Noi Bai Hanoi Airport SIM Card – Where to buy and What to get

  • You are entering Vietnam via Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and looking to buy a SIM card at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport?, OR
  • You have landed at Noi Bai Airport and have no SIM Card yet, and want to buy one for your trip?

Then this article is for you, as it will tell you:

  • If you can buy a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport Hanoi
  • How much you need to pay for it,
  • Where you can buy it, and
  • What you need to prepare to buy a SIM card there.

But before you go into details, let’s look at a great alternative to SIM cards preferred by a lot of travelers to Vietnam these days – Vietnam eSIM.

This type of eSIM is opted for by millions of travelers to Vietnam nowadays thanks to its conveniences, including:

The single disadvantage of eSIM is that it works on esim-compatible devices only.

In case your phone does not support eSIM, follow our guide below to buy a prepaid Vietnam SIM card at Noi Bai airport.

1. Can I buy SIM card at Hanoi Airport?

Yes, absolutely! Hanoi Noi Bai Airport offers multiple options for purchasing SIM cards from various mobile operators, including Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone, Vietnamobile, and certain MNVOs. As a tourist, you’ll easily find SIM cards readily available to cater to your specific needs.

2. Should I buy a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Hanoi Airport?

Buying a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Hanoi Airport can be a convenient option for several reasons:

  • Immediate Connectivity: Upon arrival, having a SIM card allows you to stay connected instantly, whether it’s for navigation, communication, or accessing the internet for travel information.
  • Convenience: The airport offers various options from different operators, making it easy to compare prices and data plans all in one place.
  • Tourist-Friendly Packages: Many SIM cards at the airport are tailored for tourists, offering specific data, call, and text allowances suitable for travelers exploring the country.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

  • Possibility of Cheaper Alternatives: While the airport provides convenience, prices might be slightly higher compared to buying SIM cards from local stores outside the airport.
  • Limited Plan Options: While there are multiple operators, the range of available plans might be more limited compared to what you could find in city stores.

So, if you land at Hanoi airport and want to stay connected right away, buy the SIM card there. But if you can wait until you reach the city center, buying one at the city center might be a great cost-saving option.

See Buy SIM card in Hanoi

3. How much is a SIM card at Hanoi Airport?

A prepaid Vietnam SIM card package should cost between VND 125,000-375,000 (US $5-$15) depending on the mobile operator, the length of your stay in Vietnam, and the amount of mobile data you need.

You can see the following table for reference:

OperatorSIM Card TypePrice (approx.)Data AllowanceValidity
ViettelTourist SIM$9-155-15GB30 days
VinaphoneTourist SIM$6.5-124-12GB30 days
MobifoneTourist SIM$5-113-10GB30 days
OthersVarious offersVariesVariesVaries
Hanoi Airport SIM card prices (for reference)

Note: Prices and data allowances may vary, and these are approximate costs.

Most of the kiosks in the airport accept credit card payments for Vietnam SIM cards, so you don’t need to visit an ATM first.

4. Where to buy a Vietnam SIM card at Hanoi Airport

You can see the Noi Bai map which shows the locations of SIM Card shops at Noi Bai airport.

Hanoi Airport Sim Card Map - Gigago

So, the map shows that the Noi Bai SIM Card shops are located on both sides of the arrival hall and can be easily reached after you complete your Vietnam immigration procedure. They have clear signs with their names visible in big letters. This is what the MobiFone sim card store looks like.

Sim Card shops at Hanoi Airport - Gigago

Good to know when buying a SIM Card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport Hanoi:

  • Purchasing from Noi Bai Aiport SIM Card stores is convenient and time-saving. However, the prices and packages fluctuate and change from store to store.
  • SIM card store hours: the mobile shops at the airport operate from 8 am to 0 pm daily, so you cannot get the SIM if you are landing beyond this time.
  • You will need to show your passport for a subscription.
  • The staff speaks English very well, so ask them to help you register, insert the SIM card, and do the necessary settings until you can use the eSIM without a problem.

5. What to prepare/procedure for buying a SIM card for Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport

To buy a SIM card at Hanoi Airport, you are required to have the following items:

  • Passport: Identification is required for registration
  • Cash/credit card: to make payment for the SIM cost
  • Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a different SIM card.

And here is the process to buy and use a Hanoi Airport SIM card:

  • Select the most suitable SIM plan for your trip
  • Make payment
  • Show your passport for registration
  • Remove your primary SIM (if your phone has only 1 SIM slot)
  • Insert your new Vietnam SIM for use.

6. FAQs about Hanoi Aiport SIM card for Vietnam

Can I buy a SIM card at Noi Bai International Airport?

Yes, kiosks are available for immediate purchase and setup.

What identification is required for purchasing a SIM card for Vietnam at Hanoi Airport?

A valid passport is needed for the registration process.

7. Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Hanoi Airport Sim Card

Buying a Vietnam SIM card at Hanoi Airport is considered a great option for those landing there without a way to stay connected.

If you prefer eSIM, GIGAGO offers great plans from local operators. Based in Vietnam, GIGAGO has worked closely with the local operators to develop the best-fitted eSIM plans for travelers to Vietnam.

► Check out GIGAGO Vietnam eSIM options