Mobile internet

Will my mobile phone work in Vietnam?

Explore the different options for using your phone in Vietnam. Plus, learn the basics of using your US, UK, and AU phone during your trip.

Yes, your mobile phone will work in Vietnam. The key factor is whether your device is carrier-locked or unlocked.

This guide will explain the different ways to stay connected in Vietnam, including how to avoid overspending by using options like a travel eSIM on your trip.

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Can I use my phone in Vietnam?

Most modern phones will work in Vietnam as the country supports GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), LTE, and 5G NR.

However, you need to check if you have a carrier-unlocked device. An unlocked phone lets you use options beyond international roaming, such as SIM cards from Vietnam mobile providers.

Here’s what you should consider based on where you’re traveling from:

Home country	Carriers	Will my phone work in Vietnam?
USA	AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile	Yes, but check if your phone is carrier-unlocked
Australia	Optus, Telstra, Vodafone AU	Yes, but check if your phone is carrier-unlocked
UK	Three, O2, Vodafone UK, and EE	Yes, after 2021, all UK-sold phones are carrier-unlocked

Travel tip: If you’re traveling from the USA or Australia, you can call your carrier to unlock your phone.

How to use your cell phone in Vietnam

For carrier-locked devices, international roaming in Vietnam is your only option. But if your phone is carrier-unlocked, you can choose from several alternatives.

Let’s explore the different options available to get phone service in Vietnam.

eSIM

An eSIM is the ideal option for unlocked, eSIM-compatible devices.

Your best call is to use the Holafly eSIM for Vietnam, which includes unlimited mobile data, plans lasting 1 to 90 days, and pricing ranging from $3.90 to $1.55 daily.

You also get up to 500 MB of hotspot data daily, 24/7 customer support, 5G data speeds, and internet access as soon as you land.

Roaming

International roaming in Vietnam is the go-to solution for carrier-locked devices, but it’s rarely the most affordable.

For US carriers, roaming in Vietnam can cost anywhere from $5 to $55 for data bundles, while daily passes average around $12. These include unlimited mobile data, calls, and texts. T-Mobile in Vietnam is the only US carrier offering built-in roaming plans for Vietnam.

For UK carriers, roaming is more expensive. Daily passes start at £6 (letting you use your local allowance), while some providers charge as much as £65 for just 1 GB of data, without calls or texts included.

For AU carriers, costs fall in between. Daily roaming passes range from $5 AUD to $10 AUD, usually including up to 5 GB of data along with unlimited calls and texts.

Physical SIM card for Vietnam

All unlocked phones from the UK, USA, and Australia will work with a Vietnam SIM card. You can choose different plans from Vietnam mobile carriers like MobiFone, Viettel, and VinaPhone.

Before choosing a plan, you’ll need to purchase a local SIM card and decide between data-only packages or all-inclusive plans.

Vietnam mobile plans for SIM cards range from 60,000 VND (~$2.00) to 250,000 VND (~$8.20), with plans lasting 1 to 30 days, including up to 250 GB on limited data plans.

You can also make unlimited phone calls and texts, depending on which Vietnam mobile carriers you use.

Pocket WiFi for Vietnam

A pocket WiFI for Vietnam is ideal for large groups or remote workers needing more data.

However, it’s also one of the most expensive choices — often even pricier than roaming. Costs can reach up to $49 per day, and most plans don’t include unlimited data. On top of that, you’ll usually pay extra for delivery, add-ons like portable chargers, or top-ups. If the device is lost or damaged, penalty fees can exceed $200.

But if you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can use Holafly Plans and turn your phone into a full-time hotspot for $64.90 monthly. You won’t need to carry an additional device, think about pickup and drop off, or extra fees.

This plan is ideal for using your phone in Vietnam and getting unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and 5G data speeds. If you’re traveling somewhere else, it works in over 170 destinations.

Will your mobile phone work in Vietnam? The verdict

You can use your mobile phone in Vietnam, but you need to ensure you pick a proper option to avoid spending more on the internet than on your trip.

Roaming and pocket WiFi devices are the most expensive options, and if you have an eSIM-only phone, SIM cards are immediately off the table.

Using an eSIM for Vietnam or Holafly Plans is a more reliable option for staying connected on short and long trips. Plus, both options can cost you less per day than a bowl of pho.

Traveling and learning more about other Asian cultures? Learn how your phone will work there!

FAQs

Which mobile network works in Vietnam?

Vietnam currently uses GSM, LTE, and 5G mobile networks.

Can the US iPhone be used in Vietnam?

Yes. Your options will vary depending on whether your phone is locked or unlocked when traveling.

Does WhatsApp work in Vietnam?

Yes. Travelers can use WhatsApp in Vietnam without limitations.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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