Whether you’re booking captivating tours in Hanoi or navigating the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City solo, having a well-connected SIM (especially with data) will make life a lot easier. A local SIM card from Vietnam is affordable and easy to purchase on your trip. 

If you’re considering whether or not you can go without a SIM card for your trip to Vietnam, do yourself a favour and get one. The cost of a SIM card or eSIM is well worth it for the convenience it offers. Whether that’s booking Grab or Gojek to get from A to B, or you’re translating menus at a family-run street food stall, a SIM with data will guarantee a smoother trip. 

International roaming with your existing Australian number is convenient, but costs can add up, especially if you’re in Vietnam for an extended period. If you’re keen to save your cash, opting for a local SIM or eSIM in Vietnam is a lot more cost-effective. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of excellent coverage and high speeds by going local. 

So, if you're staying more than a few days or know you’ll rely heavily on online maps and translating apps, getting a local SIM is your best bet. 

Like most countries, getting a SIM card or eSIM in Vietnam requires passport registration. You can get this done at the same time you purchase your SIM card at major airports in Vietnam, or at convenience stores or mobile stores in the city. If you’re someone who likes to be prepared, getting an eSIM online before your trip will ensure you’re connected as soon as you land. 

If you need to get connected as soon as you land, it’s wise to buy a SIM card in advance. This way, you can open up maps and head straight to your hotel to check in without delay. 

Buying a SIM card or eSIM in advance is likely to be a bit more expensive than purchasing one at the airport; however, the added convenience and peace of mind you get from having your SIM card sorted is well worth it. Plus, you’ll skip the lines at the airport, too. 

For tourists in Vietnam, choosing a SIM card from Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone or GoHub will work wonders. Viettel is known for its coverage and speed, ideal for those planning to explore more remote or rural areas of Vietnam. Mobifone offers SIM cards and eSIMs with data and local numbers, ideal if you prefer to have a local number during your trip. Vinaphone is great for those exploring major cities and urban areas in Vietnam. GoHub is a rising eSIM provider for those travelling to Vietnam, offering instant connectivity. You can purchase a GoHub eSIM for Vietnam here for as little as AU$4.13.  

Debating on whether or not to get an eSIM or a physical SIM in Vietnam? We hear you. Let us break it down for you.

Choose an eSIM if your phone supports it and you’re only in Vietnam for a short trip. Activation is instant, and you can set it up before you arrive for instant connectivity as soon as you land. 

Choose a physical SIM card in Vietnam if you need a local number for making calls or sending texts. This is ideal for longer trips, or if you’re heading to more rural areas where data coverage may be weaker. 

The cost of an eSIM in Vietnam will depend on how much data you plan to purchase. Typically you can expect to spend anywhere between AU$6 to AU$20+ for your tourist phone plan in Vietnam. At Traveloka, you can get a 4GB GoHub eSIM for Vietnam for as little as AU$4.13. Or better yet, if you purchase your flight or book a hotel in Vietnam via Traveloka, you’ll get a free eSIM with your booking. How good?

A multi-country eSIM is excellent if you’re hitting a few countries during a short trip. You may consider grabbing a local SIM card or eSIM if you’re only visiting Vietnam, or if you’re staying in Vietnam for an extended period before your next destination. 

Pros of getting a multi-country or international SIM:

Cons of getting a multi-country or international SIM: