In this high-tech era, the SIM card plays an essential part in not only maintaining communication but also offering easy access to local networks. Read on to find more about where to buy a SIM card in Hanoi as well as helpful tips.
Where to Buy A SIM Card in Hanoi – An Overview of SIM Cards in Vietnam
There are three major network brands in Hanoi: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. Viettel has the most extensive coverage network and customers, Vinaphone works just as well but avoid Mobifone if you are heading too far off the beaten track.
While Viettel has the largest network coverage, Vinaphone and Mobifone offer more promotions.
You should only purchase SIM cards from official stores where you will need to present your passport to register, since SIM cards from street vendors may be shut down unexpectedly. If you do not plan to stay for a long time, the convenience of that may worth the risk. However, for those who have intentions of living in Hanoi for a while, prioritize SIM cards from an official outlet.
SIM card often costs VND 50,000 with no credit loaded. However, there are a wide variety of available tourist packages. If you run out of data, there are plenty of kiosks along the street that sell vouchers to top up your credit.
Top-up vouchers’ sellers are pretty much everywhere in Hanoi.
Where to Buy A SIM Card in Hanoi – Recommended Addresses
Noi Bai Airport
Right at the main arrival gate, you can see numerous tourist information desks that sell SIM card packages. The ones that sell local SIM cards are often located next to the money exchange or the visa on arrival desks. Purchasing from these stores is convenient and time-saving. However, the prices and packages fluctuate and change from store to store. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the staff since they all speak English.
Noi Bai Airport offers a wide range of mobile data plans in the arrival hall.
Official Mobile Network Stores
Besides the airport, it is suggestible to buy a SIM card at the official stores of the network brands mentioned above. The price point goes from VND 100,000 to VND 200,000, and this kind of SIM card is only valid in a short period, which makes it more suitable for short-stay trips.See our guide on SIM Cards and Mobile Data 3G/4G in Vietnam for more details.You can find many official stores in Hanoi Old Quarter from Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.
1. Viettel
Viettel is the network brand that has the most users in Vietnam.
Addresses:
61 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District53 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem District32 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
2. Vinaphone
Vinaphone often provides many promotions.
Addresses:
75A Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District49 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh District10 Yen Phu, Ba Dinh District
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5 PM
3. Mobifone
Mobifone does not have as broad coverage as Viettel and as many promotions as Vinaphone.
Addresses:
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem District1 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem District1-5 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem District24 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PMSat: 8:30 AM – 4 PMSun: Some still open (8:30 AM – 4 PM), some do not.
Mobile Shops/Vendors
These places are not our best recommendations, but if you are in an emergency, they are easy to find anywhere. Remember that they do not have the authority to register for you, and the SIM cards are mostly pre-activated. Nonetheless, you can buy top-up cards at these stores since they do not require registration.
Do not trust the authority of these mobile vendors for long trips.
Where to Buy A SIM Card in Hanoi – Helpful Tips
– Make sure that your phone is UNLOCKED and can be USED ABROAD.- Try to contact the official store first to know about the required documents.- Check who your SIM is registered to by texting “TTTB” to 1414, the Vietnamese reply message includes your name, birthdate, passport or ID number in details.- Feel free to ask for more information since the staff can speak English.- To top up your credit, dial *100*code-on-top-up-card# – To check your data, dial *101#
Our Take on Where to Buy a SIM Card in Hanoi
Being connected to the Internet has a significant impact on the convenience of a trip, so purchasing a SIM card and a suitable data package is highly advised. If you are planning to visit the city and wondering where to buy a SIM card in Hanoi, we hope that this article has been helpful.
Check out some of our Hanoi Travel Tips:
How to Pack for Hanoi
What to Do in Hanoi in 3 Days Travel Guide
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our guide on Where to Buy A SIM Card in Ho Chi Minh City.