VIETNAM
It is highly recommended that you get your SIM card from an offical carrier store as not doing so puts you at risk of having it deactivated after a few days. Only official carriers are allowed to legally register your SIM card. Operated by the Ministry of Defence and the network of choice for the Vietnamese Army, Viettel has the best 3G/4G/LTE coverage in Vietnam and offers reliable connections even in rural areas. It is also the only carrier that provides free roaming in Laos and Cambodia.
Main carriers in the country
• Viettel
• Mobifone
• VinaPhone
• Vietnamobile
Cost
For 200,000 dong (USD8.60), Viettels tourist SIM card, which is valid for 10 days, comes with 2GB data, 40 minutes of domestic call time and 20 minutes of international call time. For the same price, Mobifones tourist SIM card, valid for 14 days, has unlimited 4G data but with no call and SMS credit.
Purchase
Besides the airport, SIM cards are widely available in many places. However, the rates at the arrival terminal before customs are usually cheaper than in other parts of the airport and in town areas. In official stores, passports are required for purchase.
Topping up
Prepaid card machines are available all around the towns and cities where top-ups can be done. Top-up vouchers are also widely available in stores and supermarkets.