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Hanoi SIM Card Guide (2025) – Where to Buy, Airport SIM, eSIM, Data Plans & Coverage
Everything you need to know about SIM cards and eSIMs in Hanoi. Learn where to buy a SIM, compare airport kiosks, discover the best eSIM plans, review updated data packages, and check real coverage insights across the city.
📍 Why a Local SIM or eSIM Matters in Hanoi
Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities, welcoming millions of travelers each year. Reliable mobile data is essential for using Google Maps in the Old Quarter, booking Grab rides, working remotely, or staying in touch with family. International roaming is still very expensive, with rates as high as $5–10 per MB depending on your home carrier. By contrast, a local SIM or eSIM plan starts from only $8.50 for 10 days, offering far more value for money.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), more than 12.6 million international travelers visited Vietnam in 2024. Surveys show that the majority relied on local SIM or eSIM solutions instead of roaming. In this guide, we’ll cover everything: where to buy SIM in Hanoi, airport SIM card options, best eSIM plans, data packages, and coverage quality.
🏙️ Where to Buy SIM in Hanoi
If you prefer to wait until you reach downtown Hanoi, you’ll find plenty of options to buy a SIM card:
- Official carrier stores: Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone shops in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, Dong Da, and Cau Giay. These stores provide official registration and reliable support.
- Electronics retailers: Chains like The Gioi Di Dong and FPT Shop sell SIMs with setup assistance. English support is limited, but staff can help configure APN settings.
- Hotels & travel agents: Many in the Old Quarter sell SIMs at a small markup ($1–2 more than official stores).
📖 Full breakdown here: Where to Buy SIM in Hanoi.
✈️ SIM Card Hanoi Airport – Noi Bai Options
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main entry point to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll see several telecom kiosks in Terminal 2 (International Arrivals) and Terminal 1 (Domestic). These counters sell pre-activated tourist SIMs.
Advantages: You get connected instantly, great for booking transport or contacting your hotel.
Disadvantages: Prices are usually 10–20% higher than in the city, and some kiosks lack English-speaking staff. While they advertise 24/7 service, travelers arriving at 2–3 AM often find kiosks closed until 6 AM.
📖 Read more in: SIM Card Hanoi Airport.
📲 Best eSIM Options in Hanoi
For convenience, eSIMs are the top choice in 2025. You purchase online, receive a QR code by email, and activate instantly upon landing. No queuing, no paperwork, and you can keep your home SIM active for calls or 2FA codes.
Here are the updated GoVnSIM 2025 eSIM plans (accurate as of September 2025):
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price (USD) | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel eSIM | 5GB/day | 15–30 days | $14.90–$19.90 | No |
| Vietnam eSIM 30 Days (MobiFone) | 6GB/day + free net calls | 30 days | $18.50 | Yes |
| Vietnam eSIM 20 Days (MobiFone) | 4GB/day | 20 days | $14.50 | Yes |
| Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number (MobiFone) | 3GB/day | 10 days – $8.50 15 days – $12.50 30 days – $14.50 | $8.50–$14.50 | Yes |
| Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number (VinaPhone) | 5GB/day | 10 days – $12.50 15 days – $14.50 30 days – $19.50 | $12.50–$19.50 | Yes |
📖 Compare features in: Best eSIM Hanoi.
💾 Hanoi Data Plans for Different Travelers
Choosing a plan depends on how long you stay and how much data you use:
- Short stay (5–10 days): MobiFone 10-day (3GB/day for $8.50) or VinaPhone 10-day (5GB/day for $12.50).
- Medium stay (15–20 days): Viettel 15-day (5GB/day for $14.90) or MobiFone 20-day (4GB/day for $14.50).
- Long stay (30 days): MobiFone 30-day (6GB/day for $18.50) or VinaPhone 30-day (5GB/day for $19.50).
Traveler case study: In August 2025, a UK visitor used the 20-day MobiFone (4GB/day) eSIM. Average daily consumption was 2.7GB, which covered Google Maps, Zoom calls, and Netflix streaming without slowdown.
📖 Explore more: Hanoi Data Plan.
📶 Hanoi Coverage Insights
All three providers offer 4G nationwide and 5G in Hanoi. Here’s how they compare:
- Viettel: Best rural reach (95% of Vietnam’s population). Ideal for trips to Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, or Sapa.
- MobiFone: Strong in central Hanoi, stable 5G in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, and Cau Giay.
- VinaPhone: Excellent speeds downtown, especially near Hoan Kiem Lake and Noi Bai Airport.
Real-world tests in May 2025 showed:
- Viettel: 70–80 Mbps in Hanoi, 20–25 Mbps in Ba Vi.
- MobiFone: 65–75 Mbps downtown, ~20 Mbps suburban.
- VinaPhone: Up to 85 Mbps near Hoan Kiem, ~18 Mbps in rural zones.
📖 Full breakdown: Hanoi Coverage.
❓ FAQs About SIM Cards in Hanoi
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM?
Yes, Vietnam law requires ID registration for all SIMs. Passport is mandatory at official stores and sometimes at airport kiosks.
Are eSIMs supported by all phones?
No, only newer models such as iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel, and recent Samsung Galaxy devices support eSIMs.
Can I use hotspot with eSIM?
Yes, all GoVnSIM eSIMs support tethering and hotspot, making them great for group travel.
Is 5G widely available in Hanoi?
Yes, 5G is live in central districts and expanding. Expect average speeds of 70–90 Mbps.
Which provider is best for rural trips?
Viettel has the widest nationwide coverage, making it the safest option for trips outside Hanoi.
✅ Conclusion
Hanoi offers multiple ways to stay connected in 2025. Buy a SIM in the city for cheaper rates, grab one at Noi Bai Airport for instant access, or choose an eSIM for maximum convenience. Viettel is best for rural coverage, MobiFone offers great value with local numbers, and VinaPhone provides high-speed 5G in central Hanoi. Whatever your needs, updated data plans are affordable, flexible, and traveler-friendly.
You can browse the latest Vietnam eSIM plans from GoVnSIM and get connected the moment you land. Support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp +84 98 307 49 15.