Viettel is Vietnam’s largest carrier, owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence. It holds over 50% of the country’s mobile market, with 4G reaching virtually the entire population and 5G infrastructure that has grown faster than any other carrier in Southeast Asia.
For tourists, the reality is simple: Viettel is the least likely carrier to let you down. While any network works in Hanoi or HCMC, if you are heading to Ha Giang, Sapa, Phong Nha, or the Mekong Delta, Viettel is the only safe option.
This article covers everything you need to master your connection with Viettel as a tourist from getting, activating, and topping up your Viettel tourist SIM.
I. Is Viettel Worth It?
Viettel wins on coverage, speed, and more.
- Reliable and extensive coverage: Viettel’s network reaches remote mountain roads, national parks, and offshore islands where other carriers drop entirely.
- High and stable internet speed: According to Opensignal’s report, Viettel has the most consistent experience in Vietnam compared with its competitors like competitors like Vinaphone and MobiFone. Its speed consistently clocks above 600 Mbps in independent 5G tests—fast enough to download a 1GB file in under 15 seconds.
- Bonus for cross-border trips: Viettel SIM cards include free roaming in Laos and Cambodia — useful if your trip crosses borders.
However, Viettel also has weak points.
- It’s not the cheapest option. While Vinaphone’s tourist SIM (199,000 VND for 15 days) includes a local phone number and international call minutes, Viettel’s data-only plans don’t.
- If you need a Vietnamese number for Grab registration or OTP verification, check the Vinaphone or MobiFone option before deciding.
→ A detailed comparison between Viettel and other mobile operators in Vietnam.
II. Viettel Tourist SIM Plans + Prices (Updated)
All plans below are prepaid data SIMs:
| Plan | Validity | Data | Calls | Price |
| 5G60T | 7 days | 5GB/day | — | 60,000₫ (~$2.50) |
| 5G60H | 7 days | 15GB total | — | 60,000₫ (~$2.50) |
| 5G80T | 15 days | 5GB/day | — | 80,000₫ (~$3.20) |
| 5G120H | 30 days | 1.5GB/day | 30 mins on-net + 15 mins off-net | 120,000₫ (~$4.80) |
| 5G150T | 30 days | 5GB/day | — | 150,000₫ (~$6) |
| 5G180H | 30 days | 5GB/day | 30 mins on-net + 15 mins off-net | 180,000₫ (~$7.20) |
Note:
- On-net = calls to other Viettel numbers. Off-net = calls to Vinaphone, MobiFone, etc.
- Plans are subject to change. Verify at the store or on Viettel’s website before buying.
- Prices do not include VAT or SIM card costs. A physical SIM card usually costs an additional 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–$0.80) at the store for the plastic card itself. The plan price is separate.
Which Viettel tourist SIM plan should you choose?
- 3–7 days (City only): 5G60T. 5GB/day is massive for Google Maps and Instagram.
- 2 weeks (The Adventure): 5G80T. Best for the Ha Giang Loop or Central Vietnam trips.
- 1 month (Digital Nomad): 5G180H. Includes local minutes for calling hotels or tour guides.
III. Viettel eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM card
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XR or newer / Samsung S20+), this is the smoothest option. Buy online, receive the QR code by email, install before your flight, activate when you land. No passport scan, no queuing, no physical swapping.
Vietnamesim.com offers instant Viettel eSIM plans:
- 5GB/day – 7 Days: $10.90
- 5GB/day – 15 Days: $13.90
- 5GB/day – 30 Days: $19.90
⚠️ Important: These eSIM plans are data-only. If you need a local +84 number for app registration or OTPs, a physical SIM from a store is a better choice.
Note: When buying viettel eSIM from Vietnamesim’s store, you must buy it no more than 30 days before your intended date of use. Validity starts when the eSIM is installed on your device.
→ To check if your phone works with eSIM, visit our updated eSIM compatible device list.
Physical SIM vs. eSIM for Viettel – Quick comparison:
| Criteria | Physical SIM (in Vietnam) | Viettel eSIM (online) |
| Price | Cheapest | Slightly higher |
| Setup | After landing, requires passport | Before flight, no passport |
| Phone number included | Yes | No |
| Coverage | Identical (same Viettel network) | Identical |
| Best for | Budget travelers, need a number | Convenience, dual SIM users |
IV. Where to buy a Viettel SIM card – 4 Options
1. At the airport
Viettel kiosks are in the arrivals hall at all major international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc. Just look for red-and-white Viettel branding with bilingual pricing boards.
Pros: Convenient, staff speak English, immediate setup.
Cons: Prices are 20-30% higher than in the city. You often get “Tourist Bundles”, which are more expensive than the standard full plan range listed above.
This option is fine for short trips or if you want everything sorted immediately after landing.
2. At Viettel official stores
Viettel has official stores scattered in the city centers of most big cities in Vietnam. There, you will get best prices, full plan selection, and staff will activate everything for you before you leave.
How to find: search for “Viettel Store” on Google Maps or check the official store locator at vietteltelecom.vn/vx/cua-hang.
