Buying a Vietnam SIM Card at Hanoi Airport - Experience elegant Hanoi

You have just landed at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport (HAN)? Before exploring the city, get a Vietnamese SIM card because it’s important for making calls, using the internet, and finding your way around while traveling in Vietnam. This guide makes buying a Vietnam SIM card at Hanoi airport easy.

We will show you where to buy, how much it costs, what to prepare, and better alternatives if any.

I. Should I Buy a Vietnam SIM Card at Noi Bai Airport?

You may wonder if it is worth buying a SIM card at the airport or if you should wait and buy it from a local store in Hanoi, right?

Yes if you need to get instant Internet access right upon arrival at the airport. In fact, buying a SIM card at the airport has advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some noticeable pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

Convenience: The biggest advantage of buying a SIM at Noi Bai airport is convenience. You can get a SIM right after landing, saving time and effort.
No need to search for SIM stores/kiosks: If you are in a hurry and do not want to find a SIM store in the city center, buying a SIM card at the airport is the perfect solution.
Easy activation: The staff at the airport SIM card kiosks can speak English and guide you through the activation process, making it a hassle-free experience.

Cons:

Potentially higher prices: Despite being convenient, SIM card kiosks at the airport may charge a premium. You are likely to pay more for SIM cards compared to buying from a local store.
Limited plan options: Another downside of buying a Vietnam SIM card at the airport, be it Hanoi Noi Bai airport, Tan Son Nhat airport, or Danang airport is that you may have limited plan options to choose from. Local stores usually have a wider range of plans and providers, giving you more flexibility both in terms of data volume and validity.
Long queues: If your flight arrives at peak hours, the airport can get crowded, which means you may have to wait in long queues to get your Vietnam SIM card.
Unsecured connection: Though you can get Free Wifi in any area of the terminal, including both domestic and international terminals, you may need to go through a login page to use the service. Besides, as it is public Wifi, it is risky to access your personal information and you still do not have Internet access after leaving the airport.

Overall, if you prioritize convenience and immediate internet access, buying a Vietnam SIM card at Noi Bai Airport is a suitable choice. However, if you’re on a budget and prefer more variety, you should wait to find alternative local options after settling into your accommodation.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Noi Bai Airport?

You cannot find the stores or kiosks of major Vietnam mobile network operators, such as Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone at Hanoi airport. Instead, there are some freelance vendors who sell SIM cards.

Here’s how you can find them:

Arrival Hall: As soon as you exit the baggage claim area, head towards the Arrival Hall. You will find several kiosks selling SIM cards on both sides of the hall.
Near the Exit Gates: If you don’t spot any kiosks in the Arrival Hall, make your way towards the exit gates. You will most likely find a few kiosks there as well.
Departure Hall: In case you couldn’t find a suitable SIM card at the Arrival Hall, you can also check out the Departure Hall before going through security. However, keep in mind that these kiosks may have limited options or higher prices.

For example, you can find SIM cards at some grocery – souvenir stores in the Floor 3, International Passenger Terminal 2.

It is essential to compare prices and plan options from multiple kiosks before buying. If possible, try to negotiate for a better deal, especially if you plan on staying in Vietnam for an extended period.

III. How Much Does a Vietnam SIM Card Cost at Noi Bai Airport?

The cost of a Vietnam SIM card at Noi Bai Airport can vary depending on the provider and plan you choose (data amount + validity).

To help you have an idea about how much a Vietnam tourist SIM card cost, we gather some information:

For example, for SIM cards of Viettel:

Price range: 70,000 – 135,000 VND
Data volume: 30GB (1GB/day) – 150 GB (5GB/day)
Added feature: data only or TV360 Basic
Validity: 30 days

Keep in mind that these prices are only estimates and can vary based on promotions and offers at the time of purchase.

IV. What to Prepare to Buy a SIM Card at Noi Bai Airport?

To make the process of buying a SIM card at Noi Bai Airport smoother, you need to prepare a few things beforehand, including:

Passport: You will need your passport for identification purposes
Cash: Most kiosks only accept cash payments, so make sure to have enough Vietnamese Dong (VND) on hand.
Unlocked phone: Your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked to use a Vietnam SIM card. If you are not sure, check with your mobile service provider before your trip.
SIM ejector tool: In case you need to insert the SIM card yourself, having a SIM ejector tool can come in handy. (oftentimes, staff in the store can help you do this, but during peak hours, you may do it by yourself)

Buying a SIM card at the airport can be complicated and expensive. Consider a Vietnam travel eSIM instead. It’s priced similarly to a physical SIM but offers greater convenience. The entire process is online, with no personal information required for registration. Just make sure your phone supports eSIM functionality before buying.

V. Is a Vietnam eSIM Available at Noi Bai Airport?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that eliminates the need for a physical card. But unfortunately, you won’t be able to purchase an eSIM at Noi Bai Airport at the moment.

Instead, you can buy eSIM for Vietnam online from eSIM providers around the world. But, for Vietnam travel, it is best to come up with the leading Vietnam eSIM provider named Gigago. Gigago provides travel eSIMs for Vietnam and more than 200 other countries and territories in the world.

Gigago eSIM for Vietnam are varied, starting from $8.90, with the data amount from 7GB, used in days. You can see more plans on this Vietnam eSIM page.

VI. Airport SIM Card or eSIM: What to Choose for Internet in Vietnam?

If you have the option to choose between an airport SIM card and an eSIM for internet access in Vietnam, here are some factors to consider:

Availability: eSIMs are always available online no matter where you are, while airport SIMs are only available when you arrive at the airport.
Cost: eSIMs can be more expensive compared to traditional SIM cards, but the convenience associated is worth it.
Convenience: With eSIMs, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging a physical SIM card, making it a more convenient option for travelers with eSIM-supported phones.
Flexibility: With an eSIM, you can switch between different data plans and providers without having to physically change the SIM card. This can be useful if you plan on traveling to different parts of Vietnam.
Phone compatibility: Not all phones support eSIMs, so make sure your device is compatible before deciding to go for one.

In the end, it depends on your personal preferences and needs. If your phone supports eSIM, give this new technology a try.

VI. Conclusion

Buying a Vietnam SIM card at Noi Bai Airport can be a convenient option for travelers looking for immediate internet access upon arrival. If you’re on a budget and prefer more options, exploring local stores may be a better option. But if you favor convenience, security and quality, eSIM is a worth-trying alternative.

Whichever you choose, staying connected with a Vietnam SIM/eSIM card will ensure you have an enjoyable experience during your time in this beautiful country.