Vietnam SIM Card & Internet Guide 2026 | Best Tourist Plans & Networks

🌏 Why You Need a Local SIM Card in Vietnam

When visiting Vietnam, a reliable internet connection is more than convenience — it’s a must-have for Google Maps, Grab rides, hotel check-ins, and contacting your private driver or tour operator.
While cafés and hotels often provide free Wi-Fi, it can be slow, unsecured, or unavailable when you need it most (especially on the road). A local SIM card or eSIM gives you full-speed mobile data anywhere — perfect for real-time navigation, translation, and travel updates.

📶 Vietnam’s Major Mobile Networks

Vietnam has four main telecom providers. All offer competitive data plans, but coverage and quality differ slightly by region.

👉 Tip: If your Vietnam itinerary includes Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An, choose Viettel or VinaPhone for consistent service across coastal and mountain regions.

📱 Types of SIM Cards for Tourists in Vietnam

Choosing the right SIM card depends on how long you stay and how you travel. Vietnam offers several convenient options for visitors — from short-stay tourist SIMs to flexible prepaid and digital eSIMs.

1. Tourist SIM (Short Stay Travelers)

If you’re in Vietnam for a few days or weeks, this is your best pick.

• ✅ Preloaded with data (usually 10 – 30 GB)

• ✅ Valid for 7 – 30 days

• ✅ Includes local calls & SMS (some plans)

• ✅ Easy to buy and activate at airports

It’s the perfect “plug-and-play” option — insert, connect, and you’re online right away.

Recommended for:
Holidaymakers, cruise passengers, and travelers on short tours around Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, or Ha Long Bay.

2. Prepaid SIM (Longer Trips or Frequent Travelers)

Planning to stay in Vietnam for more than a month? Go for a prepaid SIM card.
You’ll enjoy:

• 🔁 Flexible top-ups via convenience stores or mobile apps (MoMo, ZaloPay)

• 🕐 Validity extension as long as you keep topping up

• 📞 Local and international calling options

Prepaid SIMs are ideal for digital nomads, business travelers, or anyone who revisits Vietnam regularly.

Tip: Download your carrier’s app (My Viettel, My VNPT, or MobiFone Next) to check balance, recharge, or buy extra data anytime.

3. eSIM (Digital SIM – No Plastic Needed)

If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhone XR or later and newer Samsung Galaxy models), this is the most convenient way to stay connected.

• 🌐 Activate before arrival — no physical SIM required

• 📲 Scan a QR code to connect instantly

• ✈️ Great for frequent flyers or dual-SIM users

You can buy Vietnam eSIMs from Viettel, Airalo, or Holafly, and they usually include generous data packages for 7–30 days.

Perfect for:
Travelers who want a hassle-free, paperless setup without visiting a store.

🔎 Which One Should You Choose?

Danang Transfer Tip:
When you arrive at Da Nang International Airport, look for the Viettel or VinaPhone counters right after customs. The staff can help register and activate your SIM in under 5 minutes — perfect before you start your journey with our private car transfer service!

💰 Best SIM Card Plans for Tourists (2025 Update)

Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Asia for mobile data — you can easily stay connected for under 10 USD! Here’s an updated guide to the most popular SIM card packages for tourists in 2025, including price, data limit, and best use cases.

🌟 Recommended Plan for Most Tourists

If you’re staying 7 – 14 days, a plan with 15 – 20 GB of data is more than enough for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and social media uploads.
For longer stays, or if you plan to share Wi-Fi hotspot with friends or upload videos, choose the 30 GB+ package.

Pro Tip: Viettel’s “Tourist 30 GB” plan is the top choice for travellers driving through multiple regions (like Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Quang Binh) with private transfers — thanks to its superior 4G/5G coverage even on mountain passes and coastal roads.

📦 What’s Included

Most tourist SIMs now come with:

• Unlimited local calls (to Viettel/VinaPhone numbers)

• Free incoming calls

• High-speed 4G/5G until data limit, then reduced speed

• Optional international call add-ons

• Hotspot/tethering supported

💳 How to Top Up or Extend

1. Buy top-up cards (50 k, 100 k VND) at convenience stores like Circle K or VinMart.

2. Use mobile apps — My Viettel, My VNPT or MobiFone Next — to recharge online.

3. For eSIM users, extend directly through the provider’s website.

You can easily manage balance, renew plans, or add more data anytime — no need to buy a new SIM.

📱 Need Data for Navigation & Communication?

