Landing at Noi Bai and need a SIM right now? Official Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone counters sit directly after customs – you can walk out with a working number in under 10 minutes. Here is exactly where they are, what you will pay, and how to get connected before you reach the taxi queue.
But before heading to the counters, let’s look at a great alternative to SIM cards preferred by a lot of travelers to Vietnam these days – Vietnam eSIM.
This type of eSIM is opted for by millions of travelers to Vietnam nowadays thanks to its conveniences, including:
- Easy purchase – It can be purchased online no matter where you are, provided that you have an internet-connected device and a credit/debit card or PayPal account to make payment.
- Fast delivery – no wait and cost for shipping – the eSIM is delivered to you via email, not via post, and you will receive it right after your payment.
- No registration – the travelers are not required to show any document for registering an eSIM for Vietnam.
- Diverse options: there are a wide variety of eSIM plans for travelers to choose from, depending on the eSIM providers. Below are the Vietnam eSIM plans provided by Vietnamesim.com.
- Viettel eSIM: Daily 5GB of high-speed data for 15 days and 30 days
- Vinaphone eSIM: Daily 2-5GB + FREE 10 first minutes of on-net calls (1000 mins in total) used in 7/10/15 days.
- MobiFone official: Daily 3GB – 8GB + call minutes + SMS (varied by plan)
- Vietnam eSIM by validity and features: 10 days, 15 days, 20 days, 30 days, coming with phone number, data-only, and unlimited data.
- Regional eSIM: Vietnam – China, Vietnam – Thailand – Cambodia, Thai – Cam – Laos – Viet, Asia 7 countries, Global 77 countries, and Asia – Australia – USA.
The single disadvantage of eSIM is that it works on esim-compatible devices only.
In case your phone does not support eSIM, follow our guide below to buy a prepaid Vietnam SIM card at Noi Bai airport.
1. Can I buy SIM card at Hanoi Airport?
Yes, absolutely! Hanoi Noi Bai Airport offers multiple options for purchasing SIM cards from various mobile operators, including Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone, Vietnamobile, and certain MNVOs. As a tourist, you’ll easily find SIM cards readily available to cater to your specific needs.
2. Should I buy a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Hanoi Airport?
Buying a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Hanoi Airport can be a convenient option for several reasons:
- Immediate Connectivity: Stay connected the moment you clear customs. You’ll need data immediately to navigate, use Google Maps, or contact your hotel.
- Book Rides Instantly: If you choose plans with Vietnamese number, you can instantly book a Grab or Xanh SM (Vietnam’s popular electric taxi service). The driver can call to locate you at the crowded pickup area.
- Convenience: The airport offers various options from different operators, making it easy to compare prices and data plans all in one place.
- Tourist-Friendly Packages: Many SIM cards at the airport are tailored for tourists, offering specific data, call, and text allowances suitable for travelers exploring the country.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Possibility of Cheaper Alternatives: While the airport provides convenience, expect to pay about 30% more ($2–$4 extra) than you would at an official store in the city center.
- Limited Plan Options: While there are multiple operators, the range of available plans might be more limited compared to what you could find in city stores.
So, if you land at Hanoi airport and want to stay connected right away, buy the SIM card there. But if you can wait until you reach the city center, buying one at the city center might be a great cost-saving option.
► See more: Buy SIM card in Hanoi city
3. SIM card plans at Hanoi airport (Noi Bai) & Prices
Unlike official city stores, airport booths are often independent distributors. Therefore, they do not always offer the standard nationwide plans.
- Plan Availability: Expect a limited selection of “Tourist-only” bundles. You might not find the budget-friendly $6 plans available in the city.
- Pricing: You should expect to pay 30–40% more at the airport for the same amount of data. Prices usually range from 250,000đ to 500,000đ ($10–$20).
