SIM Card and Internet in Vietnam

Which Mobile Operator Should You Choose and How Not to Overpay?

If it's your first time visiting Vietnam, mobile internet is one of the first things you should think about.

You'll need it almost immediately after leaving the airport—to book a taxi, open Google Maps, contact your host, order food, or simply let your family know you've arrived safely.

Why You Shouldn't Rely Only on Wi-Fi

Vietnam has plenty of cafés, restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls with free Wi-Fi.

But relying on it alone isn't a great idea. First, Wi-Fi isn't available everywhere. Second, it's not always stable.

And finally, connecting to public networks isn't always the safest option. Trust us—mobile internet will become essential exactly when there's no Wi-Fi around and you need it the most.

Roaming or a Local SIM Card?

A lot... and we mean a LOT of travelers simply activate international roaming before flying to Vietnam because it feels like the easiest option.

What many people don't realize is that a local SIM card is usually much cheaper—even if you're only staying for a week or two. On top of that, the connection is often much faster and more reliable than roaming.

That's why I always recommend getting either a local SIM card or an eSIM.

Which Mobile Operator Should You Choose?

Vietnam has several mobile operators, but my personal favorite is Viettel. This isn't an advertisement—it's simply my experience.

For example, my husband used MobiFone, while I had Viettel. We've traveled across different parts of Vietnam, and the difference was obvious. Whenever MobiFone started losing signal or the internet became unstable, Viettel continued working without any issues.

Where Should You Buy a SIM Card?

Many travelers simply don't know where to buy a SIM card, so they end up purchasing one at the airport or from Russian-speaking sellers in tourist areas.

It seems convenient...

But that's usually where SIM cards cost two or even three times more. You also don't always know:

• who the SIM card is registered to;
• which data plan is actually activated;
• how long it will remain active;
• who to contact if something goes wrong.

Sometimes these SIM cards stop working unexpectedly, and there's no one to help.

That's why I recommend buying your SIM card from an official mobile operator—or arranging everything in advance with FROGI.

Don't Want to Deal with It Yourself?

If you book an airport transfer with me, I'll prepare everything before you arrive.

You'll be met at the airport, receive your eSIM (or a physical SIM card if you prefer), get your cash, and be driven directly to your accommodation.

If you choose an eSIM, you won't even need to remove your regular SIM card. Your first few hours in Vietnam will be calm, easy, and stress-free.

How Much Does Mobile Internet Cost?

Mobile plans usually cost between 100,000 VND (up to 1 GB per day) and 290,000 VND (up to 9 GB per day), depending on the package you choose.

💚 FROGI Recommends

If possible, skip expensive roaming and don't buy the first SIM card you see after landing. Instead, get a local SIM card or set up an eSIM before your trip. It'll save you money, time, and a lot of unnecessary stress.