Vietnam SIM Card vs eSIM 2026: Prices, Airport vs City & Which to Buy
A local Viettel SIM bought in the city costs as little as 60,000 – 150,000 ₫ ($2 – $6) for 7 – 30 days with 5 GB a day, but airport shops charge more and you must register in person with your passport. An international eSIM costs more (about US$10 for 5 GB / 7 days) but works the moment you land.
Updated: 25 Sep 2026Price comparison (2026)
| Option | Type | Data | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel 5G60T (city shop) Dealer price list, Jan 2026 | Local SIM | 5 GB/day | 7 | 60k ₫ ≈ $2 |
| Viettel 5G80T (city shop) Dealer price list, Jan 2026 | Local SIM | 5 GB/day | 15 | 80k ₫ ≈ $3 |
| Viettel 5G150T (city shop) Dealer price list, Jan 2026 | Local SIM | 5 GB/day | 30 | 150k ₫ ≈ $6 |
| Viettel tourist SIM (Tan Son Nhat airport) Airport shop price reported Jun 2026 | Local SIM | 5 GB/day | 30 | 290k ₫ ≈ $11 |
| MobiFone Hi Vietnam app eSIM Register in the app with your passport; price not confirmed on official site | Local eSIM (app) | 50 GB | 7 | 120k ₫ ≈ $5 |
| MobiFone Hi Vietnam app eSIM Register in the app with your passport; price not confirmed on official site | Local eSIM (app) | 250 GB | 30 | 240k ₫ ≈ $9 |
| Airalo airalo.com, Sep 2026 (VNPT network) | International eSIM | 5 GB | 7 | $10 ≈ $10.00 |
| Airalo airalo.com, Sep 2026 | International eSIM | Unlimited (3 GB/day full speed) | 30 | $69 ≈ $69.00 |
| Nomad esimdb, Sep 2026 | International eSIM | 10 GB | 30 | $17 ≈ $17.00 |
| Ubigi esimdb, Sep 2026 | International eSIM | 10 GB | 30 | $12.9 ≈ $12.90 |
| Holafly holafly.com, Sep 2026 | International eSIM | Unlimited | 7 | $27.5 ≈ $27.50 |
| Holafly holafly.com, Sep 2026 | International eSIM | Unlimited | 15 | $50.5 ≈ $50.50 |
Local SIM prices come from dealer price lists and traveller reports (not the operators' own sites) and vary by shop; airport shops typically charge 20 – 40% more than city stores, sometimes several times more. International eSIM prices are snapshots from provider sites and eSIM comparison sites in 2026 and change with promotions.
Registering a SIM in Vietnam (2026 rules)
- Foreigners register with their passport, valid for the length of their visa or permitted stay (Decree 163/2024/NĐ-CP).
- Since 15 April 2026, passport registrations are checked against immigration records with face verification (Circular 08/2026/TT-BKHCN) — so go to the shop in person.
- International eSIMs are data-only: no registration, but no Vietnamese phone number either.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to buy a SIM at the airport or in the city?
The city. Official operator shops and phone stores in town sell the same packages for noticeably less; the airport is convenient if you need data straight away.
Which network is best in Vietnam?
Viettel has the widest coverage, including mountains and islands; Vinaphone and MobiFone are also good in cities. Most international eSIMs run on Vinaphone or MobiFone.
Do I need a Vietnamese phone number?
Not usually. Grab, Zalo and most bookings work with data only, but a local number helps when drivers or hotels need to call you.