SIM cards, eSIM and mobile data for visitors

Mobile data here is cheap and fast, and you will need it for maps, ride-hailing and translation. The networks • Viettel has the widest coverage, including mountains and small islands. Pick it if you are leaving the cities. • VinaPhone and MobiFone are fine for city trips and sometimes cheaper. Buying Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at a carrier shop in town. Bring your passport: SIM cards must be registered to an identity document. Avoid pre-activated SIMs from random kiosks or online resellers, because a number registered in someone else's name can be cut off without warning. eSIM Most carriers sell eSIM now. It is faster to set up, but your phone must support eSIM and must not be locked to a carrier at home. Check both before you fly, and keep your home number active for bank codes. Good to know • Tourist packages are sold by days or by data volume. Ask the assistant to install and test it before you leave the counter. • Coverage is 4G almost everywhere and 5G in the big cities. • Free wifi is normal in cafés, restaurants and hotels, and the password is usually on the receipt or the wall. • Download offline maps of your area, and keep the SIM tray tool if you swapped a physical card.