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SIM Card Hanoi Airport (2025) – Complete Traveler’s Guide
Arriving at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and need mobile data fast? Here’s your complete 2025 guide to SIM card kiosks, pricing, alternatives, and eSIM options that save you time and money.
✈️ Why Buy a SIM at Hanoi Airport?
For many travelers, the first question after landing at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is: “Where can I buy a SIM card?” The answer is straightforward—there are several telecom kiosks in the arrival halls. Buying a SIM at the airport means you’ll be connected before reaching your hotel or even booking your first Grab ride.
However, convenience comes at a price. Studies by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism show that more than 60% of international visitors purchase a SIM or eSIM upon arrival, but those buying at the airport often pay 10–20% more than city rates.
📍 Where Are SIM Card Counters Located?
At Noi Bai Airport, SIM card counters are located:
- Terminal 2 (International): After baggage claim, you’ll find Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone kiosks before the taxi counters.
- Terminal 1 (Domestic): Smaller telecom counters are available near the exit gates.
- Operating hours: 6:00 AM – midnight. A few kiosks claim 24/7 operation but travelers arriving at 2–3 AM often report finding them closed.
👉 For a full comparison of airport vs city options, see the Hanoi SIM Card Guide.
💰 How Much Does a SIM Cost at Hanoi Airport?
Pricing at Noi Bai Airport is slightly higher than in downtown Hanoi. For example:
- Viettel SIM (5GB/day, 15 days) → usually around $22 at the airport vs $14.90 online.
- MobiFone SIM (4GB/day, 20 days) → around $19 at the airport vs $14.50 through official channels.
- VinaPhone SIM (5GB/day, 15 days) → often $19–23 at kiosks vs $14.50 online.
Case study: A traveler from France in July 2025 reported paying $18 for a 30-day VinaPhone SIM at Terminal 2. The same plan was listed at $19.50 via official eSIM providers, but the airport version offered no English support and required manual APN setup.
📲 Alternatives: Order an eSIM Before You Land
If you want to avoid lines or potential miscommunication, ordering an eSIM online before flying is a safer option. With eSIM, you scan a QR code delivered by email and connect instantly on landing.
Here are the updated GoVnSIM 2025 eSIM options (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 |
📶 Coverage Insights from Hanoi Airport
All three major networks—Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone—have strong coverage in Hanoi. According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, Viettel covers 95% of Vietnam’s population. Travelers who bought SIMs at Noi Bai Airport in 2025 reported average download speeds of:
- Viettel: 70–80 Mbps in central Hanoi, 25 Mbps at Ba Vi.
- MobiFone: 65 Mbps downtown, 20 Mbps in suburban areas.
- VinaPhone: 72 Mbps near Hoan Kiem Lake, 18 Mbps further out.
💡 Practical Tips for SIM at Noi Bai
- Bring your passport—Vietnam requires ID registration for all SIMs.
- Check if kiosks accept card payments. Many prefer cash (VND).
- If you need OTP (Grab, Zalo, banking), choose an eSIM with phone number.
- Buy a SIM in the city if you arrive during daytime; prices are better and staff often speak English.
- Consider ordering online to guarantee availability, especially during Tet or peak travel season.
🧳 Comparing Airport vs City Purchase
Buying at the airport is fast but not always the most economical. A quick comparison:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM | Instant activation, data on arrival | Higher price, limited English support, not always 24/7 |
| City Store SIM | Lower price, official registration, better support | Requires travel into city first |
| Online eSIM | Buy before flight, activate instantly, reliable support | Requires compatible device |
✅ Conclusion
Buying a SIM at Hanoi Airport is convenient, but slightly more expensive than downtown. If you value time over savings, kiosks at Terminal 2 will get you online within minutes. However, if you want the best balance of cost and convenience, ordering an eSIM before you fly is the smartest choice.
Skip the queues at Noi Bai and enjoy instant activation—order your Vietnam eSIM with GoVnSIM today. Delivery is instant via email, with full support on WhatsApp +84 98 307 49 15.