How much does a SIM card cost in Hanoi in 2026?
A tourist SIM with 4G data costs 30,000–60,000 VND at official carrier shops (Viettel, Mobifone) in the city, or 100,000–150,000 VND at Nội Bài airport. Viettel has the best nationwide coverage. Plans with 4–6 GB/day for 7 days run 70,000–100,000 VND. Your phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM.
A local SIM is one of the first things to sort out after landing. Data is cheap, coverage is good, and having 4G makes everything else — Grab, Google Maps, translation — work smoothly.
Prices (April 2026)
| Item | Airport price | City price |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM (7 days, ~4 GB/day) | 100,000–150,000 VND | 30,000–60,000 VND |
| Tourist SIM (15 days, ~4 GB/day) | 150,000–200,000 VND | 70,000–100,000 VND |
| Tourist SIM (30 days, ~4 GB/day) | 200,000–300,000 VND | 100,000–150,000 VND |
| Data-only top-up (5 GB) | — | 30,000 VND |
The “tourist SIM” is a specific product designed for visitors — it comes pre-loaded with data and doesn’t require a Vietnamese ID. You need your passport to register it.
Which carrier
Viettel — best coverage nationwide, fastest 4G in Hanoi and on day-trip routes (Sapa, Ninh Bình, Ha Long). This is the default recommendation.
Mobifone — good in cities, slightly cheaper plans, weaker in rural areas. Fine if you’re staying in Hanoi proper.
Vinaphone — adequate in Hanoi, drops off outside the city. Third choice.
Where to buy
At a carrier shop in the city. Viettel has a store on Trần Hưng Đạo, a 3-minute walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Bring your passport. They’ll register the SIM, activate it, and set up the data plan in 10–15 minutes.
Avoid airport SIM counters unless you need data immediately — they charge 2–3x the city price for the same product.
eSIM option
If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate a Viettel or Mobifone eSIM at any carrier shop. Third-party services like Airalo and Holafly also offer Vietnam eSIMs that you can purchase and activate before departure. They cost slightly more but eliminate the need to find a carrier shop on arrival.