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Optus roaming in Vietnam: Charges and activation guide

Learn how to activate Optus roaming in Vietnam, including the Daily Roaming pass, check prepaid roaming pack rates, and avoid pay-as-you-go charges.

Published: March 10, 2026

If you’re an Optus customer in Australia planning a trip to the bustling streets of Hanoi or the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, staying connected is likely at the top of your checklist. In this guide, we will explain Optus roaming in Vietnam and the different plans available to help you stay connected without having to swap SIMs. 

We’ll also introduce you to Holafly eSIM, which is one of the best alternatives to Optus in Vietnam, offering unlimited data with reliable coverage in 200+ destinations.

Can you use Optus roaming in Vietnam?

Yes. Optus international roaming works in Vietnam for both eligible postpaid and prepaid customers. Vietnam is categorized as an eligible Zone 1 destination, meaning you have access to Optus roaming options.

While you’re in Vietnam, your phone will automatically connect to one of Optus’ trusted local partner networks, such as Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone, ensuring you have reliable coverage from North to South.

Optus postpaid roaming passes for Vietnam

For postpaid customers, Optus offers two main types of daily passes depending on which plan you are on.

Optus $5 roaming pass

The $5 roaming pass includes unlimited talk and text with 5 GB of data to use in one day. This is the standard for most modern Optus plans. 

  • Eligibility: Available on Choice Plus, Optus Plus Family, Optus Plus Promo, Optus Plus Data, Optus Plus Kids, and Business Choice Plus/Teams plans.
  • Cost: $5 per 24 hours. You’re only charged for days you actively use your phone, such as making calls, sending texts, or using data.
  • Inclusions: 5 GB of data per 24-hour period and unlimited standard talk and text.
  • Activation: This pass is typically pre-activated. It triggers automatically the moment you use your phone in Vietnam. If you exceed 5 GB in a single 24-hour window, another $5 pass will automatically activate to give you another 5 GB.

Optus $10 roaming pass

If you are on an older postpaid plan or a non-Choice Plus plan, you may be eligible for the $10 Roaming Pass, which includes unlimited talk and text with 1 GB of data to use in one day. 

  • Cost: $10 per 24 hours.
  • Inclusions: 1 GB of data per 24-hour period and unlimited standard talk and text.

Note: Because this plan offers less data for a higher price, it’s often worth checking if you can switch to a newer “Choice Plus” plan before you depart. You can also use our data usage calculator to estimate your daily needs and prevent any unexpected charges while abroad.

Optus prepaid international roaming packs

If you are an Optus prepaid customer, you can purchase an international roaming pack before your trip to Vietnam. If you don’t, you will be charged at standard pay-as-you-go rates, which might quickly drain your credit. 

Prepaid customers can purchase one of the following roaming packs: 

Pack TypeDurationIncluded DataStandard TalkStandard SMS
$5 International Roaming1 Day1 GB25 Mins50 SMS
$25 International Roaming14 Days5 GB50 Mins50 SMS
$45 International Roaming28 Days10 GB100 Mins100 SMS
$75 International Roaming186 Days15 GB100 Mins100 SMS

If you run out of data or minutes before the expiry date, you can simply purchase another pack on the Optus app. The new inclusions will be added to your account.

Additionally, the pack’s duration begins the moment you purchase it. So, it is usually best to buy and activate the pack just before you depart or once you land in Vietnam to maximize your days.

Optus prepaid international roaming packs
Check out more details about Optus prepaid international roaming packs on the official website.

Optus roaming Vietnam pay-as-you-go charges 

If you don’t have an active pass or pack, or if you are on a plan that doesn’t support them, you will be charged Standard Roaming Rates. These are pay-as-you-go and can become extremely expensive. 

If you plan to use data frequently or make regular calls, purchasing a local Vietnam SIM card or an eSIM can be a more budget-friendly alternative.

Postpaid standard rates

For postpaid customers on plans without a daily pass, the costs in Vietnam are:

  • Data: $1.00 per MB ($1,024 per GB)
  • Talk: $1.50 per minute 
  • SMS: $0.50 per text

Warning: At $1.00 per MB on postpaid, a simple 10-minute video call could cost you over $100. Always ensure a pass is active.

Prepaid standard rates

If you don’t purchase an international roaming pack, you will be charged the following:

  • Data: $0.50 per MB (charged per 10KB)
  • Talk: $1 per minute
  • SMS: $0.50 per text

Warning: At $0.50 per MB on prepaid, even basic activities like browsing the web or downloading a small file can lead to high charges, as 1 GB of data would cost over $500.

How to activate Optus roaming for Vietnam

Activating Optus roaming in Vietnam varies depending on whether you are on a postpaid or prepaid plan.

For postpaid customers

  1. Open the My Optus app.
  2. Go to the Service tab and select Settings.
  3. Tap International Roaming and ensure the toggle is ON.
  4. Check your eligibility for the Daily Roaming add-on in the same menu.

For prepaid customers

  1. Open the My Optus app and tap Recharge.
  2. Navigate to the Add-ons tab.
  3. Select your desired International Roaming Pack and pay using your stored card or credits.
  4. You can also text the word BAL to 9999 to check your balance, but purchasing is easiest via the app.

Final steps before you land

  • In Australia: Ensure “International Roaming” is enabled on your Optus account.
  • In Vietnam: Once you land, go to your phone’s Network/Cellular Settings and turn Data Roaming ON.
Holafly Vietnam eSIM
Get unlimited data and flexible duration with the Holafly Vietnam eSIM via the Holafly app.

Stay connected in Vietnam with Holafly

If you are a heavy data user or if you don’t want to worry about daily 5 GB limits, Holafly eSIM is the premier alternative to Optus roaming in Vietnam. It offers unlimited data, reliable coverage, and flexible durations. The 24/7 support is also available to assist whenever you need it. 

While the Optus daily roaming pass is a solid option, a Holafly Vietnam eSIM offers significantly more value for data-heavy travelers. For roughly the same price as an Optus 5GB daily plan, Holafly provides unlimited data starting at just AU$5.90 to $2.43 per day. The savings increase the longer you stay.

For digital nomads or those on extended trips, Holafly Plan offers monthly subscriptions or long-term plans that are significantly more budget-friendly than keeping an Australian roaming pass active for weeks.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of March 10, 2026, and is subject to change.

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Violet Lee

Violet Lee

SEO Content Specialist

Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.

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