All the plans above fully support:

• Google Maps and Grab (for rides & food delivery)

• WhatsApp, Zalo, Telegram for contacting drivers or hotels

• Social media apps (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

• Zoom or Google Meet (with 4G/5G speeds up to 100 Mbps +)

✈️ Danang Transfer Tip

If you book your private airport transfer with us, we can assist you upon arrival at Da Nang Airport to:

• Choose the right SIM provider for your route

• Register and activate your SIM quickly

• Ensure your data connection works before you leave the terminal

Stay connected from the moment you land — and enjoy your Vietnam trip with seamless navigation and easy communication!

📞 Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 905 442 279

✈️ Where to Buy Your SIM Card in Vietnam

Whether you land in Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is quick, easy, and affordable. Here’s where and how to get connected within minutes of arrival.

🏢 1. At the Airport – Fast & Convenient

The simplest option for most travelers is to buy a tourist SIM right after you clear immigration and collect your luggage.
You’ll find official counters for Viettel, VinaPhone, and MobiFone at all international airports — including Da Nang (DAD), Hanoi (HAN), and Ho Chi Minh (SGN).

✅ Advantages:

• English-speaking staff

• Fast activation — your SIM works instantly

• Plans designed specifically for tourists

• You can pay by cash or card

💡 Danang Transfer Tip:
At Da Nang International Airport, look for Viettel and VinaPhone kiosks right at the arrival exit.
If you’ve booked a private airport transfer with us, our driver can assist you with locating the right counter and setting up your SIM before you leave the terminal.

🏙️ 2. In the City – Better Prices, More Options

If you’re already in town, you can buy a SIM card at any official telecom store or large mobile phone shop in Da Nang, Hoi An, or Hue.

Recommended shops in Da Nang:

• Viettel Store: 269 Nguyen Van Linh Street (open 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)

• VinaPhone Store: 120 Le Duan Street

• MobiFone Center: 38 Phan Chu Trinh Street

Advantages:

• Slightly cheaper prices than airport counters

• Easier to choose your preferred package

• Staff can register and activate SIM on-site (passport required)

Important:
Always buy from official stores or trusted resellers. Avoid unbranded kiosks or street stalls, as those SIMs may not be properly registered.

🌐 3. Online eSIM – The Easiest Option Before You Fly

If your phone supports eSIM, you can set it up before arriving in Vietnam. Simply purchase a digital SIM online, scan a QR code, and activate your plan instantly.

Popular eSIM providers:

• Viettel eSIM Vietnam

• Airalo Vietnam eSIM

• Holafly eSIM for Vietnam

✅ Benefits of eSIM:

• No physical card or store visit needed

• Activate anytime, anywhere

• Works perfectly for multi-country trips across Southeast Asia

💡 Pro Tip:
eSIMs are ideal if you use dual-SIM phones — you can keep your home number active for WhatsApp and still enjoy local 4G/5G data in Vietnam.

📋 What You’ll Need to Buy a SIM

Vietnamese law requires every SIM to be registered under a valid ID.
So, make sure to bring your passport (or digital copy) when purchasing or activating your SIM.

Setup usually takes 3–5 minutes, and the staff will help you insert the card, check your internet, and ensure everything works before you go.

🚗 Danang Transfer Assistance

When you book your airport pickup or day tour with Danang Transfer, we’ll make your arrival smoother by:

• Guiding you to the best SIM provider for your travel route

• Helping with passport registration and setup

• Ensuring you’re fully connected before leaving the airport

So you can start your Vietnam adventure worry-free — with data, maps, and messaging ready to go!

💡 Internet & Roaming Tips for Vietnam

Staying online in Vietnam is easy and affordable — but knowing a few smart tips can help you save data, avoid roaming fees, and stay connected throughout your trip.

📶 1. Use Local SIM or eSIM Instead of Roaming

International roaming from your home network can cost 10–20 times more than a local Vietnamese SIM.
A tourist SIM or eSIM offers full 4G/5G speed with nationwide coverage — perfect for Google Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, and social media.

Danang Transfer Tip:
Buy a local SIM at Da Nang Airport or request our driver’s help during your airport pickup — you’ll be connected before even reaching your hotel.

📱 2. Enable Data Saver Mode

Most travelers use data mainly for navigation, chat, and social media — so it’s smart to turn on data-saving features to stretch your plan longer.

How to do it:

• On iPhone → Settings → Cellular → Low Data Mode

• On Android → Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver

• Turn off automatic app updates & cloud backups while on mobile data

This ensures your data lasts the entire trip without extra top-ups.

🏨 3. Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available across Vietnam — from cafés, restaurants, hotels, to even some beaches.
However, avoid entering personal or financial details on public Wi-Fi networks.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you plan to access sensitive websites (like online banking or work systems).

Pro Tip:
Ask your hotel for a Wi-Fi password card — many boutique hotels and resorts in Hoi An and Da Nang offer high-speed fiber internet for guests.

