SIM & Internet: how it works in Vietnam — first-hand

From real experience

• Purchasing SIM cards locally in Vietnam at official mobile provider stores (e.g., Viettel) is cheaper than pre-ordering via Klook or online travel sites. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and airports. Ensure to physically remove and dispose of the SIM card before leaving the country if the contract is prepaid.
• In Nha Trang, local SIM cards can be purchased for internet access. Ride-hailing apps like Maxim and Grab are available for taxi services. Maxim is often cited as the cheapest option, with InDrive also being a cost-effective alternative.
• Explain how to purchase Vietnamese SIM cards and top-up scratch cards (e-vouchers) for mobile phone plans. Clarify the process of using these cards for payment within apps or for topping up accounts, and mention that local stores usually sell them.
• Experiencing issues with MegaFon roaming in Vietnam, including inability to connect to the hotline or access the personal account due to a lack of SMS codes. Investigate potential causes and solutions for these connectivity problems.
• SIM cards can be purchased at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam. While purchasing at the airport is convenient, prices might be higher than elsewhere. Tourist SIM cards offering unlimited internet are available on street corners for around 200,000 VND and can be obtained without a passport. For more options, including eSIMs and physical SIM cards, consider visiting a salon and presenting your passport.
• For convenient mobile connectivity in Vietnam and other countries, consider using eSIM services. eSIMs can be purchased and installed in advance, offering quick setup and seamless operation. Services are available that provide coverage in numerous countries, eliminating the need for local SIM cards and avoiding roaming charges. E-SIMs can often be purchased via platforms like Trip.com.
• A 7-day SIM card with 50 GB of data costs approximately 190,000 VND and requires cash payment. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, but prices there might be higher. Tourist SIM cards are available without a passport and offer unlimited internet for around 200,000 VND. For longer stays or eSIM options, it's possible to purchase a SIM card at a salon with a passport.
• For internet in Vietnam, local physical SIM cards (e.g., Mobifone) are significantly more reliable and cost-effective than eSIMs purchased through third-party travel aggregators.
• User's question about Vietnam mobile operators is still pending. Provide information on available mobile operators, their plans, and any known issues or recommendations.
• Local SIM cards and eSIMs can be purchased in Vietnam, typically at airports or dedicated shops. eSIMs are also available for purchase through online travel platforms like Trip.com.
• When installing a Vietnamese eSIM (e.g., Viettel) purchased via Trip.com, a network error during the activation process can render the QR code 'already used' without actually adding the profile to the device. In this case, users should contact Trip.com support immediately. Despite non-refundable policies, support frequently issues a new QR code or processes a full refund. Disabling the physical SIM card during eSIM setup can prevent activation errors.
• E-SIMs and Glo sticks can be purchased in Nha Trang. Prices for Glo sticks are reported to be cheaper than in Russia, and they can often be found on the streets after 10 PM.
• Mobile phones purchased in Vietnam, such as Samsung models, are generally compatible with Russian networks after a language setting adjustment. It is advisable to request the installation of the Russian language pack at the point of sale. While prices might be slightly higher than in Russia for some models, they offer a viable purchasing option. Ensure the phone is unlocked for international use.
• Users attempting to register for Grab in Vietnam using CIS region phone numbers may encounter an "Oops something went wrong" error, indicating potential incompatibility with non-local numbers.
• When purchasing an eSIM for Vietnam, consider plans that offer robust data packages, such as 'Vietnam 5G eSIM' with options for daily or total data limits. Ensure the plan provides reliable internet connectivity for services like ChatGPT. Pre-paid packages with a specified data volume are generally suitable for short-term travel.
• For reliable mobile service in Vietnam, providers like Viettel and Mobifone are popular choices. When purchasing a SIM card, consider the data plans offered and ensure they meet your connectivity needs. For receiving SMS confirmations from Russian services while abroad, international roaming on your Russian SIM card might be necessary if local SIM plans do not support this functionality.
• To maintain an active Vietnamese SIM card (e.g., Mobifone) while abroad, a number saving plan can be activated by sending an SMS code (e.g., GS50) to the designated number. This plan typically has a long validity period (e.g., until 2027). It is also advisable to perform occasional activities like calls or SMS to ensure continued service, as per local regulations or operator policies.
• If a Vietnamese Viettel SIM card is not connecting abroad after being purchased for a year's validity, it might require specific reactivation steps or checking with the provider about international roaming capabilities for receiving SMS. Some providers may require periodic activity even on long-term plans.
• Starting July 22nd, a QR code obtained after completing a health declaration form might be necessary for entry into Vietnam. This code facilitates registration and data access. It may also be present on flight tickets. Confirm the latest requirements before your flight.
• When registering on Vietnamese ride-hailing apps (such as Maxim or Grab) using foreign phone numbers, SMS delivery often fails. Instead of standard network SMS, registration systems frequently route the OTP/verification code directly to the WhatsApp account registered on that phone number.
