Global roaming and coverage

You should be able to get phone and 3G coverage in most areas of Vietnam using your Australian mobile phone, but keep in mind that if you use your phone more than very occasionally, you’re likely to be stuck with a huge bill when you get home.

Check with your telco for their global roaming prices and to find out what steps you can take to avoid bill shock overseas.

Tip: Switch off data roaming on your phone before you leave Australia. Likewise, switch off your voicemail and ask friends and family to text you rather than calling (you’ll be charged if you answer incoming calls).

Local SIM

Using a Vietnamese pre-paid SIM card will get you local phone and data rates while you’re in the country, and it’s easy to set up as long as your phone is unlocked. Technically, all Vietnamese SIMs should be registered using a passport or ID, but you can buy preregistered SIMs almost anywhere. You can buy SIM, recharge card at kiosks, phone shops and at the airport, choose what kind of SIM you need (look at the amount of credit, the type of credit – phone calls/data, and the expiry date) and ask the shopkeeper to set it up on your phone for you. If you need more credit, buy a recharge card from any shop on streets.

MobiFone, Vinaphone and Viettel are the three main GSM phone companies in Vietnam.

Travel SIM

If you like to be organised before you go, pre-paid travel SIMs are available from some travel agents, travel shops, post offices and online. They’re particularly good if you’re planning on visiting a number of countries and you want to keep the same number. Rates are unlikely to be as cheap as on a local SIM.

Wi-Fi

Plenty of cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi in the cities and tourist areas. Hotspots include KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, Pizza Hut and Gloria Jean’s, as well as local businesses. Wi-Fi will usually be locked, but if you’re a customer just ask staff for the password. Check wificafespots.com for maps showing free Wi-Fi hotspots in Vietnamese towns and cities, or download an app such as wefi (Android or PC) or Wi-Fi Finder (Apple or Android).