Best SIM cards for travelling in Vietnam

By Christie Graham

Last updated 05 April 2024

Contents

In this guide:

Buying a Vietnam eSIM
Get a Vietnam SIM card
Roaming in Vietnam with your telco
Use free public WiFi

Whether you're aching to visit Vietnam for its Buddhist pagodas, stunning sandy white beaches or native wildlife, you'll want to make sure you don't wander too far off grid and can still stay in touch with everyone back home. Luckily there are quite a few affordable options available while exploring Vietnam's mesmerising landscape.

Before we begin, take a look at our cheapest roaming-compatible plans from each postpaid telco featured in this guide:

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#5	Telstra	Telstra $65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $65/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied

And here are the cheapest roaming-compatible plans in our database from each prepaid telco featured in this guide with a minimum 28-day expiry:

UNLIMITED 10GB Plan

10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network

$22

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

$22

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

felix 25GB Mobile Plan

25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply

$25

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

$25

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

$26 Prepaid

17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25

$26

Per 28 Day Renewal

Go to Site

$26

Per 28 Day Renewal

Go to Site

Buying a Vietnam eSIM

Stay connected as you travel throughout Vietnam with a Vietnam eSIM from Airalo. Airalo has a wide selection of reasonably priced eSIMs, starting from just USD$4.50.

Price	Inclusions	Expiry
USD$4.50	1GB	Seven days	View on Airalo
USD$7	2GB	15 days	View on Airalo
USD$9.50	3GB	30 days	View on Airalo
USD$13	5GB	30 days	View on Airalo
USD$21	10GB	30 days	View on Airalo
USD$32	20GB	30 days	View on Airalo

Alternatively, here's how Airalo compares to another eSIM provider SIMsDirect (SIMsDirect's eSIMs work in multiple countries in South East Asia):

Price	Inclusions	Expiry
$15	3GB for 6 countries	15 days	View on SimsDirect
$19	5GB for 6 countries	30 days	View on SimsDirect
$29	10GB for 6 countries	30 days	View on SimsDirect
$39	20GB for 6 countries	30 days	View on SimsDirect
$49	30GB for 6 countries	30 days	View on SimsDirect
$39	6GB for 12 countries	12 days	View on SimsDirect
$49	10GB for 12 countries	30 days	View on SimsDirect

Just be aware you will need to have an eSIM-enabled smartphone to use these specific plans. Prior to leave for or once you arrive in Vietnam, you'll scan a QR code and download a digital SIM card to your phone to get started.

Get a Vietnam SIM card

Best SIM cards for travelling in Vietman

If you're headed to Vietnam for a long period of time, we highly recommend investing in a Vietnam SIM card. While International Roaming is an easy option, it's not always the most affordable long-term plan.

If you're interested in purchasing a local SIM, MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone are the three main telcos in Vietnam. You can find tourist SIMs available at international airports with prices starting around VND$100,00 ($6.40 AUD based on the current exchange rate) for plans with a 1GB and a five-day expiry.

In terms of coverage, Viettel is your best bet — it's like the Telstra of Vietnam, covering rural areas where other telcos do not. All options rank the same in affordability and overall speed.

Before you go ahead and do this, however, we encourage making sure your device is unlocked before taking it overseas although most smartphones should be compatible with Vietnamese mobile networks.

Travelling with eSIM: Everything you need to know

Instead of hunting around an airport looking for a local SIM, just use an app to add a new plan to your phone via the internet thanks to eSIMs. Find out how by viewing our guide.

Roaming Vietnam with your telco

Roaming in Vietnam with felix mobile

Thinking of supporting a smaller provider? Good for you. felix mobile is one of the few telcos offering a high-value roaming option. Its $20 International Roaming Add-on includes 4GB of data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of calls. And the best part? It lasts for a whopping 365 days!

Here are felix mobile's plans eligible for its International Roaming Add-on:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile Editor's Pick	felix mobile Editor's Pick felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 20Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

felix's international roaming option works in around 40 destinations including Vietnam and it's powered by the Vodafone network.

Roaming in Vietnam with Vodafone

Vodafone postpaid plans are an ideal choice for heading to Vietnam thanks to its $5 roaming option. This travel plan is high value at just $5 per day, which allows you to use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries, including Vietnam. Rest assured your usage will work the same way it does in Australia without the risk of exceeding your data allowance.

Just note, Vodafone's $5 per day charge will only be added to your bill on days when you make a call, send a text, or use data overseas. It is limited to a maximum of 90 days of the calendar year, however.

These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large SIM Only Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $59/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site

Roaming in Vietnam with Optus

For Optus postpaid customers, you're in luck! Vietnam is considered a "Zone 1" country, meaning Optus' $5 Roaming option is a suitable choice. Pay just $5 per day, to use your usual SIM with unlimited standard talk and text plus get 5GB of data, which will last until it runs out. Just note for Optus roaming, you may need to switch to a newer Optus postpaid plan to be eligible for the $5 roaming option.

The Optus plans below work with its $5 roaming option:

#1	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $85/mth Min. cost $85 Go to Site	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Go to Site

As mentioned, $5 Roaming only works in what Optus calls "Zone 1" countries so this also includes China, Europe, the UK, the USA and New Zealand. "Zone 2" (any country not part of "Zone 1") is predominantly made of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America.

