SIM card for Vietnam and Cambodia

Hi there, I’m heading to Vietnam for 10 days, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and then spending 5 days in Cambodia (Siem Reap). Which SIM card or operator would you recommend? Thanks for your help!

Hi, For Cambodia, there are three operators: Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart, which work well everywhere in the country except in the most remote areas far from a cell tower. You can buy a SIM card at the operators' stores for around 1.50 € and top up data every 6-7 days (1 €) or get a package for 6 €-10 that includes the SIM and more or less data for a month. Make sure to bring your passport. You can also buy your SIM at the airport—I don’t know the prices, but it’ll probably cost a bit more.

hi, thanks for your reply. is it the same for Vietnam? Thanks

For Vietnam, I couldn’t tell you! 😕

Same here, super easy for Vietnam. Either you get it when you arrive at the airport (you'll see the stands, no need to look for them), or check directly with your hotel when you arrive—they’ll go get it for you, and it won’t be more expensive (well, unless you’re staying at a luxury hotel, they might charge extra for everything). I got the $10 version to be safe, and you’ll have *plenty* of data (unless you’re staying for months, that is😛).

🙂 thanks

hi, for SIM cards, they’re a bit stricter now—passport required at official stores. Otherwise, in smaller shops farther out, they might ask for a Cambodian ID card. For data, with $6, you’re good to go. When you buy, have them set it up so it works, and **make sure** your internet is actually working—sometimes an extra step is needed to switch your purchase over to data. I’m mainly saying this for the smaller shops; the main ones do it without any issues.

In Vietnam, it's best to use a Viettel SIM card. I’ve tried several providers, like Vinaphone and Viettel, and it seems Viettel is the most widespread and reliable across the country. Locals told me Viettel is owned by the Vietnamese military, which might explain the good network quality.