Prepaid SIM - Vietnam
Hello all,
This is to help those who might need phone service in Vietnam. It's actually quite easy, and I've done it dozens of times. Which leads to my apologies for not remembering the details! I will be going in a few weeks, so I can update with specific information (or sooner if I get it)... right now I can reassure you that a) it's easy and b) it's cheap. Requirements:
Providers - The majors are:
The Costs:
How to get a card:
Other notes:
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I think you cover all the pertinent info already but here's some more:
1. If you don't need a fixed number during your trip, purchase a throw-away sim, aka "sim khuyen mai". These are typically 11-digits vs. 10-digits normal ones and comes with extra minutes/credits. For example a 50,000VND throw-away sim is preloaded with 100k credit 2. Check your balance by dialing *101# 3. If you'll be mostly in big cities, data service on Mobifone is best. 4. Please use common sense when using your device in public as snatch-n-run has increased in big cities like HCMC & Hanoi 5. It's Vinaphone, not "Vinacom" Enjoy your trip and if you need help, let me know.
Originally Posted by LAXative
(Post 20444179)
Hello all,
This is to help those who might need phone service in Vietnam. It's actually quite easy, and I've done it dozens of times. Which leads to my apologies for not remembering the details! I will be going in a few weeks, so I can update with specific information (or sooner if I get it)... right now I can reassure you that a) it's easy and b) it's cheap. Requirements:
Providers - The majors are:
The Costs:
How to get a card:
|
Originally Posted by speedy_j
(Post 20444286)
5. It's Vinaphone, not "Vinacom"
Thanks! |
For Mobifone you can activate the unlimited data plan (40,000VND for a month) by doing this:
Send an SMS to 999 that says DK MIU. It will autorenew. More info at this link http://www.mobifone.com.vn/portal/en...nternet_hd.jsp Cell phones in VN are a great deal. I don't recall talk being that cheap but yeah you don't spend much money on it. They also have 50% top up bonuses from time to time. Watch the stores for the signs. I always try to top-up during the bonus, and keep a few small denomination scratch off's in my wallet to keep me going until I can get the top-up! |
Bump- we were on an Amawaterways trip starting in Hanoi. The Sofitel Metropole is centrally located. I walked 2 blocks toward the lake (put your back to the Citibank ATM, use the very rare pedestrian crossing signals with caution). We found a little counter with a sales guy with good English. We got the tourist sim card with 2 gb of data and calling minutes. I asked him to make sure data was activated. It was $16 USD and he was happy about that. Before I left his stand I did a speedtest and got a ping of 32 and 8 mbs down, which was great. Later in several places I got 15 down. Using a first gen Moto G world phone. We had decent speeds everywhere including Ha Long bay, and the highways. Vinaphone was the carrier.
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How much are text messages out of the country ?.
or calls to the USA ? and how long are the sims good for if I want to buy one before I travel to Vietnam ? Thanks for the info |
I bought today one for 100k VND (4€) (Vina) with 5GB data, it says valid until August/2016. Probably even later, if one would top it up.
The arrivals hall after customs has a large number of kiosks selling SIMs and plans, shop around. Really - one kiosk offered basically the same service from Viettel for 290k PS - who would use normal calls to the USA when you have cheap and (nearly) unlimited data? Facetime, Skype, etc all go into the data plan |
Originally Posted by WilcoRoger
(Post 26271031)
I bought today one for 100k VND (4€) (Vina) with 5GB data, it says valid until August/2016. Probably even later, if one would top it up.
The arrivals hall after customs has a large number of kiosks selling SIMs and plans, shop around. Really - one kiosk offered basically the same service from Viettel for 290k PS - who would use normal calls to the USA when you have cheap and (nearly) unlimited data? Facetime, Skype, etc all go into the data plan My flight is due to arrive around 10pm on Friday. My hope is that if I get a SIM at the airport, I can then use Uber into town...unless it is tough to use Uber from SGN like other airports. |
Originally Posted by aztimm
(Post 27169377)
Anyone know how late the counters are typically open at SGN?
My flight is due to arrive around 10pm on Friday. My hope is that if I get a SIM at the airport, I can then use Uber into town...unless it is tough to use Uber from SGN like other airports. |
Originally Posted by aztimm
(Post 27169377)
unless it is tough to use Uber from SGN like other airports.
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Be careful picking out your sim, it might not have telephone capability.
Arrived at the airport and grabbed a SIM for 150k with 3GB of data ("unlimited" but even the throttled speed is pretty speedy in Vietnam). Didn't think too much of it, was in a hurry,so didn't look around for price. Flash forward a week, and I'm trying to get a Grab-Taxi (like Uber) back at the airport after dropping off a friend. Four guys canceled on me. Turns out the SIM I bought was data-only. My guess is they called me, the phone didn't answer, and they canceled. Another 30k ($1.50) would have gotten me the phone. So now I need a new SIM, gonna stick this one into my tablet. Grab/Uber are the way to get around now (unless you ride a bike), so make sure your SIM has phone. On the plus side, I'm gonna refer myself with Grab and Uber to my new number and it should probably pay off the new SIM card with free rides:) |
Originally Posted by Coolers
(Post 27189321)
Quite easy. Just be aware the car waiting area is packed, so keep an eye on the GPS so you know when your call is about to pull up.
When Grab/Uber hit 2X pricing (rush hour and rain), you might as well get a regular taxi. They seem to cost twice as much. The other problem with Grab/Uber is it says "2 minute pickup" but I've never had one take less than 5, if they even find you. The drivers are still figuring this stuff out. If you're in a hurry, plan ahead (many of my friends just make the guy wait) or get a real taxi. |
Originally Posted by aztimm
(Post 27169377)
Anyone know how late the counters are typically open at SGN?
My flight is due to arrive around 10pm on Friday. My hope is that if I get a SIM at the airport, I can then use Uber into town...unless it is tough to use Uber from SGN like other airports. |
Originally Posted by ryandelmundo
(Post 27513744)
Grab/Uber are the way to get around now (unless you ride a bike), so make sure your SIM has phone.
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Originally Posted by WilcoRoger
(Post 27560007)
Why so? Taxis are abundant and cheap. Even at 4 am there were a number of them outside my hotel, costing 150k to the airport.
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