🔋 4. Share Data via Hotspot (If Allowed)

Most Vietnamese SIM cards support tethering — meaning you can share your connection with friends or your laptop.
Perfect for small groups or digital nomads working remotely.

Just check your plan allows hotspot use (Viettel and VinaPhone usually do).

🌐 5. Use Apps that Work Well in Vietnam

Here are some of the most useful apps for travel in Vietnam:

• Grab – rides, food delivery, and cashless payments

• Google Maps / Apple Maps – navigation

• WhatsApp / Zalo / Telegram – messaging

• Google Translate – instant translation

• MoMo / ZaloPay – mobile payments and top-ups

✈️ 6. Turn Off Roaming on Your Home SIM

Before inserting your Vietnam SIM, make sure roaming is off on your home number to avoid surprise charges.
You can still receive WhatsApp or iMessage texts via Wi-Fi or data from your Vietnam SIM — no roaming needed.

🧭 7. Backup Key Documents Offline

Keep offline maps (Google Maps → Download Offline Area) and digital copies of passports or hotel vouchers on your phone.
Even if you lose connection in rural areas, you’ll still have the essentials handy.

💬 Danang Transfer Travel Tip

For travelers booking with Danang Transfer, we recommend activating your SIM before leaving the airport — our drivers can help you check signal strength and data speed.
That way, you’ll have instant access to navigation, translation, and real-time chat during your transfer or sightseeing day.

🌐 SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi – Which is Best?

Danang Transfer Tip:
If you’re travelling with family or group tours, one Pocket Wi-Fi can serve multiple phones, but solo travellers should just get a local SIM for simplicity.

🌐 SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi – Which Is Best for Travelers in Vietnam?

When it comes to staying connected in Vietnam, you’ve got three main options: local SIM cards, eSIMs, and Pocket Wi-Fi devices.
Each has its own advantages depending on your travel style, trip length, and the number of devices you need to connect.

📱 1. Local SIM Card – The Most Popular Choice

Best for: Most tourists and short-term travelers

A local prepaid SIM card is the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable way to stay online in Vietnam. You’ll get full-speed 4G/5G data and a local number for calls or Grab bookings.

✅ Pros:

• Lowest price (from 100,000–250,000 ₫)

• Strong nationwide coverage (especially with Viettel)

• Works instantly after activation

• Ideal for using Google Maps, WhatsApp, and social media

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires an unlocked phone

• Needs SIM registration with your passport

Danang Transfer Tip:
Buy your SIM at Da Nang Airport arrivals hall or let our driver assist you during pickup — setup takes just 5 minutes.

💡 2. eSIM – The Modern, Hassle-Free Option

Best for: Tech-savvy travelers and frequent flyers

An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code — no physical card required. Perfect for travelers who want a quick, paperless setup.

✅ Pros:

• Activate instantly before or after arrival

• No need to swap or lose your physical SIM

• Ideal for dual-SIM users (keep your home number active for WhatsApp)

• Great for multi-country Southeast Asia trips

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires a compatible phone (iPhone XR and newer, most Samsung Galaxy & Google Pixel models)

• Slightly more expensive than regular SIMs

Where to Buy:

• Viettel eSIM Vietnam

• Airalo Vietnam eSIM

📶 3. Pocket Wi-Fi – For Groups or Families

Best for: Families, business teams, or travelers with multiple devices

A Pocket Wi-Fi router provides internet for several users at once — ideal if you’re traveling in a group or need to connect laptops and tablets on the go.

✅ Pros:

• Connect up to 5–10 devices simultaneously

• No need to change SIMs for each phone

• Great for shared travel or family trips

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires charging (battery lasts 6–8 hours)

• Must be rented or purchased (around 100–150 k ₫ per day)

• If you go out separately, only one group can stay connected

Where to Rent in Da Nang:
You can rent Pocket Wi-Fi devices at Da Nang Airport, major hotels, or through services like Klook, KKday, or local travel agencies such as Danang Transfer.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

🧭 Danang Transfer Recommendation

For most visitors exploring Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue, a local SIM or eSIM is the smartest choice — fast, flexible, and affordable.
If you’re traveling with a large family or team, consider renting Pocket Wi-Fi for convenience.

Whatever you choose, Danang Transfer can help you get connected right after landing:

• Assistance buying or activating your SIM/eSIM

• Recommendations for best local network in your travel area

• Setup verification before your trip begins

📋 Quick Checklist Before You Go

Before you start your Vietnam adventure, here’s a quick SIM & Internet checklist to make sure you’ll stay connected from the moment you land.

