Communication in Vietnam
1. Language
Vietnam's national language is Vietnamese, this is a very special language and complicated language. The special thing about Vietnamese is it has a tone and sign, any sign of the words could make them change the meaning. In the different regions, the resident has different action and slang. Vietnamese may be a very complicated language but Vietnamese people are simple, so you could ask your tour guide or resident for support when you need it.
2. Sim card
At the moment, the Vietnam tourist sim card is available in 2 forms as follows:
Physical SIM (Mini-SIM, Micro SIM, and Nano SIM), and eSIM profile (hereinafter referred to as eSIM).
| Item | Vietnam tourist SIM – Physical | Vietnam tourist SIM - eSIM |
| Similarities |
They are both SIMs, and connect the travelers’ phones to mobile providers’ networks in Vietnam and keep them stay connected everywhere in Vietnam. They both identify your phone and the type of plan in use |
|
| Form | A SIM card is a chip that is physically installed or removed inside your phone with your carrier’s plan | An eSIM (embedded sim) is built-in to your phone and downloads your carrier’s plan. |
| Where to buy | Online | Picked up at a physical store |
| Pros |
SIM is removable: Has your phone battery died? No problem, you can swap a SIM card into another unlocked phone with a working battery. SIM can be easily accessed if you are in its country: Many travelers can easily find a prepaid SIM plan at a local market or convenience store when they’re abroad. |
eSIMs are convenient: You can buy the Vietnam tourist eSIM outside Vietnam, download them ANYWHERE you have a network connection, and have it activated right after you land in Vietnam. eSIMs are market competitive: They are priced the same as any traditional SIM card. eSIM can’t be physically damaged or lost: Since it’s embedded inside phones, you run a lower chance of damaging cards and weakening your signal quality at the least convenient times. SIMs are limited while eSIMs are not: Phones with dual-SIM technology allow you to switch lines whenever you like. Some phones go beyond the dual-SIM functionality and allow you to download and store as many eSIM options as you like. This is a major benefit of not being restricted by physical cards. eSIM is small: Since an eSIM is small, it can be fit within new wearable technology such as Apple watches or devices, which may become smaller in size over time. |
| Cons |
SIMs can be physically damaged or lost: In case you remove the nano SIM from your phone and place it somewhere, you can have it damaged or lost. Required registration: SIM buyers need to show passports to register for the SIM. Cannot be bought outside Vietnam: a Nano tourist SIM can only be bought when you are in Vietnam. |
eSIM does not work in older phones: Since it’s relatively new, eSIM is not compatible with older phone models, and you may have to pay for an expensive new phone if you want to use it. |
There are 3 main SIM Card providers in Vietnam, which are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. There’s also a fourth provider called Vietnamobile, its coverage outside of major cities is not really good, so we don’t recommend it here.
Buy sim card in Vietnam
There are literally thousands of places to purchase a tourist SIM card in Vietnam. Many counters at the airports, travel agencies, local stores, and even some hotels offer them.
But it is best to purchase a Vietnamese SIM card either at the airport or at one of the official stores of the mobile network providers.
Buying a Vietnam SIM Card at the Airport
The easiest and most convenient place to buy a SIM card in Vietnam is at the airport, upon your arrival in the country. You’ll find dozens of kiosks selling SIM cards as soon as you exit the baggage claim area in any of Vietnam’s international airports.
Buying Vietnamese SIM cards at mobile operators’ offices
If you have already left the airport without a SIM card, then you should head directly to one of the branch offices of the mobile operators. Luckily, those companies have offices that are conveniently located in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Just find an office with their logo and go in.
For Viettel tourist SIM cards:
| Data | Domestic Calls | International Calls | Validity | Price |
| 1GB | 20 mins | 10 mins | 5 days | VND 100,000 ~ US $4,5 |
| 2GB | 40 mins | 20 mins | 10 days | VND 200,000 ~ US $9 |
| 3GB | 60 mins | 30 mins | 15 days | VND 300,000 ~ US $13 |
| 5GB | 100 mins | 50 mins | 25 days | VND 500,000 ~ US $22 |
For Vinaphone tourist SIM cards:
| Data | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited | 7 days | VND 200,000 ~ US $9 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | VND 200,000 ~ US $11 |
| Unlimited | 30 days | VND 200,000 ~ US $13 |
- The most poppular Appchat in Singapore: WhatsApp.
- The most poppular Appchat in Israel: Viber.
- The head numbers in Vietnam: Vietnam Region: +84 - you could change to “0” instead if you call by an internal simcard.
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