Mobile internet in Vietnam: What is the best option?

Vietnam is a country rich in history and full of beautiful landscapes. So if you are thinking about where to go on your next trip, then this country should be on your list. And, of course, it will also be important for you to know the options available to get cellular internet in Vietnam. You will need internet to be able to keep in touch with family and friends, as well as to book a hotel, or look for an address. 

Throughout this article, we will be explaining to you all the options with which you can connect to the internet during your trip. We will detail everything about each alternative, so you will have the information you need to choose the best option that suits your travel needs. Read on to find out more!

Mobile internet in Vietnam

There are now a number of options available to keep you connected to the internet while traveling. There are many services available, and their advantages, disadvantages, and prices tend to vary. That is why knowing them very well will be essential for you to be able to get the best of them all. 

Throughout this article, we will be talking about the prepaid SIM cards that you can purchase through physical stores once you arrive in Vietnam. As well as the new and innovative eSIMs that have become the preferred option for travelers. We will also talk about more expensive alternatives, such as international roaming and Pocket WiFi. And of course, we will also mention if you will be able to use free WiFi during your stay. Let’s get started!

Vietnam internet providers

Below we will be explaining the different options that you can purchase to stay connected to the internet in Vietnam. It will be essential that you know about the advantages, disadvantages, and prices of each alternative. So, you can compare them and choose the best one for you. 

Prepaid SIM Card for Vietnam

Let’s start by talking about prepaid SIM cards. This is the ideal option for those of you who like to purchase commonly-heard-of services. And, of course, we all know the SIM cards, as they are these small chips that we use in our phones to be able to connect to a telephone network in our country. 

But prepaid SIM cards or International SIM cards are the ones you’ll be able to use when you are visiting another country. Currently, there are many providers with which you can buy a prepaid SIM card. And in short, there are two ways to get one. Firstly, through physical stores of local operators at the airport or shopping malls in Vietnam. Or through different online stores that will offer this service for different destinations of the world. 

Mobile internet companies in Vietnam

Viettel Mobile

This is the largest operator in Vietnam. So, you can find this operator’s stores in many places around the country, including the airport. They offer SIM cards with all the traditional services, as well as data-only SIM cards, and these cost between $7 to $15. 

MobiFone

Although this operator has one of the lowest costs, it is not the one that offers the best coverage in the country. You can also get MobiFone prepaid SIM cards in different parts of the country, such as the airport or shopping malls. 

Vinaphone

When you arrive in Vietnam, you will also find stores of the operator Vinaphone, where you can purchase different prepaid SIM card packages during your visit. Tourist SIM card plans usually cost between US$10 and US$15 and are valid for 7 to 14 days. 

International eSIM for traveling to Vietnam

As a second option, we bring you the new and innovative eSIM. This specific product has been standing out for the last few years among travelers. Because it is because it being a completely digital card, is very easy to buy from anywhere in the world and at any time. However, you have to consider that in order to use an eSIM, you will need to have a compatible phone, and you can check it through the following eSIM-supported phones list. 

In this case, our recommendation is that you purchase the eSIM through an online store, since you will not need to sign any subscription contract, and you can get very good options. As is the eSIM for Vietnam from Holafly, with which you can enjoy unlimited data during your trip. Below we will tell you more about this option. 

eSIM Vietnam by Holafly

Here are the different plans that Holafly offers for its eSIM to Vietnam: 

After reviewing the features of Holafly’s plans for Vietnam, we will talk about the positive and negative aspects of this eSIM: 

Advantages

• You’ll enjoy Unlimited cellular data connection in Vietnam.
• Their eSIM is very easy to set up. Also, you won’t need to sign up or subscribe to any website or service.
• The eSIM is very easy to activate through a QR code. 
• You can keep your WhatsApp number in your language without any problem.
• In case you have a problem with this eSIM, Holafly’s team will have 24/7 support through the virtual chat on the online store. There is also help via WhatsApp and email.
• You’ll be connected to the best operator from your destination. 

Disadvantages

• With the eSIM, you will not be able to make calls.
• It does not include text messages. 
• The eSIM plan is for data use only.  
• Not all cellphones are eSIM compatible, so we recommend that you check that your cellphone is compatible before purchasing one. 

Roaming in Vietnam with your local operator

Another alternative with which you can also enjoy cellular internet in Vietnam is the roaming service that your local operator offers. Most operators worldwide have available this roaming service to their users. So if you are wondering if yours offers it, most likely, yes!

However, one important thing to consider international roaming is that it tends to be a very expensive service. And if you don’t monitor your consumption closely, you could come return from your trip with a very high bill from your operator. So, we recommend you always check the costs of using your operator’s roaming. As an example, here are the roaming details of some of the most famous operators in the United States and Europe.

AT&T

This is a cellular operator widely used in the United States. AT&T offers several options to its customers to enjoy international roaming. First, they offer the International Day Pass, which costs $10 per day, and users can enjoy unlimited phone services. However, some consumption policies apply. 

On the other hand, they also offer a pay-per-use service, where you will have to pay just for your consumption. As for cellular data, each MB used up is charged at $2.05. 

Vodafone

Vodafone is one of the most used phone companies in Europe. For those Vodafone UK users who want to make use of roaming during their trip to Vietnam, they should know that for every MB they use, they will have to pay $7.20. However, this operator also offers certain plans called Around The World, with which customers can enjoy a flat amount of data package. 

T-Mobile

Finally, T-Mobile is another major carrier popular in the USA. This carrier’s customers who currently have one of the Simple Global Plans will be able to enjoy roaming services at no extra cost. However, those with any other plan from this carrier will have to pay for their utilization. The downside is that it will be $15 per MB, which is a very high price. 

Pocket WiFi for mobile Internet in Vietnam

Another option that you can also consider is the Pocket WiFi. This is a small device that generates an internet signal to the devices connected to it. The great advantage of this one is that you can connect several devices to it at the same time. On the other hand, the big disadvantage is the rental price, which you can see below. 

First, we’ll discuss Travelers WiFi, a Swiss-based company with which you can rent a pocket WiFi for a whole week, and it will cost you $75 to around $113 depending on the plan you choose. Also, you’ll have to pay around $10 o $20 for shipping, depending on the distance. Another important thing to know about Travelers WiFi, is that they have a penalty in case you lose the device. So, we recommend you purchase a loss/theft insurance for the device. 

The second option is Cello Mobile, which is based in the United States. Regardless of the destination, the price is $349 for a week plus the accessories you may need. As you can see, this is a very high price for a service. Also, in the case of losing the device, $75 must be paid to the company.

Free WiFi

Finally, we will talk about whether you can have free WiFi in Vietnam. And the answer is yes; in almost every city of this country, you can find places like restaurants, cafés, or shopping malls where you can connect for free to the WiFi network. On websites like Wifimap, you can find places where you can use free WiFi. 

However, it is very important to keep in mind that these public connections are not always the best. They tend to be quite unstable and insecure. We recommend you to take with you a paid internet service such as eSIMs, and use the free WiFi hotspots to check your social networks or answer messages.