✅ 1. Make Sure Your Phone Is Unlocked

Check with your mobile provider at home to confirm your phone is unlocked and ready for an international SIM or eSIM.
If it’s locked, you won’t be able to use a Vietnamese SIM card — but you can still connect via Pocket Wi-Fi or hotel Wi-Fi.

📱 2. Choose the Right Option for Your Trip

Pick the connection type that fits your travel style:

• Tourist SIM: Easy, affordable, and ready to use at the airport.

• eSIM: Digital, no swapping, perfect for newer smartphones.

• Pocket Wi-Fi: Best for families or groups who share devices.

If you’re not sure, Danang Transfer can help you choose the right one based on your itinerary and trip duration.

🪪 3. Keep Your Passport Handy

Vietnamese regulations require passport registration for all SIM cards.
You’ll need to show your passport (or a clear photo of it) when buying or activating your SIM.

🔋 4. Test the SIM Before Leaving the Shop

Don’t rush! After buying, ask the staff (or our driver if you’re at the airport) to:

• Insert the SIM and check signal bars

• Confirm you have 4G/5G data

• Open a web page or Google Maps to make sure it’s working

💰 5. Save the Top-Up and App Info

Keep the SIM packaging or the small top-up card — it includes your phone number and recharge code.
Download your provider’s app (My Viettel / My VNPT / MobiFone Next) to:

• Check balance and data usage

• Buy more data easily

• Extend your plan if you stay longer

🌐 6. Turn Off Roaming on Your Home SIM

Before inserting your Vietnam SIM, disable data roaming on your home network to avoid high international charges.
You can still use your home number for WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram over Wi-Fi or mobile data from your Vietnam SIM.

🧭 7. Download Offline Maps & Key Apps

Before your flight, download:

• Google Maps Offline for your destinations

• Grab for rides and food delivery

• Google Translate for quick communication

• WhatsApp or Zalo to contact your driver and tour operator

This ensures you can still navigate even if you temporarily lose connection in rural areas.

🚗 8. Danang Transfer Arrival Support

When you book your airport transfer or day tour with Danang Transfer, we make sure your arrival is smooth and connected.
Our driver can:

• Help you find the best SIM counter at Da Nang Airport

• Assist with setup and activation

• Ensure you have working data before leaving the terminal

You’ll be online and ready to explore — from the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills to the lantern streets of Hoi An!

📞 Stay Connected with Danang Transfer

At Danang Transfer Travel & Transport Co., Ltd, we make your journey across Central Vietnam smoother, safer, and more connected — from the moment you land at Da Nang International Airport until the day you head home.

Whether you’re booking a private car, daily tour, or simply need advice about SIM cards, tipping, or travel planning, our friendly local team is always ready to assist.

🚗 Why Travelers Trust Danang Transfer

• Professional English-speaking drivers

• Private, clean vehicles (4–45 seats) with Wi-Fi and bottled water

• Flexible itineraries for Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue

• 24/7 support via WhatsApp / Zalo / Hotline

• Honest local advice — no hidden fees

Stay online, travel comfortably, and explore Vietnam your way!

📞 Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 905 442 279
🌐 Website: danangtransfer.vn

📚 More Travel Tips & Local Guides from Danang Transfer

🗣️ Learn Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Your Trip
→ How to Say Hello & Thank You in Vietnam – Essential Vietnamese Greetings for Travelers

💰 Know How to Tip Properly in Vietnam
→ How Much Should You Tip in Vietnam – The 2026 Traveler’s Guide

🏙️ Explore Da Nang Like a Local
→ 10 Things to Do in Da Nang – A Local’s Guide for First-Timers

🚕 Save Money on Airport Transfers
→ How to Get the Best Da Nang Airport Taxi Cost Without Sacrificing Comfort

🚗 Car Rental Made Easy
→ How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car per Day in Da Nang? – Full Guide

🧭 Plan Your Vietnam Journey
→ How to Plan a 7-Day Trip in Vietnam – Itinerary for First-Timers

🌤️ Find the Best Time to Visit
→ Best Time to Visit Vietnam – Weather by Month and Region

🚉 Master Vietnam’s Transportation System
→ Vietnam Transportation Guide 2026 – Best Ways to Travel Safely and Comfortably

✨ Final Thought

Staying connected in Vietnam isn’t just about internet access — it’s about making your journey stress-free, informed, and enjoyable.
With Danang Transfer, you’ll always have a local friend ready to help — from SIM setup to scenic drives through Hai Van Pass, Ba Na Hills, or Hoi An Ancient Town.

📞 Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or Hotline: +84 905 442 279
🌐 Visit us online: https://danangtransfer.vn/en/