Ho Chi Minh City SIM Card Guide (2025)

Staying connected in Vietnam’s largest city is essential for navigation, ride-hailing apps, work, and social media. This Ho Chi Minh City SIM Card Guide (2025) brings together everything you need to know — from SIM cards at Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to where to buy SIM in District 1, the best eSIM options, and up-to-date HCMC coverage.

📍 Buying SIM Card at Ho Chi Minh Airport

Most visitors arrive through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Buying a SIM card at SGN airport ensures instant internet access, but prices are usually higher than downtown.

Typical SGN airport SIM packages in 2025:

• 7–10 days: $12–$16 for 3–4GB/day
• 15–20 days: $16–$19 for 4–5GB/day
• 30 days: $20–$25 for 5–6GB/day

Convenient but queues are common, and kiosks operate between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM only.

🏬 Where to Buy SIM in District 1

District 1 is Ho Chi Minh’s downtown hub and a cheaper, more flexible place to purchase a SIM. Read the dedicated guide: Where to Buy SIM in District 1 (2025 Guide).

Carrier stores (Viettel, MobiFone, VinaPhone), electronics shops (Thế Giới Di Động, FPT), and convenience stores (Circle K, GS25) all sell prepaid SIMs. Prices here are 10–20% lower than at SGN airport. For example, a Viettel 30-day SIM (5GB/day) is $18 at SGN but $15 downtown.

📱 Best eSIM in Ho Chi Minh

Travelers with eSIM-compatible phones can skip kiosks entirely. The best eSIM options in Ho Chi Minh provide QR codes by email, activated in minutes. Recommended plans include:

• Vietnam eSIM 30 Days – 6GB/day (MobiFone, includes phone number and 500 minutes).
• Vietnam eSIM 20 Days – 4GB/day (MobiFone, auto-activation on chosen date).
• Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number (3GB/day, OTP-ready, valid 10–30 days).
• Viettel eSIM (15–30 days, 5GB/day, strongest nationwide coverage).

These plans allow hotspot/tethering, making them ideal for sharing data across devices.

📶 HCMC Coverage Across Networks

Updated HCMC coverage reports show reliable connectivity across central districts in 2025:

• Viettel: 4G ~52 Mbps, 5G up to 220 Mbps, best suburban coverage.
• MobiFone: 4G ~46 Mbps, 5G ~200 Mbps in downtown areas.
• VinaPhone: 4G ~41 Mbps, 5G ~180 Mbps in commercial hubs.

For central districts like 1, 3, and 7, all carriers work well. For trips to Mekong Delta, Củ Chi, or coastal towns, Viettel is most reliable.

📊 Case Studies: SIM & eSIM Users in Ho Chi Minh

Emma (Australia): Bought MobiFone SIM at SGN ($10, 10 days, 4GB/day). Smooth in District 1, slower in Vũng Tàu (15 Mbps).

Raj (India): Activated Viettel eSIM (30 days, 5GB/day). Excellent speeds in HCMC (55 Mbps) and Mekong Delta (80 Mbps).

Maria (Spain): Used MobiFone eSIM 20 Days – 4GB/day for $14.50. Activated before flight, 48 Mbps in District 1, saved 30 minutes at airport.

Lin (Taiwan): Picked Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number. OTP support was critical for Grab and banking apps.

📝 Tips for Buying SIM & eSIM in Ho Chi Minh

• Bring your passport for registration (mandatory).
• Confirm if your data resets daily or is one-time bundled.
• Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports LTE Band 3/7/8 and 5G n78.
• Choose Viettel if traveling outside HCMC, MobiFone for downtown reliability.
• Buy in District 1 to save money, or get eSIM for instant activation.

❓ FAQ: Ho Chi Minh SIM Card

Q1: Where should I buy SIM — SGN airport or District 1?
Airport SIM is convenient, District 1 is cheaper. eSIM avoids both queues and price differences.

Q2: Is 5G available in HCMC?
Yes, in central districts. Average speeds 180–220 Mbps depending on carrier.

Q3: Do eSIMs include a phone number?
Yes, some options like Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number and 30-day MobiFone eSIM.

Q4: Can I hotspot with Vietnam eSIM?
Yes, all recommended eSIMs allow tethering.

Q5: Which carrier is best for rural areas?
Viettel consistently delivers strongest nationwide coverage.

✅ Conclusion

Choosing the right Ho Chi Minh SIM card depends on your needs. For instant connectivity, buy at SGN airport. For cheaper rates, explore District 1 stores. For the most convenient option, activate an eSIM before arrival. With strong HCMC coverage across all networks, staying connected in 2025 is simple and affordable.