Vinaphone SIM Cards for Tourists: Types, Where to Buy, Prices
A Vinaphone SIM card is a popular connectivity option that many tourists to Vietnam choose thanks to its reliability, stability, and well-rounded services.
Vinaphone is one of the biggest telecommunication providers in Vietnam, known for its reliable coverage and well-rounded services. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam and considering which connectivity option to choose, a Vinaphone SIM card for tourists is often recommended. But, what makes it special?
This article will explain why travelers choose Vinaphone, types of SIM cards recommended, best plan options available, prices, where to buy, possible alternatives, and more.
Table of Contents
I. Why choose a Vinaphone tourist SIM card?
There are 04 reasons to choose a Vinaphone tourists SIM card to stay connected while traveling in Vietnam:
1. Wide and reliable coverage
Vinaphone has widespread coverage across Vietnam’s territory. According to the coverage map of Vinaphone’s network measured by nPerf, it can be seen that Vinaphone’s 4G network covers nearly all provinces and cities, mainly concentrated in the Northeastern and Southern regions of the country.
Meanwhile, 4G+ and 5G signals are currently only available in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Danang, Hai Phong, etc.
It means that if you use Vinaphone SIM cards, you will be covered almost everywhere you go in Vietnam.
2. High mobile data speed
According to Opensignal’s report in 2023, Vinaphone is the fastest mobile network in Vietnam. Regarding mobile speeds, Vinaphone wins both the download and upload speed experience awards.
The speed score of this mobile carrier is 55.87, with the median download speeds of 53.24 Mbps and median upload speeds of 23.39 Mbps.
However, it is noted that these speeds may vary depending on factors such as network, congestion, location, time of the day, and type of device you use.
3. Competitive prices
A basic Vinaphone SIM card with data and calling credit can cost as little as $5-10 USD, depending on the package you choose. This cost is associated with a local phone number, data for Internet access and credit for making calls and sending text messages.
Compared with roaming charges using your home SIM card, this cost is rather low.
4. Good tourist packages
Vinaphone is the mobile carrier offering good tourist packages compared to other competitors. Tourists can buy either prepaid SIM card plans which can be used by locals and tourists alike or tourist-tailored SIM cards, which include Tourist SIM with data and voice + text, and Internet 3G SIM with data only.
► Read on this further comparison between Vinaphone SIM plans and other Vietnamese mobile operators to know why choosing it over others.
II. Which type of Vinaphone SIM card to choose as a tourist?
As mentioned earlier, tourists to Vietnam can buy different types of SIM cards from Vinaphone during their trip.
There are prepaid and post paid Vinaphone SIM plans, SIM plans with data only or with data with voice and text, physical SIM and eSIM plans.
However, experienced travelers recommend using prepaid data only SIM / eSIM plans for the best convenience and value. The reasons are:
- Prepaid options offer cheaper local calls and data rates compared to postpaid ones, and allow you to control your budget better.
- Prepaid options do not require you to sign any contract, giving you the freedom to switch providers or plans if necessary.
- Data only plans still allow you to get Internet access and stay in touch with people back home through voice apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, etc. while saving money significantly compared to plans with voice and text.
Which Vinaphone SIM to choose?
- Choose a prepaid SIM card plan if your phone is unlocked but not compatible with eSIM, or you prefer a physical SIM card.
- Choose a prepaid eSIM plan if your phone is both unlocked and eSIM compatible and you like the convenience of activating your eSIM before even arriving in Vietnam. No need to wait for SIM delivery.
III. How much does a Vinaphone tourist SIM card cost?
A basic Vinaphone SIM card without any credit often costs from 35,000 to 50,000 VND (about $2 USD). However, if buying such SIM, you need to add more credit to your account so as to start using it.
If you choose to buy a Vinaphone SIM with preloaded data such as SIM 4G Vina D169G 7GB/day (210GB/30 days), it costs about 169,000 VND (about $6.7 USD). This price is very affordable compared with other connectivity options.
Basically, the price of a Vinaphone SIM card may vary by the plan chosen, the phone number associated with the SIM, if any.
IV. Best Vinaphone Tourist SIM card options
Tourists to Vietnam can buy SIM cards from Vinaphone in two major categories: prepaid SIM plans and tourist SIM plans.
| Plan type | Data amount | Features | Validity period | Price |
| Tourist SIM | 1GB data/day | – 50 minutes to call internationally – 50 minutes of calling within Vietnam – 50 SMS | 15 days | 199,000 VND |
| VD120M Prepaid | 1GB/day | – Free data to use Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube – Free 1,500 minutes on-net calls, with 10 minutes maximum each calls – Free 30 minutes out-net calls | 30 days | 120,000 VND |
| VD159V Prepaid | 6GB/day | – Free 1.500 minutes on-net calls – Free 200 minutes off-net calls – Free 200 free on-net SMS | 30 days | 159,000 VND |
| VD90 Prepaid | 1GB/day | – Free 1.500 minutes on-net calls – Free 30 minutes off-net calls | 30 days | From 90,000 VND |
| VD100F Prepaid | 1GB/day | – Free data to use Facebook | 30 days | From 100,000 VND |
| VD120N Prepaid | 1.5GB/day | – Free 1,500 minutes on-net calls, with 10 minutes maximum each call – Free 50 minutes off-net calls | 30 days | 120,000 VND |
| VD150 Prepaid | 2GB/day | – Free 1,500 minutes on-net calls, with 10 minutes maximum each call – Free 80 minutes off-net calls | 30 days | 150,000 VND |
Note: These plans are subject to change. You should double check on Viettel’s website before making a purchase.
