Vietnam internet and mobile communication
All modern travelers are used to stay in touch with their relatives anywhere in the world. Vietnam is a country where you are not going to have any troubles with it. Not only calls and mobile Internet will delight you with their price, free Wi-Fi will allow you to always be in touch everywhere.
Internet in Vietnam
First of all, it is worth noting that free Wi-Fi is available in all hotels, cafes and restaurants. You might be surprised, but even in the most inconspicuous eateries there is a decent Internet connection, and you will get a password, for sure. However, the speed can be slow (the standard is ADSL with 3,5 megabits for download and 512 kilobits for upload, and this traffic is divided for all those who are currently connected, high–speed connection is only available in some hotels). Therefore, if, during your vacation, you resolve your working issues, and your activities are associated with the transfer of large amounts of information, you might face some problems (but your insurance from a slow Wi-Fi is a quite quick 4g from local operators).
If you do not bring a laptop or mobile device, the hotels at the reception often have computers for visitors. In Vietnam, there are also computer clubs, though now mainly gamers visit them.
Mobile communications in Vietnam
As for mobile communications, you can use the services of your operator in roaming, but first, learn their terms and conditions. But still, if you are going to call often, it is better to buy a local SIM card. Mobile communications within the country are not expensive and even if you need to call home, with a local SIM card it doesn’t cost transcendental money.
The most popular operators in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone и Mobifone. The price of calls and SMS of these operators is not too different, as well as the quality of service. In order to clarify information about tariffs, it is better to consult with the seller or visit the official website of the operator in advance.
| Vinaphone | vinaphone.com.vn |
| Mobifone | mobifone.vn |
| Viettel | vietteltelecom.vn |
You can buy a SIM card almost anywhere: right at the airport, in convenience stores, in travel agencies and, of course, in mobile phone shops. You don’t need any documents to get a SIM card here. When you buy a SIM card, you get a certain amount at your account. To top up your balance, buy a special payment card, erase the protective cover and enter the code (these cards are sold in almost every store and travel agency, the most important thing to know is who’s your operator).
It is very convenient that if you buy a SIM card in one of the Vietnamese cities, you can safely travel with it around Vietnam, there is no such thing as roaming within the country. Thus, you own one number for the entire trip and do not overpay for calls and SMS.
If you need 4G, check whether this service is connected. In order to connect 4g with a Vittel SIM card, you need to enter a specific command, so you’d better ask for this code in advance. Mobifon SIM cards are usually sold with a pre-connected 4g service.
Post services in Vietnam
And we’re adding a few words about post services for the romantics who prefer to write paper letters or send postcards to loved ones from their trips. In any post office you can get postcards with local colorful views, buy envelopes, paste stamps and send them anywhere in the world. The letters and cards get to the destination, we’ve checked. However, it takes about a month for a message to reach the addressee. Post is called bưu điện in Vietnamese.
We wish you to always stay in touch with your family, even when you travel the world!
