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International roaming in Vietnam can easily cost you over $100 in just a few minutes at pay-per-use rates. 

However, by planning ahead with roaming passes or mobile data alternatives, you can keep your costs down and save your funds for the important things – like bánh mì and Vietnamese pho.

That said, relying on roaming in Vietnam can cost you more than your hotel room, so it’s better to consider other alternatives to stay connected during your trip.

This guide explores the different roaming in Vietnam charges and plans you might face, as well as budget-friendly alternatives like the Holafly travel eSIM.

roaming vietnam

Roaming costs in Vietnam

For US providers, roaming in Vietnam ranges from $2.05/MB to $50 travel passes.

For UK providers, roaming in Vietnam ranges from £7.20/MB to £65 travel passes.

However, there are more options to consider, so let’s dive deeper into the UK and US providers’ pricing for roaming in Vietnam.

Roaming costs in Vietnam for US travelers 

ProviderRoaming passPay-as-you-go
AT&T roaming in Vietnam$12 daily with unlimited data, text, and calls$3/minute, $1.30/text, $10.24/MB
Verizon roaming in Vietnam$12 daily with unlimited data, text, and calls$1.79/minute, $0.50/text, $2.05/MB
T-Mobile roaming in Vietnam$5 to $50 for up to 30 days with up to 15 GB of data, unlimited text and callsUse roaming passes

Roaming costs in Vietnam for UK travelers

ProviderRoaming pass Pay-as-you-go
O2 roaming in Vietnam£3/minute, £1/text, and data packages from £26 to £65 with up to 1 GB£2/minute, 0.50p/text, £7.20/MB
Vodafone roaming in Vietnam£6 to 7.86 daily to unlock your texts, calls, and up to 25 GB aside from your local plan
0.60p/minute, 0.08p/text, 0.12p/MB
EE roaming in Vietnam– 24-hour Zone 1 Pass – £5
– 7-day Zone 1 Pass – £25
– £1.80/minute and 0.60p/text
– Data available with roaming passes
Three roaming in Vietnam– £5 daily on Value, Compete, Lite and Advanced plans with your local allowance
– Free roaming on Value and Complete plans for up to 56 days if joined before June 22, 2025
– 3 to 14 days roaming passes for up to £60 with your local allowance
– Roaming passes from £10 to £31.50 with your local allowance
– 0.35p/minute, 0.15p/text, and 0.10p/MB after using your local allowance

Get unlimited data for less in Vietnam with Holafly

Using international roaming to access mobile internet in Vietnam is a convenient decision, but it’s not the most cost-effective option.

With the Holafly eSIM for Vietnam, you get unlimited mobile data from just $3.90. The longer you stay, the cheaper your plan is, costing as little as $1.55 daily.

You also get up to 500 MB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, 5G high-speed data, and no hidden roaming fees. The best part? You only need an eSIM-compatible phone.

How to avoid roaming charges in Vietnam

Using an eSIM is your best option to avoid roaming charges in Vietnam, but there are other things to consider:

  • Get a local SIM card: If you have a SIM-only phone, using a Vietnam SIM card is a good alternative to avoid roaming charges while still getting reliable mobile data.
  • Rent a pocket WiFi: Renting a pocket WiFi for Vietnam is a good option for larger groups or remote workers, but it can cost over $100 weekly on limited data plans. Consider using Holafly Plans instead, a subscription service that includes unlimited data, unlimited mobile hotspot, 5G data speeds, and coverage in over 170 destinations for $64.90 per month.
  • Use free WiFi: Free WiFi is commonly available at local airports, public areas, and coffee shops; however, it’s not always safe to rely on it for extended periods. Use it to look for addresses around Ho Chi Minh or upload pictures, but avoid using it for work or accessing personal information.
  • Turn roaming off: If you’re relying on international roaming services, you can go to your device settings and turn off the “Roaming” option to reduce how much it can cost you.

Vietnam roaming vs. eSIM for Vietnam

Using international roaming in Vietnam can give you access to your local allowance, but in most cases, you’ll end up paying for an expensive international plan. Even worse, you can be hit by hidden costs due to your phone consuming background data.

Other options, such as a prepaid SIM card or a pocket WiFi, are alternatives to consider, but chances are these fall short in terms of mobile data or hotspot data, especially on extended trips.

That makes an eSIM a great alternative to data roaming, as you can pay half the price of roaming passes and still get a reliable service.

The Holafly eSIM for Vietnam or Holafly Plans are your best options, with plans starting at $1.55 daily or $49.90 monthly, ensuring you get a high-quality service for your Vietnamese adventure.

Disclaimer: The data in this review is accurate as of 13 November 2025 and is subject to change

FAQ

Is it better to buy a SIM or use roaming in Vietnam?

While data roaming in Vietnam is convenient, roaming charges are much higher compared to using a local SIM card from Vietnamese carriers. Which is best depends on your style of travel.

How to use data roaming in Vietnam?

Depending on your mobile plan, you get access to pay-as-you-go rates or roaming passes, which can be bought directly on your mobile carrier’s website, official app, or by simply turning roaming on in your phone.

Julio Osuna

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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