If you have an Optus prepaid mobile plan, however, you have just a couple of different roaming options:

Add-on	Price	Inclusions
One-day expiry	$5	100 mins, 100 texts, 1GB
Seven-day expiry	$35	700 mins, 700 texts, 7GB

If you don't get a roaming pack, Optus bills $1.00 per minute to make and receive calls in Vietnam, $0.50 per SMS and $0.50 per MB of data (charged per 10KB) at pay-as-you-go rates on prepaid.

Roaming in Vietnam with Telstra

If you're on a Telstra Upfront plan and want to use your network overseas, an International Day Pass is what you seek. At $10 per day you'll receive a daily 1GB data allowance and unlimited calls and SMS while travelling Vietnam, a "Zone 2" country.

If you go over your 1GB per day allowance, you'll be charged an extra $10 for a 1GB data top-up. This can then be used over the next 31 days. Just note MMS is billed at $0.75 each.

Check out Telstra's range of Upfront plans below:

$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

If you plan to travel outside of the eligible destinations while on a Telstra Upfront plan, you simply won't be able to use your service as Telstra doesn't bill pay-as-you-go rates.

Also note that International Day Pass inclusions tick over at midnight Australia time (AEST) rather than based on your destination's time zone.

Telstra prepaid customers can also buy an international roaming pack. These options are as follows:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$10	15 mins, 15 texts, 400MB
Seven-day expiry	$15	25 mins, 25 texts, 2GB
14-day expiry	$25	50 mins, 50 texts, 4GB

Roaming in Vietnam with Belong

If you crave the Telstra network but would prefer a smaller Telstra-powered telco, Belong, could be the provider for you. It's kept things simple, offering just one roaming add-on option.

For only $30, customers receive 3GB of data, unlimited standard SMS and 150 minutes of calls over a 15-day expiry period. If you run out of data early, simply purchase an additional add-on. Belong's roaming travel pack covers over 30 destinations, which includes Vietnam.

As a standard, all Belong customers receive free access to its basic roaming service. This means they can receive all usual SMS' while overseas and WiFi calling, when on a suitable network, is fair game.

Here are Belong's mobile plans which are compatible with its international roaming add-on:

#1	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $45/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Roaming in Vietnam with Tangerine

If Belong isn't for you, Telstra Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Tangerine, is another telco offering international roaming packs. Choose between a cheaper seven-day plan with fewer inclusions or a slightly pricier pack to last your entire two-week Vietnam vacation. Roaming packs work up until 11:59PM (AEST) on your last included day.

Tangerine's roaming travel packs include over 60 destinations, including Vietnam. Here's how their features compare:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$60	300 mins, 300 texts, 3GB
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Below are Tangerine's plans suitable for roaming:

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $34/mth Min. cost $34 Go to Site	$34/mth Min. cost $34	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $40/mth Min. cost $40 Go to Site	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 80GB 5G Mobile SIM 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $46/mth Min. cost $46 Go to Site	$46/mth Min. cost $46	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 150GB 5G Mobile SIM 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $58/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site

Roaming in Vietnam with Boost Mobile

As if you didn't have plenty of roaming options on the Telstra network already, Boost Mobile, is another Telstra MVNO to join the cause. With an impressive three International Roaming Packs on offer, Boost Mobile proves it caters to different Vietnamese holiday durations, budgets and inclusion needs. Compare these Boost Mobile's roaming packs below:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$20	15 mins, 15 texts, 1GB
Seven-day expiry	$30	30 mins, 30 texts, 3GB
14-day expiry	$40	60 mins, 60 texts, 5GB

Here are Boost Mobile's compatible plans with 28-day expiry:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 120GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 45GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 160GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 160GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 90GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $74 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Roaming with amaysim

amaysim, an Optus MVNO, has replaced its pay-as-you-go daily roaming offering with four very different travel packs. Ranging from $20 to $70, customers can choose from packs with just data or no data at all. Here's how they compare:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Small Talk	$20	100 mins, 100 texts, no data
The Works	$25	50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB
Just Gigs	$50	No mins, no texts, 6GB
The Epic	$70	100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB

Each of these travel packs last for 365 days and you will need to be on an active amaysim mobile plan to purchase one or more of these travel packs. Here's a selection of amaysim plans, sorted from lowest price to highest:

#1	amaysim	amaysim 7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $10 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$10 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $22 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$22 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $20 & get 18GB bonus data for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25. Online only. T&Cs apply $30 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$30 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $25 for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25 $40 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 150GB Long Expiry 150GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: Get 150GB for $109 (includes $41 off) on first renewal. Offer ends 30.04.25 $109 Per 182 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$109 Per 182 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry 240GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: Get 240GB for $225 (includes $75 off) on first renewal. Offer ends 30.04.25 $225 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$225 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 200GB Long Expiry 200GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $240 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$240 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Use free public WiFi

Our hot tip for saving money while travelling overseas? Make the most of free public WiFi networks. These are readily available to connect to in most restaurants, hotels, attractions and city centres across Vietnam and can save you plenty of dollars per day if you're clever.

By accessing free WiFi, you can still communicate with friends and family back home via handy apps like Skype, Viber and WhatsApp. These will let you send and receive text messages and phone calls via the Internet. Simply make sure both you and your desired contact have the app installed to talk and text for free. Otherwise, simply purchase a little Skype or Viber credit to make calls to those who don't have the app/s.

Also make sure you set your phone to aeroplane mode to avoid any accidental calls, texts or data usage that could trigger skyrocketing roaming charges.

to find out where WiFi is available WiFi, check out apps such as Wiman or Instabridge to help you connect on the go and view local maps.