Sachin Walls
If you're travelling to Vietnam, you might be considering buying a local SIM card to stay connected. The good news is that you can easily purchase a SIM card at Vietnam's international airports, such as Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport and Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport. These airports have dedicated counters for local network operators, where you can buy a tourist SIM card as soon as you exit the baggage claim area. While buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, it might be slightly more expensive than purchasing one from local stores in the city. Additionally, some travellers have reported being scammed at airport SIM card kiosks, so it is recommended to buy from official stores to ensure authenticity. Overall, buying a Vietnam SIM card at the airport can be a quick and efficient way to stay connected during your travels in Vietnam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I buy a SIM card at Vietnam Airport? | Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Vietnam's international airports, including Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport), Hanoi Airport, and Da Nang Airport. |
| Where to buy at the airport? | You can find SIM cards at dedicated counters or stalls in the arrival hall, near the exits, or close to the arrival gates. Some airports also have kiosks selling SIM cards right after baggage claim. |
| Benefits of buying at the airport | Buying a SIM card at the airport offers instant connectivity, allowing you to use your phone right away. It is also convenient, with multiple options from different providers available. |
| Drawbacks of buying at the airport | Buying a SIM card at the airport may be more expensive compared to purchasing one from local stores or official provider stores in the city. There is also a higher risk of scams or getting an old or used SIM card. |
| SIM card cost | The SIM card itself typically costs around 50,000 VND ($2.50), while data packages range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND ($6.50-$15) for 5GB-30GB of data. |
| Registration requirements | You need to present your passport and fill out a registration form to purchase a SIM card in Vietnam. Some providers may also require a local address for registration. |
| Recommended providers | Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone (Mobiphone), and Vietnamobile are some of the major providers offering different packages and prices. |
| eSIM option | eSIMs are available in Vietnam and can be purchased online or through international telecom providers. They are slightly more expensive than physical SIM cards but still affordable compared to international roaming expenses. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy SIM cards in Vietnam airports
When you arrive in Vietnam, one of the first things you might want to do is get a local SIM card to stay connected with your loved ones and access the internet. There are thousands of places to purchase a tourist SIM card in Vietnam, including at the airport.
Tan Son Nhat Ho Chi Minh Airport
After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will walk past several stalls selling tours and transport services, some of which also sell SIM cards. If you exit the building, you can also find kiosks and shops in the Arrival Hall. These shops are usually located near the exits or in visible areas close to the arrival gates. They can be identified by signs indicating “SIM Cards” or “Mobile Services” or the name of mobile operators in Vietnam.
Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi
You can find various mobile operators at Hanoi Airport, such as Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone and Vietnamobile. There are dozens of kiosks selling SIM cards.
Saigon Airport
There are dozens of counters selling SIM cards for all of Vietnam's mobile providers at Saigon Airport.
ESIMs
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a great alternative to a physical SIM card. You can buy an eSIM online from anywhere in the world, and it will be delivered to your email within a minute of purchase. However, eSIMs may be slightly more expensive than physical SIM cards.
It is recommended to buy SIM cards from official stores to ensure authenticity and avoid potential scams. To purchase a SIM card in Vietnam, you will need to present your passport and fill out a registration form. Some providers may also require a local address for registration.
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SIM card costs
When buying a SIM card at Ho Chi Minh City Airport, you can expect to pay within a certain price range depending on the mobile operator and the specific plan you choose. These SIM cards are typically tailored for tourists and offer varied data, call, and text allowances to suit different needs during your stay in Vietnam.
The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Vietnam ranges from 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD) to 100,000 VND (approximately $4 USD). This price includes the SIM card itself and some initial credit. Prepaid SIM cards are the most popular option for travellers in Vietnam as they offer flexibility and control over usage.
If you're looking for a data-only SIM card, one of Vietnam's biggest providers offers three unlimited data SIM card plans for tourists: Tour60, Tour100, and Tour200. Their prices are approximately £2, £3, and £6, respectively. Tour60 has a 15-day validity period and includes 5GB of high-speed internet. Tour100 and Tour200 have 30-day coverage and include some domestic and international minutes.
It is important to note that buying a SIM card at the airport might be more expensive compared to purchasing one from local stores in the city. Additionally, some travellers have shared stories of being scammed at airport kiosks, so it is recommended to buy from official stores to ensure authenticity and avoid potential issues.
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Data plans and packages
Prepaid SIM cards are the most popular option for tourists, with prices starting at 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD). Travellers can also purchase data-only plans with these SIM cards, which are more expensive than standard SIM cards but offer larger data allowances.
