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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 device.
This guide will walk you through all the options to staying connected in Vietnam. This includes showing you how to avoid spending more than expected, such as using a travel eSIM on your trip.
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Can I use my phone in Vietnam?
Most modern phones will work in Vietnam thanks to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks, LTE, and 5G NR.
However, you need to check if you have a carrier-unlocked device that allows you to use options other than just roaming, like a SIM card 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, you can rely on international roaming in Vietnam, but this changes for carrier-unlocked phones.
Let’s explore the different options available to get phone service in Vietnam.
eSIM
An eSIM is the ideal option for unlocked-carrier devices that are eSIM-compatible.
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.
Plus, you get up to 500 MB of hotspot data daily, 24/7 customer support, 5G data speeds, and internet access as soon as you land.
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Roaming
International roaming in Vietnam is the go-to solution for carrier-locked devices, but it’s not the cheapest.
For USA carriers, roaming in Vietnam can range from $5 to $55 on data bundles, while daily passes cost $12 a day. These include unlimited mobile data, calls, and texts. T-Mobile in Vietnam is the only one offering built-in roaming plans.
UK carriers are more expensive, with daily roaming passes starting at £6, allowing you to use your local allowance. Other carriers charge up to £65 for 1 GB without text and calls.
AU carriers fall in the middle, as they offer daily roaming passes ranging from $5 AUD to $10 AUD, depending on your carrier. These passes include up to 5 GB of data roaming and unlimited texts and calls.
Physical SIM card for Vietnam
All unlocked phones from the UK, USA, and Australia will work with a Vietnam SIM card, and you can choose different plans from Vietnam mobile carriers like MobiFone, Viettel, and VinaPhone.
Before choosing any plans available, you’ll have to get a local SIM card and choose from data-only or all-around local 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 one of the most expensive options, even more than roaming, as a single day can cost $49 and doesn’t offer unlimited data.
Plus, the listed price doesn’t usually include delivery fees or add-ons like portable charges or top-ups, and companies have penalty fees that can cost over $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.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
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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.
Get connected from anywhere
Buy your eSIM no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection.
Traveling and learning more about other Asian cultures? Learn how your phone will work there!
- Will my phone work in South Korea?
- Will my phone work in Singapore?
- Will my phone work in Thailand?
- Will my phone work in Japan?
- Will my phone work in China?
FAQs
Vietnam currently uses GSM, LTE, and 5G mobile networks.
Yes. Your options will vary depending on whether your phone is locked or unlocked when traveling.
Yes. Travelers can use WhatsApp in Vietnam without limitations.
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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.
