📱 SGN Airport SIM Card 2025 – Real Prices & Better Alternatives
SGN Airport SIM Card is the fastest way to get connected after landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). But should you buy at the kiosk, wait until District 1, or simply activate an eSIM before boarding? This updated 2025 guide gives you real prices, exact locations, traveler experiences, and practical tips.
📍 Where to Find SIM at SGN Airport
SIM counters are located just after customs in both international and domestic terminals. Main providers available:
- Viettel – best nationwide coverage, strong in rural areas.
- MobiFone – reliable 4G/5G in Ho Chi Minh’s urban districts.
- VinaPhone – stable 4G, expanding 5G in commercial hubs.
Most counters operate 06:00–23:00. If you land at midnight, kiosks may be closed → consider pre-purchasing an eSIM.
💰 SGN Airport SIM Card Prices (2025)
Traveler reports confirm airport SIMs are slightly higher than downtown shops:
| Validity | Airport Price | City Price (District 1) | GoVnSIM eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–10 days | $13–17 (3–4GB/day) | $10–13 | $8.50 (3GB/day, phone number) |
| 15–20 days | $17–23 (4–5GB/day) | $14–17 | $14.50 (20 days, 4GB/day) |
| 30 days | $23–26 (5–6GB/day) | $20–23 | $18.50 (30 days, 6GB/day + calls) |
→ City shops save ~10–20%. GoVnSIM eSIMs are often 20–30% cheaper than airport counters, with instant QR delivery.
⚡ Airport SIM vs eSIM: Traveler Experiences
- Emma (Australia) bought MobiFone SIM at SGN: $10 for 10 days, 4GB/day. Smooth in District 1, but slower (15 Mbps) on a trip to Vũng Tàu. Next time, she chose a Viettel eSIM for coastal coverage.
- James (UK) picked a Viettel SIM at SGN: 15 days, 5GB/day, $14. Setup took ~15 minutes at the counter.
- Sophia (Canada) activated a GoVnSIM eSIM before boarding: 20 days, 4GB/day, $14.50. She booked Grab 5 minutes after landing, no waiting at kiosks.
✈️ Airport SIM = quick if kiosks open, but involves queuing. eSIM = instant, same or lower price, no waiting.
📶 Network Coverage in Ho Chi Minh (Feb 2025 tests)
- Viettel: 4G ~52 Mbps, 5G ~220 Mbps, best suburban coverage.
- MobiFone: 4G ~45 Mbps, 5G ~200 Mbps, very strong in District 1 & 3.
- VinaPhone: 4G ~40 Mbps, 5G ~180 Mbps, stable for business zones.
For central Ho Chi Minh, all work fine. For rural trips (Củ Chi, Mekong Delta), Viettel is most reliable.
🚕 Airport SIM vs Buying in District 1
If you wait until downtown, you’ll save around 10–20%:
- Airport: Viettel 30-day (5GB/day) → $23
- District 1 store: same plan → $20
- GoVnSIM eSIM online: $18.50, activated instantly
👉 The catch: you’ll need temporary internet (airport Wi-Fi or eSIM) to book a Grab/taxi into the city.
🌐 Best eSIM Alternatives (Instant Delivery)
- Vietnam eSIM 30 Days Ultimate – $18.50, 6GB/day + free calls (MobiFone, local VN number).
- Vietnam eSIM 20 Days Best Plan – $14.50, 4GB/day (auto-activation).
- Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number – $8.50–19.50, 3–5GB/day, OTP-ready.
- Viettel eSIM – $14.90–19.90, 15–30 days, 5GB/day, nationwide coverage.
All delivered via QR to your email. Scan, install, and be online in minutes.
💡 Tips Before Buying at SGN
- Bring your passport – mandatory for SIM registration.
- Check if the plan is daily-reset or one-time bundle.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked.
- Ask staff to set APN if data doesn’t start.
- Landing late? Buy an eSIM in advance for guaranteed access.
❓ FAQ – SGN Airport SIM Card
Are SGN airport SIM cards more expensive? Yes, 10–20% higher than District 1, and more than GoVnSIM eSIMs.
Can I buy eSIM at SGN airport? No, kiosks sell physical SIM only. eSIM must be purchased online.
Which carrier has best coverage? Viettel nationwide, MobiFone/VinaPhone good in HCMC.
Is airport Wi-Fi reliable? Enough for messaging, but often slow for ride-hailing apps at peak hours.
📣 Plan Your Connectivity
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport? Review updated packages and compare options in our Ho Chi Minh SIM & eSIM guide.
✅ Want instant setup? Order your Vietnam eSIM from GoVnSIM today and get your QR code by email before boarding.
Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com