V. Where to buy a Vinaphone SIM card?
Vinaphone SIM cards are available at the airports upon arrival, in official Vinaphone shops, other phone shops, and online through Vinaphone’s website.
1. Buy at the airports
This is one of the most convenient places to buy a SIM card from Vinaphone Mobile. On international Vietnam airports like Noi Bai airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat airport (Ho Chi Minh City),… Vinaphone representative kiosks are easily accessible in the arrival halls, typically near the baggage claim area.
To buy a SIM card, you need to present your passport for registration. Keep in mind that the plans sold at the airports are often pricier than those available in the city center or online.
► For more information on where to buy a SIM card for Vietnam in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, please refer to our guides:
2. Buy in official Vinaphone stores
Vinaphone has an extensive network of telecom shops across Vietnam, where you can find a variety of SIM card options. For your convenience, we recommend settling into your accommodation first, then using Google Maps to search for “Vinaphone store” to find the nearest store.
Alternatively, you can also visit Vinaphone’s official website to access the list of addresses of Vinaphone stores in your area here: https://vinaphone.com.vn/gioi-thieu/diem-giao-dich
3. Buy in phone service shops, hotels
In Vietnam, phone service shops, hotels, resorts also offer SIM cards for different mobile operators, including Vinaphone.
However, be careful when buying SIM cards from these places since there is a possibility of encountering scams. It is best to choose reputable shops such as The Gioi Di Dong, CellphoneS,..
Tip: We suggest researching and selecting your desired plan on the website of Vinaphone in advance, then when visiting the SIM shops, you order that plan. This will ensure you get exactly what you need and avoid unexpected upsells.
4. Buy online via agency, tourism websites
Vinaphone SIM cards can also be bought online through reputable travel agencies’ websites as well as ecommerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
Simply choose the website or shop, select your preferred plan, make payment, and provide your phone number and address for delivery. In most cases, you can expect to receive the SIM within 2-3 days.
VI. Vinaphone eSIM – An Alternative to the Traditional SIM Card
In addition to the traditional Vinaphone SIM card options, tourists can also buy eSIM (embedded SIM) for their Vietnam trip. If your phone is eSIM enabled, you should not skip this option.
Benefits of choosing a Vinaphone eSIM:
- You can buy and activate your eSIM online from anywhere in the world, either before or during your trip to Vietnam. There is no need to search for a SIM shop or wait for SIM delivery.
- You can get your Vietnam eSIM within 5-10 minutes after payment. Scan then QR code to set up and get activated right upon arrival in Vietnam.
- You can keep your primary SIM card to receive calls and texts as usual (just turn on roaming)
- You can avoid roaming charges and enjoy competitive rates for voice, data, and message rates while traveling in Vietnam.
Where to buy a Vinaphone eSIM?
You can buy eSIM directly from Vinaphone’s website or through eSIM providers. However, using a reputable eSIM provider is recommended to avoid registration procedure.
We specifically recommend Vietnamesim.com as an reliable provider for Vietnam eSIM plans which only focuses on Vietnam market. They offer a wide range of plans to suit different needs, with data allowances ranging from 7GB to 120GB and validities from 8 to 30 days. You can browse their selection of eSIM plans for Vietnam on their online shop. Simply choose a plan, make your payment, and receive the eSIM via email within 5-10 minutes for instant installation.
But, remember to check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before making a purchase.
VII. How to check Vinaphone SIM phone number, data balance and top up
To check the Vinaphone phone number, you might have up to 3 options:
- Dial 18001091. Do this way when you can listen and speak Vietnamese.
- Dial 900. Also, do this when you can listen and speak Vietnamese.
- Dial *101# and press the call button on your phone. You will receive a message displaying your phone number. Note down this number for future reference.
To check Vinaphone data balance, you might have 2 options:
- Text DATA to 888 (Free of charge)
- Text TRACUU to 900 (Free of charge)
If you run out of credit or data, you can top up your account by buying scratch cards or using online payment methods.
A Vinaphone SIM card is an excellent choice for tourists visiting Vietnam. For added convenience, the Vinaphone eSIM is an innovative alternative that allows you to enjoy the benefits of a Vinaphone SIM without the need for a physical card. By downloading and activating the eSIM profile, you can have immediate access to Vinaphone’s network upon arrival in the country.
No matter which Vinaphone SIM card option you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to stay connected, share your experiences, and enjoy your trip to Vietnam to the fullest.