Vietnam is a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and bustling cities. For many travelers, maintaining connectivity is crucial to navigating this rich tapestry with ease. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand how to best use your mobile phone in Vietnam, ensuring that you stay connected efficiently and affordably throughout your journey.
Navigating the telecom landscape in a foreign country can be daunting. In Vietnam, where the mobile network is robust but varied in offerings, understanding your options can save you both time and money. Whether you’re planning a short visit in Vietnam or an extended stay, Asia Online Tours’ guide will provide essential tips and insights to make your mobile usage as seamless as possible.
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Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are the three largest mobile network carriers in Vietnam. Each offers competitive coverage across the country, including remote areas. When choosing an operator, consider network coverage, cost of plans, customer service reputation, and the availability of English-speaking support. Viettel, for instance, has the widest coverage and is highly recommended for travelers venturing into more rural areas.
Vietnam Network Operators - © Viettel
You can purchase a SIM card upon arrival at international airports or at numerous retailers and kiosks in cities. Foreigners will need to provide a passport as identification. There are specific tourist SIM cards available that are tailored for short stays, offering a variety of data and call packages to suit different needs.
We recommend utilizing one of the three network providers listed above to improve coverage and make support and service access easier. If you missed getting a SIM at the airport, don’t be worry. You can find SIM cards easily at numerous mobile phone shops or mobile network operators across Vietnam, such as:
- FPT Shop
Noted that you will be asked to provide your passport information when purchasing a SIM card of any providers.
For tourists, prepaid SIM cards are generally more convenient. They are easy to top up and control spending without committing to a lengthy contract. Postpaid plans may be beneficial for long-term visitors but typically require a local address and more extensive documentation.
Travel to Vietnam and Witness the Natural Beauty - © Gather
Costs for mobile services are relatively low in Vietnam. Prepaid data plans with 4G speeds can start from as little as 50,000 VND (approximately 2 USD) for a month’s usage. Calls and text packages are equally affordable.
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Over the past decade, Vietnam has seen a surge in accessible, high-speed Wi-Fi. Yet, for those frequently on the move, relying on Wi-Fi alone can be cumbersome, requiring constant searches for networks and passwords.
“A Vietnamese SIM card and prepaid data package usually costs between VND150,000-VND350,000 (6.50 – 15 USD) depending on how long you're going to stay in Vietnam and how much mobile data you want. Viettel offers the following SIM card packages for foreign tourists: 1GB for 4.5 USD, 2GB for 9 USD, 3GB for 15 USD and 5GB for 22 USD,” reported by VnExpress International.
Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills - © Gather
It provides 4G connectivity, widely supported by Vietnam's leading mobile carriers, ensuring robust internet access across the country. Smartphone usage in Vietnam greatly enhances navigation and communication, especially in urban areas where apps like Google Maps and Grab (the local equivalent to Uber) are indispensable.
These tools not only facilitate travel but also guard against common tourist pitfalls like scams. Social media platforms and specialized apps like Now for food delivery keep you connected to global and local networks.
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Purchasing a top-up scratch card for your phone is simple and can be done at various locations including mobile phone shops, grocery stores, and neighborhood convenience stores. These stores typically display signs for major carriers like Mobifone, Viettel, Vinaphone, Vietnamobile, and Gmobile. Scratch cards are available in denominations ranging from 20,000 VND to 500,000 VND.
It's essential to match the scratch card with your SIM card’s carrier. For instance, a Viettel SIM card requires a Viettel scratch card for topping up. The carrier’s name and logo are clearly visible on each card.
Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province - © Gather
To top up your minutes, scratch the card to reveal a 13-digit activation number, then dial 100 followed by the activation number and #, and press 'Call'. You will immediately receive a confirmation message indicating that your minutes have been added. To check your balance, simply dial *101#.
To stay connected with locals and fellow travelers, apps like Zalo and Viber are widely used in Vietnam. WhatsApp and Messenger are also popular among the expat community. Ensure these are installed and set up on your phone to keep in touch effortlessly.
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Apps like Google Maps are reliable for navigation. For city travel, Grab is an essential app, offering not just ride-hailing but also food delivery and digital payment services. Local apps like Be and GoViet are also worth downloading for their competitive rates and services.
Vietnam is rapidly embracing mobile payments. Apps like Momo, ViettelPay, and ZaloPay allow you to pay for a wide range of services from your phone. They are secure, often offer discounts, and are accepted widely in urban centers.
Vietnam Rice Field from above - © National Geographic
To save on costs, choose a SIM card that matches your data needs and duration of stay. Avoid international calls through your carrier and instead use VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp for international communications. Always connect to Wi-Fi when available to save your mobile data for when you really need it.
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers from street vendors for SIM cards and top-ups. Always purchase from reputable stores or directly from the operator’s outlets. Check any pre-loaded credit in the presence of the seller.
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Use Strong Locks: Always secure your phone with a strong passcode or biometric lock such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This basic procedure is the first line of defense against unwanted access.
Enable Find My Phone: Whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, activating the 'Find My Phone' feature can be invaluable if your phone is lost or stolen. This feature allows you to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely, protecting your data from misuse.
Roaming the Street of Hoi An - © Gather
Avoid Unsecured Networks: Public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and airports can be convenient but risky. Avoid accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or entering passwords when connected to these networks. If required, utilize a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your information.
Turn Off Auto-Connect: Disable settings that automatically connect your phone to available Wi-Fi networks. This prevents your device from connecting to potentially unsafe networks without your knowledge.
Use Secure Payment Options: When possible, use established mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or local trusted apps such as Momo or ZaloPay. These apps provide an additional layer of security by not directly using your credit card details.
Vietnam offers a dynamic setting for both adventurers and relaxed travelers. By staying informed about how to effectively use your mobile phone, you can enhance your experience, navigating Vietnam with ease and confidence. Remember, the right preparation can transform your travel experience from good to great!
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