Vietnam SIM cards on a 3–5 day trip.
- Carrier-locked Indian phones are the third scenario where a Vietnam SIM card cannot be used — some Indian phones purchased on locked Jio or Airtel contracts cannot accept a foreign SIM card regardless of unlocking attempts. Carrier-locked Indian phone users rely on Pocket WiFi or the travel group’s shared data connection instead.
Indian tourists on guided group tours often receive portable WiFi devices or airport SIM card connectivity as part of the tour package — making an individual Vietnam SIM card purchase unnecessary for short, fully managed itineraries. For travelers who prefer a complete Vietnam experience where transport, accommodation, and connectivity are arranged before departure, Vietnam tour packages for Indians include connectivity options that eliminate the need to purchase and configure a local Vietnam SIM card independently.