One of Vietnam's biggest providers offers three unlimited data SIM card plans for tourists: Tour60, Tour100, and Tour200. Tour60 costs about £2 and has a 15-day validity period, including 5 GB of high-speed internet. Tour100 and Tour200 cost about £3 and £6, respectively, and offer 30-day coverage with some domestic and international minutes. However, calls to the UK are not included.
It is recommended to purchase SIM cards from official stores to ensure authenticity and avoid potential scams. Vietnam's four major network providers are Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile, each offering different packages and prices for their SIM cards. Viettel, for example, offers both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, as well as data-only SIM cards. Their data plans start at 200,000 VND (approximately $9 USD) per month. VinaPhone also offers similar options, with good coverage in major cities and tourist destinations.
For those staying in Vietnam for an extended period, a postpaid SIM card may be more cost-effective. These plans require a contract and monthly payments, with prices starting at around 200,000 VND (approximately $9 USD) per month.
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eSIMs
When buying an eSIM for Vietnam, you can expect to pay a few pounds, which is more expensive than a physical SIM card but much cheaper than international roaming charges. It is important to note that eSIMs for Vietnam are data-only and do not include calling or texting services. Additionally, they do not provide a local phone number, which may be necessary for certain apps or services.
There are several reputable eSIM providers for Vietnam, including Airalo, SimOptions, and Jetpac. Airalo, in particular, has received excellent reviews for its ease of use, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. You can download the Airalo app to purchase, manage, and top up your eSIM plan, with prices starting at $4.50 USD.
If you plan to use an eSIM in Vietnam, it is recommended to install it on your phone before your trip or upon arrival at the airport, as you will need a stable internet connection. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City international airports offer free WiFi, which you can use to install your eSIM. Most eSIMs must be installed within a certain period after purchase, and their validity may start immediately after installation or upon first connecting to a supported network.
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Avoiding scams
While it is possible to buy a SIM card at Vietnam's airports, there have been reports of scams and issues with SIM cards purchased at airport kiosks.
To avoid scams, it is recommended to buy SIM cards from official stores to ensure authenticity and avoid potential issues. The four major network providers in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile. You can purchase SIM cards from official stores of these network providers, or from convenience stores and tourist areas.
If you decide to purchase a SIM card at the airport, be cautious of the following scams:
- Overpricing: SIM cards at the airport may be more expensive than those purchased in local stores in the city.
- Pre-used SIM cards: Ensure that the vendor opens the SIM card package in front of you and inserts the SIM card into your phone to avoid buying a pre-used or burnt SIM card with little data.
- Activation issues: Some travellers have reported issues with SIM card activation, with cards being activated before they entered the country. Ensure that the SIM card is properly activated and working before leaving the airport.
- Data issues: In some cases, travellers have purchased a SIM card with a specific data plan but received a different plan or no data at all. Check the data allowance and plan details carefully before purchasing.
- Personal information: Be cautious when providing personal information, such as your passport details, to vendors. There have been reports of travellers receiving pre-registered SIM cards with someone else's personal information.
- Third-party vendors: Be wary of third-party vendors or resellers at the airport. They may not provide authentic SIM cards, and you may be at a higher risk of being scammed.
To minimize the risk of scams, consider the following:
- Purchase an eSIM online before your trip: eSIMs are easy to purchase online and can be delivered to your device within minutes of payment.
- Contact your service provider: International passes or global roaming packages offered by your current service provider may be a safer and more cost-effective option.
- Seek local assistance: If possible, ask a local you trust to help you purchase a SIM card from an official store or a reputable retailer outside of the airport.
Remember to shop around, compare prices and plans, and be vigilant when purchasing a SIM card at Vietnam's airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Vietnam's international airports, including Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) and Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai Airport). You can find SIM cards at kiosks and shops in the Arrival Hall, near the exits, or close to the arrival gates.
Buying a SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam is convenient and offers instant connectivity. You can use your phone right away for calls, texts, and accessing the internet at affordable rates. It is also a quick and efficient process as the staff are accustomed to registering and activating SIM cards for tourists.
While buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, it may be more expensive than purchasing one from local stores in the city. There is also a risk of scams or getting an old SIM card, as reported by some travellers. Therefore, it is recommended to check the validity and ensure the SIM card works before leaving the airport. Additionally, you may want to compare prices and packages offered by different providers before making a purchase.