For Reference: Standard Official Plans (City Store Prices)
To help you compare, here are the official prices at stores in Hanoi. If an airport booth asks for significantly more than these rates, you’ll know you’re paying a “convenience premium.”
| Carrier | Plan name | Data | Calls | Validity | Price | Activate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel | TV95K | 1.5GB/day | None | 30 days | 145,000đ (~$6) | Auto |
| Viettel | TV125K | 2GB/day | None | 30 days | 175,000đ (~$7) | Auto |
| Viettel | 5G135 | 4GB/day | None | 30 days | 185,000đ (~$7.5) | Auto |
| Viettel | 5G150 | 6GB/day | None | 30 days | 200,000đ(~$8) | Auto |
| Viettel | 5G160B | 4GB/day | Free <10m on-net + 100m off-net | 30 days | 210,000đ(~$8.5) | Auto |
| Viettel | 5G180B | 6GB/day | Free <10m on-net + 100m off-net | 30 days | 230,000đ(~$9.5) | Auto |
| Viettel | 5G280B | 10GB/day | Free <20m on-net + 200m off-net | 30 days | 330,000đ(~$13.5) | Auto |
| Vinaphone | Tourist SIM | 1GB / day | 50 mins local + 50 mins intl + 50 SMS | 30 days | 199,000₫ (~$8) | Auto |
| MobiFone | HP2 | 8GB Total | 40 mins local/intl | 30 days | 109,000₫ | DK HP2 → 999 |
Note: Prices and data allowances may vary, and these are approximate costs.
Most of the kiosks in the airport accept credit card payments for Vietnam SIM cards, so you don’t need to visit an ATM first.
4. Where to buy a Vietnam SIM card at Hanoi Airport
You can see the Noi Bai map which shows the locations of SIM Card shops at Noi Bai airport.
So, the map shows that the Noi Bai SIM Card shops are located on both sides of the arrival hall and can be easily reached after you complete your Vietnam immigration procedure. They have clear signs with their names visible in big letters.
- Viettel counter: Red signage, usually the first desk on the left after you exit customs. Neighboring a currency exchange booth.
- Vinaphone counter: Further towards the left wing, blue signage, near the domestic arrivals walkway.
- MobiFone counter: Blue signage, on the right-hand side of the hall, close to the taxi booking desks.
All kiosks have clear English signboards and staff who speak English well enough to handle the full setup.
Counter hours: 8:00 AM – midnight (0:00), 7 days a week. If you land after midnight, skip to the Night Owl section at the end of this guide.
Procedure: You will need to show your passport + take a live photo for a subscription.
The staff speaks English very well, so ask them to help you register, insert the SIM card, and do the necessary settings until you can use the eSIM without a problem.
→ Quick Tip for Night Owls: If you land after 2:00 AM when most physical SIM booths are closed, connect to the “NoiBai Airport Free Wi-Fi” (strong signal at Terminal 2) to purchase and receive a Vietnam eSIM via email instantly. This is your only way to get a Grab or contact your hotel during the small hours.
5. What to prepare/procedure for buying a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport
To buy a SIM card at Hanoi Airport, you are required to have the following items:
- Passport: Identification is required for registration
- Cash/credit card: to make payment for the SIM cost
- Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a different SIM card.
And here is the process to buy and use a Hanoi Airport SIM card:
- Select the most suitable SIM plan for your trip
- Make payment
- Show your passport for registration
- Remove your primary SIM (if your phone has only 1 SIM slot)
- Insert your new Vietnam SIM for use.
- Verify (Do not leave the counter until you see the 4G/5G icon. Ask the staff to help you test your Grab or Xanh SM app).
► Read more: Do they ask for photo and passport at airport SIM counters in Vietnam?
6. FAQs about Hanoi Aiport SIM card for Vietnam
Can I buy a SIM card at Noi Bai International Airport?
Yes, kiosks are available for immediate purchase and setup.
What identification is required for purchasing a SIM card for Vietnam at Hanoi Airport?
A valid passport is needed for the registration process.
7. Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Hanoi Airport Sim Card
Buying a Vietnam SIM card at Hanoi Airport is considered a great option for those landing there without a way to stay connected.
If you prefer eSIM, Vietnamesim offers great plans from local operators. Based in Vietnam, Vietnamesim has worked closely with the local operators to develop the best-fitted eSIM plans for travelers to Vietnam.
► Check out Vietnam eSIM plan options