Mobile internet in Vietnam: Top 4 ways to get
Having reliable Internet access while traveling in Vietnam is crucial because you will need it to understand local languages, translate signs and menus, navigate streets and find directions, and stay connected with family and friends back home.
Finding the right internet solution in Vietnam is not easy. You had better find a service that is reliable, fast, stable and reasonably priced. This article will show you 4 popular ways to get mobile internet in Vietnam for travelers, compare them so you can decide which option is the best for your needs and budget.
How to get mobile internet in Vietnam
There are 4 ways you can use to get the travel internet in Vietnam: using international roaming, travel eSIM, SIM card, and pocket WiFi. Free WiFi is not listed here because it is not mobile internet.
Each option has specific features, meaning their own pros and cons. The following table will gather essential information to help you decide which option is best for you.
| Criteria | Roaming | eSIM | SIM card | Pocket WiFi |
| Where to buy | Your home mobile network carrier | Online provider like Vietnamesim | Airports, convenience stores, network carrier stores, online providers (Klook, Shopee,…) | Rent online from Wifi4asia…, pickup the device at airports or meeting point (as guided) |
| Pricing | Vary by provider. For example, T-mobile offers roaming plans starting at $0.01/MB or $5 per day. | Starting from /day | The cost includes the white sim card ($2) and the prepaid plans. The mobile data price starts from $0.2/GB | about $6 per day for renting and fees for deposit for insurance of device |
| Where to buy | Your home mobile network carrier | Online provider like Vietnamesim | Airports, convenience stores, network carrier stores, online providers (Klook, Shopee,…) | Rent online, pickup the device at airports or meeting point (as guided) |
| How to activate | Send a request (online or offline) to the carrier | Scan a QR code to activate | Insert the SIM card and restart the phone (sometimes sending SMS for confirmation) | – Using a SIM card to get the mobile internet |
| Pros | Keep the primary SIM, no swapping | – Easy purchase, activation – High-speed data – 100% online – No SIM registration | Suitable old phone models | – Ideal for group travel – Connect multiple devices |
| Cons | – Expensive – Low speed because of roaming – Data caps – Unexpected fees afterwards | Only available for supported devices | – Require swapping out the primary SIM card (if phone has one sim tray) – SIM registration if buying from carriers | – Complicated to carry – Compose many fees (deposit/insurance) |
Now we dive into details of each option to get mobile internet in Vietnam:
1. International roaming
International roaming services of nearly all network carriers are pricey, though the cost varies by carrier.
In fact, international roaming is counted in two methods: pay-as-you-go and prepaid international plans.
- Pay-as-you-go method: it means the money is counted directly based on the usage. The more you use mobile data, the more money you have to pay.
- Prepaid international plans: mobile carriers often launch many prepaid roaming plans that suit different tourist needs.
Take T-mobile, they charge $0.01/MB and $0.25/min if you choose pay-as-you-go service.
T-mobile offers International Pass starting from 512MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling using up to 24 hours (1 day) for $5. They offer free unlimited texting in Vietnam. They also offer some prepaid international plans that include unlimited data (with data cap), text, and low flat-rate calling to help you save money. But there is a data cap, meaning if you go beyond that, your speed will drop.
2. Buy eSIM for Vietnam online
eSIM is a new connectivity method that becomes more and more popular due to its convenience and affordability. You can buy it online before departure, no need to show personal information, no waiting for delivery. After 5-10 minutes of payment, you will receive a QR code via email which can be scanned for eSIM installation. The eSIM is compatible with most modern phones.
To buy eSIM specifically for Vietnam, you can choose a top eSIM provider like Vietnamesim.com. You will get reliable coverage and internet speed without having to roam through any party, no swapping physical SIM cards.
Vietnamesim offers plans covered by top mobile network carriers in Vietnam, Viettel and Vinaphone. The plans are diversifying in terms of features, validity, data volume that meets different users’ needs.
Because there are many plans you can choose the one that really suits you and avoid waiting money on what you don’t use (both time and data).
