Before you buy: what every traveler needs to know
Passport registration is mandatory by law
All SIM purchases in Vietnam require an original passport. Photocopies or digital scans are not accepted. The SIM is registered under your passport number and linked to your identity. Unregistered SIMs sold by street vendors risk deactivation within days.
Pro tip: Keep your passport handy when buying a SIM. Airport kiosks and official stores will scan it. Without it, no sale.
Why a Vietnamese phone number matters
A local +84 number is required for Grab ride bookings, Zalo registration, receiving OTPs from banks, and calling restaurants or hotels. Tourist SIMs from Vinaphone include a local number automatically. Data-only eSIMs from international providers often lack this capability.
Tourist SIM vs. regular prepaid: which to choose
Vinaphone offers one official tourist SIM package with bundled calls and data. Regular prepaid SIMs cost less per GB but require manual top-up and plan registration. The tourist SIM is simpler for short trips. Regular prepaid works better for stays over 15 days.
Official Vinaphone tourist SIM price and plan details
Vinaphone tourist SIM 15-day package
The only official tourist SIM plan from Vinaphone includes:
- Validity: 15 days from activation
- Data: 1GB per day at 4G/5G speeds (throttled after daily limit)
- Local calls: 50 minutes
- International calls: 50 minutes (to select countries via prefix 1714)
- SMS: 50 messages
- Price: 199,000 VND (~$8 USD)
- Note: SIM auto-deactivates after 15 days. Cannot be topped up or extended.
What the price does not include
The 199,000 VND covers only the plan. The physical SIM card itself costs an additional 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.40-$0.80) at the store. Airport kiosks sometimes bundle this into a higher total price.
International call destinations included
Free international calls via 1714 prefix cover: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and several other countries. Calls to other destinations are charged from the 10,000 VND main balance included with the SIM.
Vinaphone regular prepaid data plans (better value for most travelers)
For travelers who need more than 1GB per day or plan to stay longer than 15 days, Vinaphone's regular prepaid data plans offer better value.
Best short-term data packages
| Plan name | Validity | Data per day | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D20 | 24 hours | 25GB | 20,000 VND ($0.80) | Very short stays, 1-2 days |
| 5G30 | 3 days | 7GB | 30,000 VND ($1.20) | Weekend trips |
| 5G70 | 7 days | 8GB | 70,000 VND ($2.80) | 1-week trips |
| 5G150 | 30 days | 7GB | 150,000 VND ($6) | Monthly stays |
Best monthly data packages
| Plan name | Validity | Data per day | Bonus features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SODA125 | 30 days | 8GB | None | 125,000 VND ($5) |
| 5G150 | 30 days | 7GB | Free TikTok, YouTube, social media | 150,000 VND ($6) |
How to activate data plans on a regular SIM
Buy a blank Vinaphone SIM (50,000-60,000 VND / $2-$2.50) at an official store. Then register a data plan by texting the activation code to 1543. For example, text "DATA D5" to 1543 for 1GB valid until midnight. Plans auto-renew unless cancelled.
Vinaphone 5G coverage: what tourists can actually expect
Vinaphone was ranked the fastest 5G network in Southeast Asia by Ookla in 2025. This section explains where 5G works, real-world speeds, and when you will drop to 4G or 3G.
Cities with reliable 5G coverage
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang have strong 5G in central districts, tourist zones, and business areas. Real-world download speeds range from 150-300 Mbps in these locations.
Areas with 4G only
Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, and most provincial capitals have solid 4G coverage. 5G is expanding but not yet reliable outside major urban centers.
Where coverage weakens
In mountainous regions (Ha Giang, Sapa, Central Highlands) and remote Mekong Delta areas, Vinaphone coverage thins faster than Viettel. Expect possible 3G fallback. Viettel is the safer choice for off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Where to buy a Vinaphone SIM: airport vs. city store prices
At the airport: convenience at a premium
Vinaphone kiosks operate in arrivals halls at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc airports.
- Price: 20-30% higher than city stores
- Process: 5-10 minutes, staff handle activation
- Payment: Cash (VND) preferred; credit cards accepted at most kiosks
- Hours: Typically 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (may extend during peak seasons)
- What to bring: Original passport, cash backup
At official Vinaphone stores: best prices
Official stores offer the full plan selection at standard prices. Staff activate the SIM before you leave.
- Price: Standard rates, no markup
- Process: 10-15 minutes with passport
- Payment: Cash preferred; some stores accept cards
- Hours: Typically 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM weekdays, reduced weekend hours
- How to find: Search "Vinaphone store" on Google Maps or use the official store locator at vnpt.vn
At electronics retail chains
The Gioi Di Dong and CellphoneS carry Vinaphone SIMs at standard prices. Circle K convenience stores sell top-up cards but limited plan selection.
Price comparison: airport vs. city
| Item | Airport price | City store price |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM (15 days) | 220,000-250,000 VND ($9-$10) | 199,000 VND + 10,000-20,000 VND card ($8-$9) |
| 5G70 (7 days) | 90,000-100,000 VND ($3.60-$4) | 70,000 VND ($2.80) |
| 5G150 (30 days) | 180,000-200,000 VND ($7.20-$8) | 150,000 VND ($6) |
Vinaphone eSIM: official options and limitations
Official Vinaphone eSIM plans
Vinaphone's official eSIM offerings include:
- 5GB/day - 10 days: $12.90
- 5GB/day - 15 days: $14.90
- 5GB/day - 30 days: $19.90 All include a +84 local number and on-net call minutes.
