Mobile phones are as widespread in Vietnam as they are globally. However, landline booths can still be found at airports and bus stations, though they only accept prepaid phone cards, not coins. Public phone services are also available in post offices, where call charges are displayed in real-time, and you pay afterward.

Making Calls in Vietnam

  • Local calls are easy and often free, though hotels or certain locations may charge a small fee.
  • Vietnamese phone numbers consist of 9 to 11 digits, including the area code (first 2–4 digits) and the specific phone number.
  • Dialing within Vietnam: Always dial the full number, whether calling locally or long distance.
  • Calling Vietnam from abroad: Dial your international access code +84, then the number without the leading 0.
  • Calling internationally from Vietnam: Dial 00 + country code, then the area code (excluding its first 0), followed by the number.

Country Codes for Major Destinations

  • Australia: +61
  • Canada: +1
  • Ireland: +353
  • New Zealand: +64
  • South Africa: +27
  • UK: +44
  • USA: +1

Mobile Phone Options in Vietnam

Using Your Own Phone

If you bring your mobile phone to Vietnam, the cheapest and easiest option is to buy a local SIM card (or even a basic phone if yours is locked). Due to stricter regulations on unregistered SIM cards, it’s best to purchase one from an official store—major providers have kiosks at international airports.

Best Mobile Providers

  1. Viettel (viettel.com.vn) – Great for travelers visiting Cambodia and Laos, as roaming charges were eliminated in 2017.
  2. Vinaphone (vinaphone.com.vn) – Offers nationwide coverage, including remote areas.
  3. Mobifone (mobifone.vn) – Competitive pricing and English-language support.

At the time of the latest update, a SIM card with 5GB of data costs approximately 100,000 VND. Additional data packages range from 10,000 VND to 500,000 VND, and you can top up at any store displaying your provider’s logo.

Alternative Option: Roaming

If you prefer to stick with your home network, check whether it offers international roaming in Vietnam. However, this can be costly, so many travelers find it cheaper to buy a basic phone locally for around $20 USD and use a Vietnamese SIM.

By choosing the right calling option, you can stay connected easily and affordably during your time in Vietnam!