• To verify if roaming is activated with Viettel in Vietnam, check your account in the personal portal on their website or send a designated SMS. Specific instructions can be obtained from Viettel's official website or customer support.
• There are no special 'tourist' SIM cards in Vietnam; standard SIMs are used. Major provider: Viettel. If mobile data speed drops significantly when tethering to a laptop, adjusting the TTL (Time to Live) setting in Windows network configuration is a common technical workaround to bypass carrier restrictions.
• Internet connectivity and the general demographic of guests can vary significantly between hotels in Nha Trang. For hotels like Florida Nha Trang Hotel 5* and Muong Thanh Luxury Khanh Hoa Hotel 5*, it is advisable to check recent reviews on booking platforms or travel forums for insights into internet speed, reliability, and the typical guest profile (e.g., family-oriented, business travelers, international tourists).
• Users encountering authentication errors with Grab when using Russian or Kazakh phone numbers may find success by using a VPN. The lotvpn_bot (identified by a purple avatar) has been suggested as a functional VPN service for this purpose. This can be particularly helpful when transiting through locations like Vladivostok.
• For international calls from Vietnam, utilizing Wi-Fi calling services can be a cost-effective method, allowing users to call back home using their regular mobile plan as long as the Wi-Fi calling feature is enabled on their device and network. For local internet access, purchasing a local SIM card from a vendor is recommended as a straightforward and affordable option.
• Zalo registration in Vietnam often requires sending a verification SMS which costs approximately 5,000 VND. Ensure the local SIM card has sufficient credit to cover this premium message fee.
• For travelers to Vietnam, eSIM is recommended if your phone supports it. Options can be found on platforms like Trip.com, offering various choices at affordable prices. Russian SIM cards may not be suitable for local use.
• eSIMs purchased via Trip.com for Vietnam usually provide data only without a local phone number, making them unsuitable for registering on services requiring SMS authentication, such as Grab. Additionally, these virtual eSIMs may have lower network priority (QCI 8/9), leading to slower speeds in crowded areas compared to local physical SIMs (Viettel, Vinaphone).
• SIM cards can be purchased in Vietnam at various locations, including convenience stores, official mobile carrier shops, and potentially at the airport upon arrival. It is advisable to compare plans and prices to find the most suitable option for your needs.
• Recommend reliable translation apps for use in Vietnam, highlighting features like offline translation, voice input, and text translation. Mention that even locals use translation apps.
• SIM cards purchased at Vietnamese airports often have limited lifespan or are pre-owned. For reliable service, visit official carrier stores (e.g., Viettel) within the city.
• A user involved in government procurement (tenders) is experiencing issues accessing tender websites with their current VPN and is looking for a VPN with Russian servers. This suggests that access to certain government procurement platforms might be restricted or require specific network configurations.
• Internet connectivity in Nha Trang is generally good and suitable for remote work, including video calls and conferences. Hotel Wi-Fi may suffice, but other options should also be considered.
• To use ride-sharing apps like Grab and Maxim in Vietnam with a Russian SIM card and bank card: registration and usage are generally possible. Payment can be made in cash. Some drivers accept QR code payments via Russian banking apps (e.g., Sberbank). Purchasing a local e-SIM is recommended for stable internet. Alternatively, consider Indrive, which may offer lower prices and potentially work without a local number.
• Vietnam mobile verification commands: 1) Mobifone: send 'tttb [passport_number]' to 1414. 2) Viettel: send 'FYI' (check local official site for updates). These commands are used to verify subscriber identity (eKYC) required for banking services.
• The functionality and efficiency of the Wowbat app for QR code payments in Vietnam, especially in comparison to Sberbank, is currently unconfirmed by the provided log data. Further user feedback or official information would be required to assess its performance and benefits.
• The Viettel app likely does not offer an option to switch the language to English, as Vietnamese mobile operators typically provide their applications in Vietnamese only.
• Connectivity options in Vietnam: 1. e-SIM (via Trip.com, approx 300-600 RUB for 5GB/15 days) for convenience. 2. Local physical SIM cards (Viettel recommended, approx 150,000 VND) for higher stability and cost-efficiency.
• Russian phone numbers can generally receive SMS messages in Vietnam, which is essential for two-factor authentication and accessing various applications. Registration for apps like Zalo might require verification via SMS. It's advisable to check with your mobile carrier about international roaming services and potential charges for receiving SMS messages. Some apps might have specific registration procedures for foreign numbers.
• Users are discussing the installation and usage of the WYN app (a map application similar to Yandex.Maps) and payment methods on platforms like Lazada and Shopee, including the possibility of cash-on-delivery.
• Popular e-sim services for Vietnam include Trip.com (often cited as the cheapest), esim.io (works well with VPN inside Vietnam), and various local e-sim providers which cost around 400,000 VND per month.

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