Find everything you need about the Vietnam Saigon Airport code (SGN): official info, arrivals, SIM/eSIM, transport, and real tips for 2025.
🛬 Vietnam Saigon Airport Code (SGN): The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Travelers
The Vietnam Saigon Airport code is SGN. This is the international IATA code for Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the main airport serving Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the busiest in Vietnam. Whether you’re arriving for business, tourism, or as an expat, understanding the SGN airport code and practical travel tips will make your Vietnam trip smoother.
📍 What Is the Official Saigon Airport Code?
- 🛫 IATA Code: SGN
- 🛬 Full Name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- 🌏 ICAO Code: VVTS
- 🌆 Location: 2 Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- 📞 Official website: hochiminhcityairport.com
🔑 Fun fact: “SGN” stands for “Saigon,” the former name of Ho Chi Minh City and still the name locals use for the airport and the city itself.
✈️ SGN Airport: Terminals, Airlines & Flight Info
- 🏢 Terminals:
- 🇻🇳 Terminal 1: Domestic flights (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways, etc.)
- 🌐 Terminal 2: International flights (Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, ANA, Korean Air, etc.)
- 🕐 Operating hours: 24/7 year-round
- ✈️ 2024 Traffic: 36+ million passengers, 70+ airlines (source: Vietnam Airports Corporation)
💡 Tip: Many locals and travel apps still use “Saigon Airport” or “SGN” instead of “Tan Son Nhat.” When searching for flights, always use SGN for best results.
🚖 Getting from SGN Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center
- 🚕 Taxi: Vinasun, Mai Linh, and airport taxis available outside both terminals (typical fare: 120,000–180,000 VND to District 1; always use official taxi lines).
- 🚗 Ride-hailing apps: Grab, Be, Gojek work well at SGN—use the app to book and find your driver at the designated pick-up point.
- 🚌 Public bus: Bus #152 and Airport Shuttle connect to Ben Thanh Market, District 1 for 7,000–20,000 VND.
- 🧳 Hotel transfer: Many hotels offer pick-up at arrival—confirm with your accommodation in advance.
🌤️ Insider Tip: Peak traffic (rush hours: 7–9am & 4–7pm) can double travel time to downtown. Plan accordingly!
📶 How to Get a SIM Card or eSIM at SGN Airport?
- 📱 Official SIM counters: Right after Customs, you’ll see branded Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone kiosks with staff (English-speaking). Buy with passport, activate in 5 minutes.
- 🌐 Data & calls: All airport SIMs offer fast 4G/5G, local Vietnamese number for Grab, Zalo, and banking OTP.
- 🆚 Physical SIM vs eSIM: Most airport counters can issue eSIM QR codes if your phone supports it (check device list: GovnSIM guide).
- 💳 Payment: Cash (VND), many kiosks accept cards (Visa/Mastercard).
📲 Alternative: Want to activate eSIM before landing? Order Vietnam eSIM with phone number online via GoVnSIM for instant QR and 24/7 English/Chinese support.
🌐 Why Know the Vietnam Saigon Airport Code?
- 🎟️ For bookings: Use “SGN” on airline and travel sites to find flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
- 📦 For shipping: All express services and logistics refer to “SGN” for international parcels or cargo.
- 💼 For business: Event invites, visa letters, and conference locations often state “SGN” as the arrival hub.
🔎 Quick check: SGN = Tan Son Nhat = Saigon Airport = Ho Chi Minh City Airport (all the same!).
👉 Pro Traveler Tips for Saigon Airport (SGN) in 2025
- 🧑💼 Arriving early or late? All services (SIM, taxi, money exchange, food) run 24/7 in both terminals.
- 📲 SIM/eSIM users: Test data and calls before leaving the kiosk. Save your activation slip for support.
- 🛄 Luggage: Use official airport porters or ride-hailing for secure baggage transfer if you carry extra bags.
- 🔄 Currency exchange: Best rates at banks inside the terminal (Vietcombank, BIDV) or use ATMs for cash.
- 🧾 Keep receipts: For SIM/eSIM, taxis, or airport services, keep all receipts—handy if you need support or reimbursement.
📚 Real Traveler Case Study: SGN Arrival in Action
🧑💻 Case: Laura (Germany) landed at SGN in April 2025. She bought a Viettel eSIM at the official counter using her passport, had 5G instantly for Grab and Zalo. Her hotel in District 1 was a 25-minute taxi ride, costing 150,000 VND. She recommends pre-ordering an eSIM online for peace of mind—her partner used a GoVnSIM QR and connected before leaving the baggage hall.
🛬 Step-by-Step Arrival at SGN Airport (2025)
- 🛂 Immigration & Passport Control: On arrival, follow “Arrivals” signs. Prepare your passport, visa/e-visa letter, and immigration form (if required). SGN is well-marked in English and Vietnamese.
- 🧳 Baggage Claim: Check the display boards for your flight number and collect your luggage from the correct belt. Trolleys are free near each carousel.
- 💰 Money Exchange/ATM: Banks and ATMs are available before and after Customs. Most international cards (Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay) are accepted. For best rates, use major bank ATMs (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank).
