📍 Why Travelers Need a Local SIM in Hanoi

Hanoi is one of Asia’s most vibrant capitals, but navigating the Old Quarter, booking Grab, or staying in touch requires reliable connectivity. International roaming is usually expensive—some visitors report paying $5–10 per MB when using their home SIM. A local SIM card or eSIM gives you unlimited calling features (if needed), affordable daily data, and wide coverage across the city.

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed more than 12.6 million international visitors, according to VNAT (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism). The majority of them relied on a local SIM or eSIM instead of roaming, as data packages start from only $8.50 for a 10-day plan.

🏙️ Where to Buy SIM in Hanoi City Center

If you want the best price, head into the city instead of buying directly at the airport. Options include:

• Official Carrier Stores: Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone branches are located across districts like Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, and Tay Ho. These shops provide official registration, transparent rates, and reliable customer support.
• Electronics & Mobile Shops: Retailers like The Gioi Di Dong or FPT Shop also sell SIM cards. Staff can help with setup, but sometimes only speak Vietnamese.
• Hotels & Travel Agencies: Some boutique hotels in the Old Quarter sell SIMs, usually with a markup of $1–2 compared to carrier stores.

👉 For the full breakdown of city vs airport vs online options, see the Hanoi SIM Card Guide .

✈️ Buying SIM at Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main gateway to Hanoi. After landing, you will find telecom kiosks at the arrival halls of both T1 (domestic) and T2 (international). These counters usually sell pre-activated SIM cards with 7, 15, or 30-day validity. Prices are slightly higher than in the city, with tourists often paying around $2–3 more per package for the convenience of instant setup.

Pro tip: if your arrival is late at night, not all counters are open. Travelers arriving after midnight reported having to wait until 6:00 AM for kiosks to open. In such cases, pre-ordering an eSIM is the safer choice.

📲 eSIM Alternatives – Buy Before You Travel

For many digital nomads and short-term tourists, an eSIM is the easiest option. You can order online, receive a QR code by email, and activate it the moment your flight lands in Hanoi. Unlike physical SIM cards, no store visit or waiting in line is required.

Here are updated eSIM options in 2025 (from GoVnSIM):

📶 Coverage in Hanoi

All three major providers—Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone—offer strong 4G coverage in Hanoi. According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, Viettel leads with nationwide coverage of 95% of Vietnam’s population. In central districts like Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, and Tay Ho, 5G is already available for both Viettel and VinaPhone users.

Case study: A traveler from Australia tested a 20-day MobiFone plan (4GB/day) in May 2025. Speed tests in Hanoi averaged 75 Mbps download and 22 Mbps upload, which was sufficient for streaming and remote work. However, when visiting rural Ba Vi, speeds dropped to around 15 Mbps, which is expected outside major cities.

💡 Tips for Buying SIM in Hanoi

• Always carry your passport – registration is required by law for SIM purchases.
• If you need to receive banking or Grab OTP codes, choose an eSIM with a local number (MobiFone or VinaPhone options).
• For rural travel to Sapa, Ha Giang, or Ninh Binh, Viettel offers the best overall coverage.
• Check your device supports eSIM before purchasing online. Most iPhone models from XS and later are compatible.
• Enable hotspot if you need to share data with travel companions. All GoVnSIM eSIMs support tethering.

📊 Hanoi vs Other Destinations

Compared to Bangkok or Singapore, Hanoi SIM prices are highly competitive. In Bangkok, a 15-day tourist SIM with 4GB/day typically costs $18–20, while in Hanoi, the same data can be purchased for $12.50. In Singapore, 100GB/28-day packages cost $25–30, nearly double Vietnam’s rates. This makes Vietnam one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations for mobile connectivity.

✅ Conclusion

Buying a SIM in Hanoi is straightforward, whether you choose an airport kiosk, a city store, or the convenience of an eSIM. For short visits, MobiFone 10-day eSIM with phone number ($8.50) is ideal. For longer stays or heavy data users, Viettel’s 5GB/day package (15–30 days, $14.90–$19.90) offers excellent value.

Skip the lines at Noi Bai Airport—order your Vietnam eSIM from GoVnSIM today. Instant delivery via email, full coverage across Hanoi, and support on WhatsApp +84 98 307 49 15.