Last updated on February 21st, 2024 at 01:35 am
Visiting Vietnam on your next trip? Looking for the best guide on getting SIM card in Hanoi or a Hanoi airport SIM Card purchase?
Landing at Hanoi Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Hanoi Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are the leading SIM card providers in Hanoi and Vietnam.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Hanoi. For eSIM options, you can opt for Holafly, Maya Mobile or Airalo.
If you are going from Noi Bai International Airport to Old Quarter in Hanoi city center you should know that it will take 30-40 minutes by taxi and more than an hour by public transportation.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a frequent traveler, or visiting Hanoi for the first time, we’ve got all the information you need to buy a sim card in Hanoi. Navigating mobile services in a new country can be daunting, and Hanoi, a bustling city full of complexities, is no exception.
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WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI
The cost of staying for a night in a private double room in a low-end guest house is $8-10 USD. There are also Airbnb options starting from $10-20 USD and be ready to have a local experience.
Click here to book your accommodation in Hanoi with Booking and Agoda!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Why Buy a Hanoi Airport SIM Card?
If you land at Hanoi Airport and you buy a sim card the prices are higher than phone shops. You can get a Hanoi Airport sim card for $12 USD with 15-20 GB data only $4-5 USD more expensive than if you buy your sim card in Hanoi at the shops in the city.
But just landing you will be able to book your taxi, Uber and check online before getting to your hotel. If you aren’t in a hurry and you want to save a few bucks just look for the official stores in Hanoi.
Popular Telecom Providers
Vietnam has several telecom providers, but three major ones are recommended for tourists: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.
Viettel: This is the largest telecom company in Vietnam. It provides excellent coverage, even in rural areas, and offers a range of cost-effective packages.
Vinaphone: This provider also has wide coverage and a variety of packages. Prices are somewhat similar to Viettel, and the service is reliable.
Mobifone: While coverage is not as extensive as the other two, Mobifone offers competitive pricing and is a decent option in urban areas like Hanoi.
Where to Buy Hanoi Airport Sim Card and How to Register
You can buy a SIM card at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi as you arrive. Kiosks are usually open to match the flight schedules. Alternatively, there are plenty of stores in the city.
Registration is generally hassle-free, requiring just your passport. Note that buying from an official store can often be quicker, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the local registration process.
Buying a sim card in Hanoi: Price and Data Packages
Prices and plans are very competitive in Vietnam. You can get a SIM card for as low as $2-$3 USD and you can get enough data for your trip in Vietnam for $8 USD.
The coverage in general in Hanoi and Vietnam is great at the cities and it’s weaker in remote places like Sapa and Halong Bay.
Viettel Hanoi Sim Card
Viettel: Packages start from $1 USD, offering 7 GB of data and valid for 7 days. Viettel has the best coverage sim card for Hanoi.
You can find a Viettel Store in the city and the most popular is around Hoan Kiem Lake (check the exact location in Google Maps) located in the backpacker area.
- 7 GB for $1 USD (7 days)
- 20 GB for $8 USD (30 days)
Vinaphone Hanoi Sim Card
Vinaphone: For $6, you get 2GB of data and 60 minutes of local calls, valid for 10 days. Vinaphone is the cheapest sim card in Hanoi.
You can find a Vinaphone Store 3-4 kilometers distance from Hoan Kiem Lake (check the exact location in Google Maps) located in the backpacker area.
- 5 GB for $1 USD (7 days)
- 20 GB for $8 USD (30 days)
Mobifone Hanoi Sim Card
Mobifone: A budget-friendly package at $4 provides 1GB of data and 30 minutes of local calls, valid for 7 days.
You can find a Mobifone Store near Hoan Kiem Lake (check the exact location in Google Maps) located in the backpacker area.
- 20 GB for $8 USD (30 days)
Comparing eSIMs in Hanoi
Maya eSIM Hanoi
- 3 GB for $8 USD (30 days)
- 5 GB for $11 USD (30 days)
- 10 GB for $17 USD (30 days)
- 20 GB for $29 USD (30 days)
Maya offers relatively low-cost eSIM options that are easy to use and straightforward to set up. With a focus on affordability, Maya eSIM Hanoi is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
Holafly Hanoi eSIM
- Unlimited data for $19 USD (5 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER
- Unlimited data for $27 USD (7 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER
- Unlimited data for $34 USD (10 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER
- Unlimited data for $64 USD (30 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER
Holafly offers unlimited data, making it ideal for heavy data users or business travelers. Using a promotional code can further reduce costs, making it a competitive option for those who don’t want to compromise on data usage.
👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
Airalo Hanoi eSIM
- 1 GB for USD 4.5 (7 days)
- 3 GB for $9 USD (30 days)
- 10 GB for $21 USD (30 days)
- 20 GB for $32 USD (30 days)
Airalo provides highly flexible, low-cost data options suitable for both short and longer stays. The ease of setup and wide range of data packages make Airalo a convenient option for those looking for customization and affordability.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Hanoi
In summary, Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone offer competitive data packages for both short-term and long-term stays. However, if you’re staying in Hanoi for a short period, consider eSIM options from Airalo, Maya, or Holafly for flexibility.
Troubleshooting Tips on Hanoi Sim Card (Hanoi Airport Sim Card)
If you face connectivity issues, check your device’s APN settings first. Every provider will give you instructions to configure these settings. If problems persist, visit an official carrier store for technical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I buy a SIM card at Noi Bai International Airport?
- Yes, kiosks are available for immediate purchase and setup.
- What identification is required for purchasing a SIM card?
- A valid passport is needed for the registration process.
- How is the data coverage in Hanoi?
- Data coverage is excellent in Hanoi, especially with Viettel and Vinaphone.
- What if my data or calls aren’t working?
- Check the APN settings on your phone and consult your provider’s customer service if necessary.
Arming yourself with this information will help ensure you stay connected and make the most of your trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Hanoi Sim Card
For the most cost-effective SIM card options in Hanoi, consider opting for a prepaid SIM card from Viettel or Vinaphone. If you prefer eSIM, Holafly offers the best-unlimited data packages using the discount code GAMINTRAVELER, while Maya is suitable for smaller data packages.
👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER
👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.