The telecommunications sector in Vietnam has flourished throughout the past two decades, and just like the rest of the world, Vietnamese citizens are on their cell phones 24 hours a day. If you are trying to find a landline in Vietnam, it will be a struggle, but finding a cell phone or using an international eSIM is very simple.聽
To keep in touch with friends and family while in the country, you can choose a mobile service package that suits you best. Don't forget that wifi is readily available across the country, and apps like WhatsApp or Messenger are great ways to stay in touch, relying solely on wifi.
Making phone calls in Vietnam
Landline phones
If you would prefer not to purchase a SIM card in Vietnam (perhaps you're not in the country for too long), you could make use of the phone available to guests at your hotel. Do note that although convenient, phone rates offered by hotels can come at a premium fee, so be sure to inquire about these before picking up the phone and making long-distance phone calls.
Mobile phones
Your mobile phone is the most convenient way to stay connected and communicate with family and friends. If you are in Vietnam for a short stay and would prefer not to purchase a SIM card, you might want to activate the international roaming service on your phone. Make sure to check these rates with your mobile service provider prior to your departure.
Unlocking your mobile phone before traveling to Vietnam is the recommended method to ensure your communication remains clear and uncomplicated. If you are coming from Europe, Asia, or Australia, your mobile phone might be unlocked by default 鈥� unless you are on a prepaid plan. Vietnamese SIM cards are available for purchase at all airports and cities.
Local and international phone calls
To make local calls in Vietnam, dial '0,' followed by the province code and the phone number. For overseas calls, dial '0' followed by the country code and the phone number without the initial '0'. Here are some examples:
- USA: 001 area code phone number;
- UK: 001 44 phone number;
- Australia: 00 61 phone number;
- Switzerland: 0041 area code phone number;
- Canada: 001 area code phone number.
However, the easiest way to phone home is through apps like Facebook Messenger. It will be free of cost (on Messenger or WhatsApp) and only require a strong wifi signal. Phoning your bank or getting in touch with an embassy does require mobile data and a callback number. Unfortunately, these tasks cannot be completed over Wi-Fi or with apps.
Where to find SIM cards in Vietnam
The top three phone and Internet networks in Vietnam are , , and . Data packages are easily purchased at the airport or electronic stores. If you visit the retail store The Gioi Di Dong, the staff are quick to help, or you can visit a network provider retail storefront. Regardless of location, you will be asked for your passport to register a new SIM card in Vietnam. It is highly recommended that you unlock your mobile before entering the country.
E-SIMs are a convenient way to have data while traveling, but they will rarely come with a local phone number. Depending on your needs, apps like Airalo or Saily can be downloaded before you travel and then activated once you land at the airport. This will also ensure you can book a taxi from the airport or stay in touch with a pre-arranged driver or guide.
Recharging your SIM card
You can recharge your SIM card with mobile data from shops, stores, gas stations, and supermarkets. Today, it's simple to replenish your phone credit in Vietnam for as little as 30,000-70,000 VND (1.17-2.74 USD). Data is convenient for text messages and surfing the internet. To make international calls, it will probably be the cheapest and most convenient for you to find one of the many available fast wifi cafes 鈥� purchase a beverage and make use of the free connection.
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Internet in Vietnam
Most Vietnamese cities are now connected to the Internet. It is likely that if you are renting accommodation in a populated area, there will already be a fast and stable internet connection. You can also enjoy complimentary access to Wi-Fi in most cafes and restaurants.
As of December 2024, Vietnam ranks 37th globally for mobile internet speeds and 35th for fixed broadband speeds. The average download speed in Vietnam is 86.96 Mbps, while for fixed broadband, it's 159.32 Mbps. These improvements are credited to the rollout of 5G services by local telecom providers.
If you are starting your trip in any of Vietnam's big cities (Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh), your rental accommodation in Vietnam will have high-speed wifi. Learn more about how to ride the wireless wave while living in Vietnam.
Apps to download for easier communication in Vietnam
It is easier than you think to stay in touch with loved ones while abroad. Many apps today prioritize connectivity and are easy to use on smartphones and desktop computers. We recommend downloading WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and, if you get a Vietnamese phone number, . WhatsApp and Messenger are easy ways to schedule calls with loved ones or stay in the loop with quick texting and just require wifi.
Two apps that continue to grow in popularity are and . Both give the option for phone calls or to invite family and friends into a video call. For Zoom, you can make a completely free account, and Microsoft Teams requires an Outlook email address.
Using an Internet cafe
While Internet cafes exist in the country, you may not feel comfortable being there for long. These Internet cafes are popular with gaming teenagers or young adults who don't have a home computer, and wait times will be long. There may also be a more noticeable language barrier for questions or assistance while there.
An easy and more comfortable solution is to find your nearest cafe - almost every cafe in major cities in Vietnam will have wifi, and if you have brought your laptop, you can buy a coffee and use the Internet. You'll see many foreigners taking advantage of the crisp AC, but make sure to bring earphones so as not to disturb fellow patrons.
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