- 📶 SIM/eSIM Purchase & Setup: After Customs, you’ll see SIM counters (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) for physical SIMs or eSIM QR. Show your passport, pay, and let staff help you activate (takes 3–5 minutes). Want to skip lines? Pre-order an eSIM with Vietnamese number online via GoVnSIM and get QR before you fly.
- 🚕 Transport: Follow signs to taxi, bus, or ride-hailing app pickup zones. Official airport taxi stands are right outside; confirm fare before entering the car.
📑 SIM/eSIM Registration & Vietnam Travel Rules
- 🛂 Passport is required for all SIM/eSIM purchases. By law, SIMs must be registered to your real identity—no anonymous SIMs in Vietnam.
- 📱 Physical SIM vs eSIM: eSIM available at most airport counters for iPhone XR/XS/11–15, Samsung S20+/Note20+/Z/Flip (global/EU/Asia version), Pixel, Oppo, Xiaomi.
- 🔑 Don’t lose your activation slip! Keep your SIM/eSIM receipt and profile sheet—it’s needed for reactivation or support during your stay.
- 📆 Plan length: Tourist SIM/eSIM plans at the airport typically last 7–30 days, with generous data and local calling.
- 🆓 SIM top-up/extension: Available at any Circle K, FamilyMart, VinMart, or mobile shop nationwide. eSIM plans from GoVnSIM include instructions for online top-up.
💬 Need advanced support or help in English/Chinese? Contact GoVnSIM anytime for fast assistance.
📡 Free WiFi & Digital Services at SGN
- 📶 Free WiFi: Available in both Terminals 1 & 2—connect to “TSN Free WiFi” and follow instructions (may require a code sent via SMS, so get a SIM/eSIM first if you need mobile verification).
- 💻 Charging Stations: Available at departure gates, cafes, and main halls. Bring a universal adapter (Vietnam uses type A, C plugs, 220V).
- 🧳 Left Luggage: 24/7 luggage storage available near arrival halls.
- 🛋️ Lounges: Business/first class and paid lounges available—book via airline or on arrival (credit card needed).
❓ Saigon Airport (SGN) FAQ for Travelers (2025)
Can I get an eSIM with a Vietnamese number before I land?
Yes—if you order from a verified provider like GoVnSIM. You’ll receive a QR code by email (often within 10–30 minutes) and can install it before your flight. Physical SIM and airport eSIM are only available on arrival.
Do airport SIMs support Grab, Zalo, and banking OTP?
Yes. All official SIMs/eSIMs sold at SGN airport provide a real Vietnamese phone number (+84) for app verification, calls, SMS, and data.
Are there SIM scams at the airport?
Very rare at official counters. Avoid “unofficial” sellers outside arrivals. Always buy inside the terminal at branded kiosks or order from reputable providers online.
What if my eSIM doesn’t activate?
Ask airport staff for help, or (if ordered online) contact GoVnSIM support via WhatsApp/LINE/email—multilingual support and quick troubleshooting.
🌟 Advanced Travel Hacks for SGN Airport in 2025
- 📲 Pre-order your eSIM before you fly—skip airport queues, get connected instantly after landing, and share your number with friends/hotels in advance.
- 🗺️ Save the airport map (download from the official website or take a photo in the arrivals hall).
- 🚗 Use Grab app for fixed-price, cashless airport rides—enter your terminal exit as the pickup point.
- 🕑 Arriving at night? Airport is fully open, but city traffic is light—taxi/rideshare may be faster and cheaper after 10pm.
- 🧾 Keep your SIM/eSIM activation slip for your entire stay—needed for top-up, troubleshooting, or if you switch phones.
📖 More Real Traveler Experiences at SGN
🌏 Jin (Korea): “Bought a Mobifone eSIM at the airport and got full-speed 5G in District 1 and 7. My friend used GoVnSIM and was able to use Grab as soon as we left the gate. No issues with activation.”
🧳 Lisa (Canada): “Arrived at midnight, bought Viettel eSIM at the counter. Fast data, real number for my hotel booking, and staff helped set up on my iPhone 14 in 2 minutes.”
✈️ Quentin (France): “Ordered eSIM online before my trip. When I landed, just turned on my phone and was instantly online. Highly recommend for digital nomads!”
🎯 Why Travelers Choose GoVnSIM for eSIM at Saigon Airport (SGN)
- ⚡ Instant QR delivery: Order your eSIM in advance, receive QR by email, and activate in minutes—no waiting at airport kiosks.
- 💬 Real Vietnamese number: Use Grab, Zalo, banking apps, and more—never worry about “data-only” SIMs.
- 🌐 100% English/Chinese support: Friendly help before, during, and after your trip via WhatsApp/LINE.
- 🔗 Transparent pricing: All plans clearly listed on the website, no hidden fees.
- 🧑💼 Trusted by expats & business travelers: Verified reviews and top support for short or long stays.
🚀 Ready to Get Connected Instantly?
🛒 Order your Vietnam eSIM here for fast, secure QR delivery and live support, or contact us for free advice on airport pickup.
Travel smart and stress-free—know the SGN airport code, plan ahead, and choose GovnSIM for your Vietnam connectivity!