Below is the list of Viettel store addresses in some popular wards in Central Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City:
| City | Ward | Address | Phone | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Hoan Kiem | 32 Phan Chu Trinh | 02462780100 | 8:00–20:00 |
| Hanoi | Hoan Kiem | 53 Luong Van Can | 02462700094 | 8:00–20:00 |
| Hanoi | Ba Dinh | 50 Van Cao | 02462580888 | 8:00–20:00 |
| Hanoi | Ba Dinh | 61 Cua Dong | 02462700888 | 8:00–20:00 |
| Hanoi | Dong Da | 1172 Lang Street | 02462666668 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Dong Da | 219 Ton Duc Thang | 02462762555 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Cau Giay | 10 Nguyen Phong Sac | 02462697073 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Cau Giay | 184 Hoang Quoc Viet | 02462671131 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Tay Ho | 677 Lac Long Quan | 02466532955 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Tay Ho | 44B Xuan Dieu | 02462580468 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | An Phu | 31/3 ĐT 743 KP 2 | 02746281789 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Cho Lon | 258 Hong Bang | 0976246979 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Cho Lon | 214-216 Hong Bàng | 02862610101 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Binh Tay | 673 Hong Bàng | 0977967878 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Tan Son Nhat | 441 Hoang Van Thu | 02862964823 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Tan Dinh | 149F Tran Quang Khai | 0979700841 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Tan Dinh | 164 Tran Quang Khai | 0979818179 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Binh Tan | 111 – 113 Nguyen Thi Tu | 02862610101 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Thu Duc | 1188 Kha Van Can | 02862840168 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Thu Duc | 75 Duong so 2 | 0977228228 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Go Vap | 672A59, Phan Van Tri, KDC Cityland Park Hills | 0379871279 | 8:00–20:00 |
| HCMC | Go Vap | 672A59 Phan Van Tri | 02862955707 | 8:00–20:00 |
What you need: your physical passport — the registration is required by law for all SIM purchases in Vietnam, and possible live photo.
3. Online from the official Viettel website
You can also buy a Viettel SIM card online through the official website of Viettel. This helps save your time and effort on searching for a store to buy. However, it requires you to present a passport or portrait photo for registration.
All what you need to do is to go to this website address https://vietteltelecom.vn/en, then choose the number you like, select a package that fits your needs, and wait to be shipped to your accommodation.
4. Convenience stores and hotels
Circle K and some VinMart branches sell Viettel SIM cards. This option is convenient for top-ups, but plan selection is limited compared to official stores.
Hotels sometimes sell SIMs on-site – useful if you’re already checked in and don’t want to go out, but typically priced at a premium.
💡 Pro-Tip: Avoid buying from street vendors or unlicensed kiosks. Stick to official stores or airport counters for a genuine, properly registered SIM.
V. 5G on Viettel: What Tourists Can Actually Expect
Viettel was the first carrier in Vietnam to launch commercial 5G and remains the only one to run both 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) nationwide.
It consistently leads all Vietnamese carriers to measured 5G speed, with real-world download speeds well above 600 Mbps in major cities — fast enough to download a 1GB file in under 15 seconds.
Viettel’s 5G network already covers the vast majority of Vietnam’s population outdoors, with indoor coverage catching up across urban centers. Its coverage is expanding rapidly.
In practical terms for tourists:
- Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang — 5G available in most areas, fast and reliable
- Secondary cities (Hue, Nha Trang, Can Tho, Phu Quoc) — 5G expanding, 4G solid throughout
- Rural areas, national parks, highlands — 4G is the standard; 5G coverage thinner but improving
- Ha Giang, remote Mekong Delta — 4G coverage, may drop to 3G in very remote spots
Your Viettel SIM will automatically connect to the best available network (5G > 4G > 3G). No manual switching is needed.
→ Full Vietnam 5G rollout guide
VI. How to activate and top up Viettel SIM and eSIM
For physical SIM:
- Installation and activation: Insert the SIM, turn on your phone, and it activates automatically when it connects to the Viettel network. If not, dial *098# or visit the nearest Viettel store.
- Check your number: dial *098#
- Check data balance: SMS “KT” to 191
- Top-up: Viettel credit is available everywhere — Circle K, VinMart, convenience stores, and via the My Viettel app. If you run out of data mid-trip, topping up takes under 5 minutes.
For Viettel eSIM (from vietnamesim.com)
- Installation & activation:
- After payment, scan the QR code sent to your email to install the eSIM profile
- Enable roaming for the eSIM line in your phone settings
- Arrive in Vietnam — the eSIM connects to Viettel automatically, no extra steps needed
→ Full esim installation and activation guide for Vietnam travel
- Check data balance: go to your phone’s Settings → Mobile Data → your eSIM line > scroll down to see the consumption of apps
- Top up: Buy a new eSIM plan anytime at vietnamesim.com. The new plan is delivered to your email within minutes and activated immediately after installation — no physical top-up cards, no store visit needed.
VII. Final Words
Viettel is the right choice if coverage matters to you — and in Vietnam, it usually does once you leave the city. The network reaches places others don’t, 5G is rolling out fast across all major tourist destinations, and the plans are straightforward.
For a short city trip, the 5G60T (7 days, 5GB/day) gets most people through without thinking twice. For longer stays or rural itineraries, step up to 5G150T or 5G180H.
If you’d rather skip the airport queue and sort everything before you fly, the Viettel eSIM from vietnamesim.com is the same network, same coverage — just delivered to your inbox instead of a SIM tray.