📑 Why Internet Matters for Short Stays

Even on a 1–3 day trip, connectivity saves time. From airport pickups to hotel check-ins, you’ll need data right away. But daily rental costs and return deposits may not make sense for such a short period. Choosing the right option ensures you maximize your limited time in Vietnam.

🧰 Main Options — best short trip internet vietnam

Prepaid eSIM (short-term plan)

Prepaid eSIMs with 10–15 day validity can be used flexibly for just 2–3 days. Prices start at ~US$8.50, and activation is instant with a QR code. You don’t pay deposits or worry about returns, making it the most hassle-free option for short trips.

Pocket WiFi rental

Pocket WiFi routers cost ~120,000–180,000₫ (US$5–7) per day, plus a deposit of ~US$80–120. For just 2–3 days, the cost often exceeds US$20–25, and you still need to queue at the counter and return the device before departure. Airport rentals can be 40% more expensive than prepaid eSIM equivalents.

Airport SIM cards

SIM counters at airports sell 7–10 day tourist SIMs for ~US$17–19. While convenient, this is still more expensive than prepaid eSIMs, especially if you only stay 2–3 days. City shops are ~30% cheaper than airport counters, but you lose time traveling to find them.

💸 Cost Comparison for Short Trips

For 1–3 days, prepaid eSIMs remain the cheapest and most efficient. Pocket WiFi and SIM shops become uneconomical at short durations.

🧭 Traveler Story: Weekend in Hanoi

Linda from Taiwan visited Hanoi for just two days. She rented a Pocket WiFi at the airport for US$6/day and left a US$100 deposit. Returning the router before her 6 a.m. flight home was stressful, and she was charged an extra day when the counter opened late. Her colleague had a prepaid eSIM (~US$9 for 10 days), which activated instantly and required no return. Both had data, but Linda spent more and wasted time.

🧭 Traveler Story: Quick Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City

David, a consultant from Australia, stayed only three days in Ho Chi Minh City. Airport SIM counters quoted ~US$18 for a 7-day card. Instead, he used a prepaid eSIM (US$12.50 for 15 days) delivered by email. It gave him data for meetings and Grab rides without extra cost or wasted validity.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Prepaid eSIM

• ✅ Cheapest option for short trips.
• ✅ Instant QR activation, no deposit.
• ✅ Valid beyond your stay in case of trip extension.
• ❌ Requires eSIM-compatible device.

Pocket WiFi

• ✅ Can share among multiple devices.
• ❌ Expensive when trip is under 3 days.
• ❌ Hassle with deposit and returns.

Airport SIM

• ✅ Easy to buy on arrival.
• ❌ Higher cost, often unused validity.
• ❌ Requires time for registration.

🛠️ Practical Tips for Short Stay Travelers

• Order before you fly: Prepaid eSIMs can be activated instantly upon landing.
• Check your phone: Ensure it supports eSIM before purchase.
• Avoid deposit stress: Short trips rarely justify router deposits.
• Don’t overpay: Airport SIM counters are ~40% more expensive than pre-booked eSIMs.

🔗 Related Reading

For a full overview of Pocket WiFi vs eSIM, including coverage and deposits, read our Decision Hub guide.

✅ Final Thoughts — Best Short Trip Internet Vietnam

• Prepaid eSIM: Cheapest, simplest, and best suited for 1–3 day trips.
• Pocket WiFi: Useful if you’re in a group, but costly and time-consuming.
• Airport SIMs: Convenient but overpriced for short durations.