How to stay connected in Vietnam

Staying connected while traveling in Vietnam is very important to look up attractions and stay in touch. Our guide will explore the 4 best connectivity options to access the Internet: Free Wifi, Pocket Wifi, Local SIM cards, and Vietnam eSIMs. In this guide, we’ll equip you with the pros, and cons of each connectivity option to find the best choice for your Vietnam stay.

Using Wifi to stay connected in Vietnam

WiFi is widely available in Vietnam, especially in urban and tourist areas. Most cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces in Vietnam offer free WiFi, with urban areas providing good speeds averaging 9.5 Mbps download. 

However, some places may limit WiFi usage time. It is recommended to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to request WiFi passwords in Vietnam.

Pocket Wifi

Pocket WiFi provides reliable internet connectivity in Vietnam through a portable wireless router. This device creates a personal hotspot, supporting 5-10 devices simultaneously. This means pocket wifi is a great choice if you travel in groups.

You can find Pocket WiFi services from local telecom companies (Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone) and international ones (Tep Wireless, Skyroam).

The rent can cost around $5 – 10 USD a day. Keep in mind that these devices usually have a 6-8 hour battery life and can be recharged via USB.

Stay connected in Vietnam by local SIM Cards

Another way of staying connected is by getting a local SIM card. Major local telecoms like Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone in Vietnam offer prepaid SIMs with a decent amount of data at very cheap prices. These are easily available in airports and from convenience and carrier shops of major cities and tourist areas.

Be sure to check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with Vietnamese networks to avoid any connectivity issues during your trip.

Buying an eSIM to stay connected in Vietnam

eSIMs are becoming an increasingly popular option for Vietnam visitors as it allows users to activate a local cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. 

Here are some of the advantages of using an eSIM when traveling in Vietnam:

• Instant activation: Set up before arrival for immediate connectivity
• No physical SIM needed: Saves time finding a local vendor
• Dual number capability: Keep home number active while using local data
• Flexible plan options: Choose from various durations and data amounts
• Easy to switch plans: Change or top up digitally as needed

However, to use an eSIM in Vietnam, travelers need an eSIM-compatible device, which includes many recent iPhone models, Google Pixels, and select Samsung and other Android devices.

Where to get Vietnam eSIM plans for visitors

Vietnamese visitors can get Vietnam eSIM at major airports in Vietnam such as Noi Bai International Airport or Tan Son Nhat International Airport, however, these plans at the airport may not vary.

To help visitors save time and inconveniences, vietnamesim.com can be your data solution. Among many providers mentioned, vietnamesim.com is worth noticing as they are a local provider, which means they have in-depth knowledge of the local telecom landscape and infrastructure to provide better coverage and service quality. Moreover, vietnamesim.com has more flexible plans and more competitive rates compared to international eSIM services.

To help you choose, here is a general guideline:

• Light usage: 1-2 GB per week
• Moderate usage: 3-5 GB per week
• Heavy usage: 6-10 GB per week or more

Tips for staying connected in Vietnam

Here are some tips to help you stay connected without breaking the bank when traveling in Vietnam

• Disable auto-updates and background app refresh
• Use data-saving modes in apps and browsers
• Compress photos before sharing
• Track your data usage
• Download maps, entertainment, and guides for offline use

Conclusion

Staying connected while traveling is crucial, and managing your data usage effectively can significantly enhance your experience. By following the tips outlined above, you can minimize unexpected costs and ensure you have internet access when traveling in Vietnam. Consider vietnamesim.com for quality service and a user-friendly experience!