Here are some eSIM plans for Vietnam you can consider:
| Plan | Data | Validity | Local phone number | Carrier | Price |
| Daily 5GB – 15 days | 5GB/day | 15 days | No | Viettel | $13.9 |
| Daily 5GB – 30 days | 5GB/day | 30 days | No | Viettel | $19.9 |
| Daily 2GB – 7 days | 2GB/day | 7 days | Yes (Free 10 first minutes on-net calls with 1000 minutes in total) | Vinaphone | $10.9 |
| Daily 5GB – 10 days | 5GB/day | 10 days | Yes (Free 10 first minutes on-net calls with 1000 minutes in total) | Vinaphone | $12.9 |
| Daily 5GB – 15 days | 5GB/day | 15 days | Yes (Free 10 first minutes on-net calls with 1000 minutes in total) | Vinaphone | $14.9 |
► Check out detailed plans and buy here:
- 3 eSIM plans covered by Vinaphone, starting from $10.9 (with phone number)
- 2 eSIM plans covered by Viettel, starting from $13.9
3. Buy a local Vietnam SIM card
You can buy local SIM cards at airports, official carrier stores, or convenience shops in Vietnam. Keep in mind that buying a local SIM requires showing your passport for registration, and you might find the activation process challenging since instructions are typically in Vietnamese.
As an alternative, tourist-oriented SIM cards are available through travel agents, both online and in physical stores. If you order online before your trip, some providers will deliver to your address in Vietnam. The advantage is that sellers handle the registration process for you, so you will not need to show your personal details.
One important thing to note: most tourist SIM cards do not offer a top-up option. This means you should carefully consider your data needs beforehand to avoid running out during your trip. It is also wise not to purchase more data than necessary for your stay.
If you use a physical SIM, use a dual phone to keep your primary home phone number active. Also, be sure that your phone is unlocked before your trip.
4. Rent a pocket WiFi
A pocket WiFi is a device that allows WiFi sharing through a SIM card inserted into that device. This option is ideal for group traveling or those having multiple devices that require Internet connectivity.
The fee involving renting a pocket WiFi for Vietnam includes 02 separate fees: deposit for device and the price for the plan you choose. You need to rent it online and have it shipped to your address or pick it up at the airports. After using it up, you need to return the device back to the provider.
The weakness of this device is that you have to carry another device around throughout your trip. If you hate this, you had better opt for an eSIM plan with mobile data tethering feature.
What are local mobile internet providers in Vietnam?
Vietnam has 3 major mobile carriers:
- Viettel offers the widest coverage, especially in rural areas, making it ideal for travelers. Their tourist packages typically start at 0.2$ (5,000 VND) for 1GB used in 1 day.
- Vinaphone is another popular carrier with excellent 4G/5G speeds in urban centers, averaging 35.7 Mbps download speeds in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Their plan starts from $1.2 (30,000 VND) for 1GB used in 10 days.
- MobiFone tends to be lesser-known than competitors. Their rural coverage is less reliable at about 95% of populated areas. the plan is similar to Viettel’s, starting from $0.2 (5,000 VND) used in 1 day.
What is the best option for mobile internet for travelers in Vietnam?
If you have a supported device, eSIMs offer the most convenient mobile internet solution. eSIMs allow you to maintain your home phone number for calls and texts while using local data. You can buy and install it before your trip by scanning a QR code sent to your email right after payment. The eSIM plan will automatically activate upon arrival in Vietnam (or simply sending an SMS for activation).
You should avoid relying solely on free WiFi due to insecurity and instability.
Choose Vietnamesim.com for travel internet in Vietnam
Buy an eSIM from Vietnamesim.com to set up the online part of your trip. We specialize exclusively in Vietnam. As direct partners of Viettel and Vinaphone – the two biggest mobile carriers in Vietnam – you gain direct benefits from these operators, including local rates, fast speeds, and a Vietnamese phone number with free calling minutes. We require no contracts, have no hidden fees, and impose no data caps. Simply choose the plan that fits you best and enjoy Internet access across the country.