By aussiematesvietnam 
Staying Connected in Vietnam: What Every Aussie Traveller Needs to Know
G’day, fellow adventurers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where I’ve called home for nearly two decades now. After living in Vietnam with my wife Tracy since the early 2000s, we’ve witnessed the country’s telecommunications infrastructure transform from practically non-existent to surprisingly robust. If you’re planning to visit this incredible country, staying connected is probably high on your priority list – whether it’s to share those jaw-dropping Halong Bay photos with the grandkids or simply navigate the maze-like streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
When Tracy and I first arrived here, making an international call meant queuing at a post office and paying through the nose. Today, I’m video-chatting with our kids back in Brisbane while sipping ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) on a street corner. Times have changed, and I’m here to help you navigate Vietnam’s mobile and internet landscape like a local.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-street-cafe]
Mobile SIM Cards: Your First Port of Call
Landing at Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai airport, you’ll immediately spot counters selling SIM cards. But hold your horses – while convenient, these airport vendors often charge premium prices. Unless you’re desperate to post that “Just landed in Vietnam!” selfie, consider these options instead:
- Major providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone dominate the market and offer reliable coverage countrywide. Personally, Tracy and I have used Viettel for years due to its superior coverage in rural areas – crucial for those off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Tourist SIMs: These typically offer generous data packages (30-60GB) and some international calling credit for around 200,000-300,000 VND (roughly $12-18 AUD). They’re valid for 30 days – perfect for most holiday timeframes.
- Where to buy: Any mobile shop in town centres will sell them, and the process takes about 5 minutes. Bring your passport as registration is required.
A quick story: Last year, our mates from Perth visited and bought SIMs at the airport for 350,000 VND each. The next day in the Old Quarter, we spotted identical packages for 200,000 VND. Let’s just say they weren’t too pleased with me for not warning them! Learn from their mistake, folks.
Data Packages and Coverage
Vietnam’s mobile data is remarkably affordable by Australian standards. For around 100,000 VND (about $6 AUD), you can get 10GB of data valid for a month. If you’re a heavy user like Tracy (who can’t seem to stop posting food pictures on Instagram), you might want to opt for larger packages.
Coverage is excellent in cities and tourist destinations. Even when trekking through Sapa’s rice terraces or cruising down the Mekong Delta, I’ve rarely lost signal completely. That said, expect occasional slowdowns in very remote areas or during stormy weather.
[IMAGE:mobile-phone-vietnam]
Using Your Australian Phone
Before packing your faithful iPhone or Samsung, check a couple of things:
- Is your phone unlocked? If you’re still on a contract or haven’t specifically requested unlocking, your phone might reject Vietnamese SIM cards. Call your Aussie provider before flying out.
- International roaming: While convenient, this option can cost an arm and a leg. Telstra’s international day pass is around $10 per day – fine for a weekend trip but adds up quickly for longer stays.
- Dual SIM capability: Many newer phones allow you to keep your Australian SIM active (for receiving texts) while using a Vietnamese SIM for data. Tracy found this particularly handy for receiving bank verification codes.
Wi-Fi: Where, How Fast, and How Secure
After nearly 20 years here, I’m still amazed by the ubiquity of Wi-Fi in Vietnam. From five-star resorts to humble roadside phở stalls, free Wi-Fi is practically everywhere. The typical exchange goes like this: “Wi-Fi password?” – “một hai ba bốn” (one two three four). Yes, security isn’t always a priority here!
In terms of speed, Vietnam actually ranks reasonably well globally for internet connectivity. Expect 25-50 Mbps in urban hotels and Airbnbs – more than enough for video calls back home or streaming your favourite AFL matches (though you might need a VPN for that, which I’ll cover shortly).
However, Tracy and I strongly recommend using a VPN when connecting to public networks. Not just for security, but also to access geo-restricted content like your Australian banking websites or streaming services.
VPNs: Essential or Optional?
Vietnam isn’t China – Facebook, Google, and most Western sites work perfectly fine without a VPN. However, we consider a VPN essential for three reasons:
- Security on public Wi-Fi networks
- Accessing Australian content (banking, streaming services, news sites)
- Occasional government restrictions during sensitive political events
We’ve used ExpressVPN for years without issues, though NordVPN and Surfshark are popular alternatives. Subscribe and set it up before arriving in Vietnam for the smoothest experience.
[IMAGE:vpn-security]
Internet Cafés: Still a Thing?
Yes, but not as you might remember them from the ’90s! Modern Vietnamese internet cafés (quán net) are primarily gaming centres packed with teenagers playing League of Legends. That said, you can still find business centres in hotels or dedicated shops offering computer access and printing services in tourist areas, typically charging around 10,000-20,000 VND (less than $2 AUD) per hour.
Tracy needed to print some documents last month and found a shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that not only printed her papers but helped scan and email them for a very reasonable price. The staff’s helpfulness more than made up for the language barrier!
Emergency Communication Tips
A few practical tips from our years of experience:
- Save important contacts using the international format (+84 for Vietnam, +61 for Australia)
- Download offline Google Maps for your destinations
- Keep a physical copy of important addresses and phone numbers
- Learn to say “My phone is out of battery” in Vietnamese: “Điện thoại của tôi hết pin”
- Emergency number in Vietnam is 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for ambulance
Conclusion: Stay Connected, Stay Smart
Vietnam offers surprisingly excellent connectivity options for Aussie travellers. With a local SIM card, some basic precautions, and the tips above, you’ll be sharing your adventures in real-time without missing a beat of your Vietnamese experience.
Tracy and I have seen countless tourists struggle with unnecessary connectivity issues that could have been easily avoided. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you stay connected without breaking the bank or compromising security.
Have you visited Vietnam before? What was your experience with staying connected? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories and answer any questions you might have about life and travel in this fascinating country.
Until next time, happy travels!
– Aussie Mates
[IMAGE:vietnamese-sunset]