SIM Card at Ho Chi Minh Airport (2025 Guide)

Arriving in Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and wondering how to get connected right away? This guide explains everything you need to know about buying a SIM card at Ho Chi Minh Airport, from kiosks and pricing to eSIM alternatives and coverage details. It is based on real traveler experiences and updated 2025 information.

📍 Where to Find SIM Card Counters at SGN

After landing at SGN airport, SIM card kiosks are located immediately after immigration in both international and domestic terminals. You will find booths operated by Vietnam’s three major telecom providers:

• Viettel — Best nationwide coverage, especially outside big cities.
• MobiFone — Reliable 4G/5G in central Ho Chi Minh City districts.
• VinaPhone — Strong 4G coverage and growing 5G rollout in commercial areas.

Vendors usually operate from 6:00 AM until late night (around 11:00 PM). Outside these hours, your only option may be an eSIM purchased online in advance.

💰 SIM Card Prices at Ho Chi Minh Airport

Tourist SIM packages at SGN airport are slightly more expensive than in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, but they offer instant convenience. Based on 2025 surveys, here are typical prices:

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

These plans often include unlimited domestic calls within the network, while calls to other carriers may require top-up. Always confirm data limits and whether the plan resets daily or provides a one-time data allowance.

📊 Case Study: Airport SIM vs eSIM

In February 2025, a group of five international travelers shared cost comparisons between physical SIMs purchased at SGN airport and eSIMs bought online before arrival:

• Airport SIM (Viettel, 15 days, 5GB/day): $19.5 average cost per person.
• eSIM purchased online (MobiFone, 20 days, 4GB/day): $14.50 per person.

While the airport SIM was only slightly cheaper, the eSIM saved waiting time at kiosks and activated instantly. Three travelers in the group mentioned that their eSIM allowed them to book Grab rides within 5 minutes of landing, while the others had to queue 20 minutes at the counter.

📶 Network Coverage in Ho Chi Minh City

According to 2025 speed tests in District 1 and District 3:

• Viettel 4G: 45–60 Mbps average, 5G up to 220 Mbps in central wards.
• MobiFone 4G: 40–55 Mbps average, 5G peaks of 200 Mbps near Nguyễn Huệ.
• VinaPhone 4G: 35–50 Mbps average, 5G reaching 180 Mbps in Thủ Đức area.

All carriers provide reliable connectivity in urban HCMC, with Viettel leading in suburban and rural coverage. For tourists mainly staying in District 1 or 7, any of the three networks will work well.

🛒 Alternatives: Buying SIM in District 1

If you are not in a rush, consider buying your SIM card in District 1 after leaving the airport. Official carrier stores and convenience shops sell the same packages 10–20% cheaper than SGN airport.

For example, a 30-day Viettel SIM with 5GB/day that costs $18 at the airport can be found for $15 downtown. However, this option requires traveling without internet from the airport to your hotel unless you already have an eSIM.

See the full guide here: Ho Chi Minh City SIM Card Guide.

📱 Best eSIM Options for SGN Travelers

Travelers with eSIM-compatible phones can skip physical SIM cards altogether. Some popular options in 2025 include:

• Vietnam eSIM 30 Days – 6GB/day with local phone number.
• Vietnam eSIM 20 Days – 4GB/day auto-activated on your chosen start date.
• Viettel eSIM with 5GB/day for 15–30 days.

These plans are delivered instantly via email QR codes, meaning you can activate before departure or upon landing. This ensures data connectivity the moment you switch off airplane mode.

📝 Practical Tips for Buying SIM at SGN

• Bring your passport — registration is required by Vietnamese law.
• Check whether the data package is daily-reset or a one-time allowance.
• Ensure your phone is unlocked for international SIM use.
• Ask for help setting up APN if mobile data does not work immediately.
• Consider eSIM if you arrive at night when kiosks may be closed.

🧳 Real-Life Traveler Experience

Emma, a visitor from the UK, landed at SGN in March 2025 and purchased a MobiFone SIM for 10 days with 4GB/day for $10. While it worked well in District 1, she had connectivity issues on a day trip to the Củ Chi Tunnels, where Viettel performed better. She later recommended eSIM for her friends visiting Vietnam, citing flexibility and better nationwide coverage.

✅ Conclusion & Next Steps

Buying a SIM card at Ho Chi Minh Airport is the fastest way to get online, but it comes at a slightly higher price compared to city shops. For convenience and reliability, many travelers now prefer eSIMs activated before departure. If you plan to travel beyond HCMC to places like the Mekong Delta or Phan Thiết, Viettel is generally the safest choice for coverage.

For a full breakdown of SIM vs eSIM options across the city, read the Ho Chi Minh City SIM Card Guide (2025).