How to install and activate
Purchase online, receive QR code by email, scan to install eSIM profile before travel. Enable data roaming for the eSIM line. Activation occurs automatically upon connecting to Vinaphone network in Vietnam.
Important limitation: OTP and app registration
The included +84 number handles calls and SMS in most cases. But OTP support for banking apps, Zalo, and other services cannot be guaranteed. Some apps may not recognize the eSIM number for verification purposes. Physical SIM is more reliable for this.
How to check eSIM compatibility
Dial *#06# on your phone. If an "EID" number appears, your device supports eSIM. Most iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 4 and newer are compatible.
How to activate, check balance, and top up
Physical SIM activation
Insert SIM, power on. Activates automatically on network connection. If not, dial *101# or visit a Vinaphone store.
USSD codes for account management
- Check phone number: *101#
- Check data balance: SMS "DATA" to 888 (free)
- Check account balance: SMS "TRACUU" to 900 (free)
- Check plan details: 1014#
How to top up
- Scratch cards: Available at Circle K, VinMart, and convenience stores (10,000-500,000 VND denominations)
- My Vinaphone app: Supports Visa/Mastercard top-up
- Official stores: Staff can add credit directly
How to cancel auto-renewal
To stop a data plan from auto-renewing, text "HUY [plan code]" to 888. For example, "HUY D5" cancels the 1GB daily plan.
Vinaphone vs. Viettel vs. Mobifone: which carrier should you choose?
Coverage comparison
- Viettel: Best overall coverage, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Recommended for Ha Giang, Sapa, Central Highlands, and cross-country motorbike trips.
- Vinaphone: Excellent urban coverage, comparable to Viettel in cities. Weaker in remote areas.
- Mobifone: Good city coverage, patchy in rural areas. Not recommended for off-the-beaten-path travel.
Speed comparison
In urban areas, all three carriers deliver similar real-world speeds (80-150 Mbps on 4G, 150-300 Mbps on 5G). Vinaphone's 5G benchmarks slightly ahead in speed tests, but the difference is negligible for daily use.
When to choose Vinaphone
- Trip covers only cities and main tourist routes
- Need a simple all-in-one tourist SIM with international calls
- Want the fastest 5G in urban areas
- Staying in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc
When to choose Viettel instead
- Itinerary includes Ha Giang, Sapa, Central Highlands, or remote areas
- Cross-country travel by bus, train, or motorbike
- Signal reliability in emergencies is a priority
Common problems and how to avoid them
SIM not working after insertion
Restart the phone. Toggle airplane mode on and off. If still not working, the SIM may not be activated. Visit the nearest Vinaphone store for manual activation.
Slow data speeds in tourist areas
Congestion is common in popular spots like Hoi An Ancient Town and Hanoi's Old Quarter during peak hours. Move to a less crowded area or switch to 4G only if 5G is overloaded.
SIM stops working after a few days
The SIM may not have been properly registered. Return to the store where purchased and ask them to verify registration. Avoid buying from street vendors.
Running out of data before the trip ends
Monitor usage via the My Vinaphone app. Top up and purchase an additional data plan if needed. The tourist SIM cannot be extended. Buy a regular prepaid plan instead for longer stays.
Is the Vinaphone tourist SIM worth it? Verdict for different traveler types
Best for: city-focused short trips (3-10 days)
The tourist SIM's simplicity and included international calls make it ideal for first-time visitors staying in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
Not ideal for: long stays or remote travel
For trips over 15 days, a regular prepaid SIM with a monthly data plan offers better value. For rural areas, Viettel provides more reliable coverage.
Alternative: regular prepaid SIM + data plan
Costs less per GB, offers more flexibility, and can be topped up. Requires manual plan registration but provides better value for data-heavy users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is a Vinaphone tourist SIM card?
A: The official Vinaphone tourist SIM costs 199,000 VND (~$8 USD) for 15 days with 1GB data per day, 50 minutes local and international calls, and 50 SMS. The physical SIM card costs an additional 10,000-20,000 VND.
Q: Which SIM card is best for tourists in Vietnam?
A: For city-focused trips, Vinaphone offers the simplest tourist SIM with a local number and international calls. For rural or cross-country travel, Viettel has better coverage. For data-heavy users, a regular prepaid SIM with a monthly plan costs less per GB.
Q: Can I buy a Vinaphone SIM at the airport?
A: Yes. Vinaphone kiosks are in arrivals at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc airports. Expect prices 20-30% higher than city stores. Bring your original passport.
Q: Does the Vinaphone tourist SIM include international calls?
A: Yes. The tourist SIM includes 50 minutes of international calls to select countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more) via the 1714 prefix.
Q: How do I check my Vinaphone data balance?
A: SMS "DATA" to 888 (free) or dial *101#. You can also use the My Vinaphone app to monitor usage in real time.
Q: Can I use a Vinaphone eSIM for Grab and bank OTPs?
A: The eSIM includes a local +84 number that handles calls and SMS in most cases. However, OTP support for banking apps, Zalo, and other services cannot be guaranteed. Physical SIM is more reliable for app registration and verification.
Q: What happens when the Vinaphone tourist SIM expires?
A: The SIM auto-deactivates after 15 days. It cannot be topped up or extended. For longer stays, buy a regular prepaid SIM and register a monthly data plan instead.