Do you know how to choose a Vietnam data SIM? Beyond your data needs, you should also consider group size and trip length. In this article, we'll compare common ways to get online in Vietnam, including a data SIM, eSIM, plus traditional pocket Wi-Fi and carrier roaming, to help you find the right option faster. Let's dive in!

Comparing Vietnam internet options: data SIM, Vietnam eSIM, pocket Wi-Fi, or carrier roaming

Besides free Wi-Fi at local shops and malls, what other ways are there to get online in Vietnam?

Generally, there are four options — here's a table breaking down the differences:

OptionVietnam data SIMVietnam eSIMPocket Wi-Fi routerHome carrier roaming
How it worksBuy a physical Vietnam SIM and swap it in once abroadBuy an eSIM plan, download, and restart to activateRent a Wi-Fi router from a provider; connect to it once turned onActivate roaming through your home carrier
Calls/texts included?Depends on the planDepends on the planNoYes
Highlights• Affordable, and works with your own phone• Wide range of plans to choose from• Many plan types available• Just scan a QR code to get online• No SIM swap or rental device needed• Priced by day, no speed cap• One device shared among a group, better value overall• No SIM swap or rental device needed• Still able to send/receive calls and texts to your home number while abroad
Best forHeavy data users, independent travellers, backpackersIndependent travellers, backpackersGroups travelling togetherShort trips/business travel, light data users

How do you choose a Vietnam data SIM?

As shown above, there are 4 main ways to get online in Vietnam, and most travellers recommend a physical data SIM — not just for the lower price, but also for the wide range of plans available.

With so many retailers selling Vietnam data SIMs online, how do you decide? Here are 3 things to consider:

1. Which Vietnamese carrier is it on?

Just like Taiwan has Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone, Vietnam has 5 carriers: Viettel, MobiFone, Vinaphone, Vietnamobile, and Gmobile. Aside from Gmobile, which doesn't yet offer a travel data SIM, the other 4 carriers all offer travel plans, with prices varying by duration, data allowance, and whether calling is included.

The largest and most stable carriers are the first three listed above. Viettel is essentially Vietnam's equivalent of Chunghwa Telecom, with excellent coverage — its main downside being a slightly higher price.

MobiFone and Vinaphone are more budget-friendly, with Vinaphone in particular a favorite among backpackers for its low prices. While their coverage isn't as extensive as Viettel's, both are still reliable enough for travel or business trips.

Further reading: How do you choose a Vietnamese carrier? These 3 are the most stable — worth having ready before your trip

2. How much data you need

Data allowance tends to be travellers' top concern — many Taiwanese are used to unlimited plans at home and naturally worry about running short abroad, often leaning toward a Vietnam unlimited data plan.

In reality, we recommend just getting enough data for your needs. If you're only in Vietnam for four or five days, even the heaviest data user surely wouldn't burn through one or two hundred GB in that time, right?

On top of that, many plans marketed as "Vietnam unlimited data" actually only run at full speed for the first 2-3GB before throttling kicks in — so choose carefully.

3. Does it support calls

These days, most people have LINE installed and handle calls almost entirely through the app — very few people actually dial a phone number anymore.

But some situations abroad still call for a phone number — booking a restaurant, arranging a private driver with a set itinerary, or getting separated from friends with no signal.

If you're worried about running into any of these situations during your trip, be sure to check whether your Vietnam data SIM includes calling functionality before you buy!

Where can you buy a Vietnam data SIM?

1. Dedicated SIM retailers

Not everyone realises there are companies dedicated to selling travel SIM cards. These companies generally have relevant telecom expertise and their own dedicated infrastructure connected directly to Vietnamese carriers, giving you a stronger guarantee of quality.

Take DJB's Vietnam data SIM as an example — the range of plans is genuinely varied, including 5GB/20GB/30GB/50GB/60GB data plans and genuinely unlimited data with no throttling. If you're travelling across several countries in one trip, DJB also offers a multi-country SIM card and an eSIM plan, perfectly covering your data needs across different destinations.

2. Shopee

Searching Shopee for a Vietnam data SIM turns up all kinds of sellers and plans.

The upside of buying a Vietnam data SIM on Shopee is the low price, but the downside is not knowing where the SIM actually comes from. Checking reviews carefully, you'll find some SIMs have issues like expiring before use, duplicate numbers, or unstable signal — choose carefully.

3. Travel service platforms

Well-known travel platforms like Klook and KKday also sell Vietnam data SIMs. Buying through these platforms tends to mean more consistent quality, with the option to have it shipped ahead of time or pick it up at the airport on the day.

The downside is that they are essentially middlemen — if you run into any issues once abroad, their support may not be able to answer more technical questions.

4. At the local airport

Finally, you can also buy a Vietnam data SIM directly in the arrivals hall once you land in Vietnam. The upside is a staff member sets it up for you on the spot, so there is no risk of a SIM that will not work; the downside is that if you are on a tight schedule, setting aside about 30 minutes to buy a data SIM could feel like wasted time.

Further reading:
>> eSIM vs. physical SIM: what is the real difference? eSIM has few downsides and is genuinely easy for anyone, tech-savvy or not
>> 2024 Vietnam travel guide: data plans, accommodation prices, and everything to know in one place
>> How do you choose a Vietnamese carrier? These 3 are the most stable — worth having ready before your trip