You’re finally traveling to Vietnam and can’t wait to explore this beautiful country. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the beaches of Da Nang, staying connected is key to navigating, booking rides, translating signs, and sharing your journey in real time. Whether you’re checking maps, messaging friends, or uploading photos, having reliable mobile internet in Vietnam isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. In this guide, we’ll talk about using Pocket WiFi in Vietnam so you can decide if it’s the best option for you. We’ll also cover other ways to stay connected during your trip.
What is a Pocket WiFi?
Over the past few years, mobile hotspots—also known as Pocket WiFi devices—have become increasingly popular among travelers. These portable gadgets connect to local cellular networks and then create a personal WiFi signal that you can use to access the internet on the go. It’s similar to connecting to WiFi at home or in a café, but the signal is coming from your own private device. Multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, can connect to a single Pocket WiFi, making it a convenient option for solo travelers or groups. Whether you’re navigating a new city, uploading photos, or checking travel plans, a Pocket WiFi allows you to stay connected securely and reliably while traveling—without relying on public networks or expensive roaming fees.
Where can I get a Pocket WiFi in Vietnam?
You can rent a Pocket WiFi at major airports and online in Vietnam. Here’s a breakdown of where you can pick one up:
Airports in Vietnam with Pocket WiFi Rental
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Some rental companies (e.g. WiFi4Asia, Y54U) offer airport pickup for devices ordered online in advance.
Look for travel service counters or SIM card kiosks near the arrivals area.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City): Airport counters
When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will find counters for major telecom providers such as Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. The counters are typically located in the arrivals hall of both the international and domestic terminals. Since these services are based in Vietnam, they are often cheaper than the ones you book online in advance. They are also a good option if you’ve left your travel planning for the last minute.
Popular location for Pocket WiFi pickups.
- Rental booths are usually located in the international arrivals hall.
- Pre-booking is recommended, but some vendors offer walk-in rentals.
Da Nang International Airport
Smaller, but still supports Pocket WiFi pickups from vendors like Mobifone and Smile WiFi.
Devices can be picked up from kiosks or delivered to your hotel if airport service is unavailable.
Finally, don’t forget—if you’re currently traveling and find that carrying a Pocket WiFi works best for you, you might want to consider purchasing one. There are plenty of options available, from budget-friendly models to more premium devices, depending on your needs.
1. WiFi4Asia
- Service: Offers 4G Pocket WiFi rental with unlimited data.
- Pick-up Options: Delivery to your hotel or airport pickup.
- Pricing: Starts at $4/day.
- Return: Device can be collected from your hotel or dropped off at the reception.
- Website: wifi4asia.com
2. Y54U
- Service: Provides 4G Pocket WiFi with unlimited data.
- Pick-up Options: Delivery to your address in Vietnam, including airports.
- Pricing: Starts at $6/day.
- Return: Return via self-addressed envelope or drop-off at your hotel.
- Website: y54u.com
3. Smile WiFi
- Service: Offers 4G LTE Pocket WiFi with unlimited data.
- Pick-up Options: Delivery to your address or airport pickup.
- Pricing: Approximately 130 Baht/day (around $4).
- Return: Return via mail or drop-off at your hotel.
- Website:www.smilewifi.com/
4. Mobifone
- Service: Provides 4G Pocket WiFi with unlimited data.
- Pick-up Options: Available at Da Nang Airport or delivery to your hotel.
- Pricing: Starts at $3.45/day.
- Return: Return at the airport or hotel.
Pros and Cons of a Pocket WiFi in Vietnam
Using a Pocket WiFi in Vietnam offers several advantages. It provides a stable internet connection in most urban and tourist areas, allowing you to easily navigate, book services, and stay connected. One major benefit is the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, which is ideal for groups or travelers using more than one device, such as phones, tablets, or laptops. It also helps you avoid expensive international roaming charges and eliminates the need to swap SIM cards. Especially useful if your phone is locked or doesn’t support local SIMs or eSIMs. Pocket WiFi devices also provide a safer, private connection compared to public WiFi, which is important if you’re doing online banking or remote work while abroad.
Despite the benefits, there are a few drawbacks to using Pocket WiFi. Battery life is limited, typically lasting 6 to 10 hours, so carrying a power bank may be necessary for long days out. It also means managing and charging an extra device during your trip. Renting one can involve some hassle, including advance booking, arranging pickup and return, and possibly leaving a deposit. Connection speeds may slow down if too many users are connected at once. Additionally, coverage might not be as strong in remote or rural areas compared to local SIM cards. Lastly, if you’re traveling for an extended period, the daily rental cost can add up and may end up being more expensive than buying a local SIM or using an eSIM.
Alternatives to Pocket WiFi in Vietnam
While Pocket WiFi is a convenient option for many travelers, it’s not the only way to stay connected in Vietnam. Depending on your needs, other options may be more cost-effective or easier to manage. Local physical SIM cards are widely available and can be purchased at the airport or in mobile stores across major cities. Providers like Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone offer affordable data packages with good nationwide coverage. However, these require an unlocked phone and some basic setup, such as registering your passport details.
eSIM for Vietnam: The Best Alternative — Featuring SimSolo
For modern travelers looking for a hassle-free solution, eSIMs are quickly becoming the best alternative to Pocket WiFi in Vietnam. With an eSIM, you can download a mobile data plan directly to your phone—no need to visit a store, swap out SIM cards, or carry extra devices. eSIMs offer excellent speed, convenience, and flexibility, especially if your smartphone supports it (most recent iPhones, Google Pixel, and some Samsung models do).
Among the available providers, SimSolo stands out as one of the most reliable and traveler-friendly eSIM options for Vietnam. It offers instant activation, affordable data plans tailored to short-term visitors, and dependable 4G coverage throughout the country. You can install it before departure or right after landing, and it eliminates the stress of tracking down SIM kiosks or returning rented equipment. For most travelers, SimSolo combines the best of all worlds: fast setup, strong local connectivity, and zero hardware to carry.
| Feature | Pocket WiFi | Local SIM Card | eSIM (SimSolo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Required | Pick up & return device | Buy SIM, show passport, insert manually | Download via QR code, activate instantly |
| Device Required | Yes (extra device to carry & charge) | No | No |
| Phone Compatibility | Any WiFi-enabled device | Unlocked phones only | eSIM-compatible phones only |
| Multiple Devices | Yes (connect multiple devices) | No (only one device per SIM) | No (one device per eSIM) |
| Internet Speed | 4G/LTE (depends on network) | 4G/LTE | 4G/LTE (powered by top Vietnamese carriers) |
| Battery Dependent | Yes (needs recharging) | No | No |
| Cost (approx.) | $4–7/day | $3–5 for a local data SIM (one-time) | Starts around $5 for short-term plans |
| Availability | Pre-order or airport pickup | Airport kiosks, mobile stores | Online (anytime, anywhere) |
| Best For | Groups or those with many devices | Budget travelers with unlocked phones | Solo travelers wanting convenience & speed |
Final Word on Pocket WiFi in Vietnam
Pocket WiFi can be a practical and reliable way to stay connected while traveling in Vietnam—especially if you’re traveling in a group or need to connect multiple devices at once. It offers stable internet speeds, broad coverage in urban areas, and helps avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards. However, it’s not without drawbacks: you’ll need to carry and charge an extra device, manage pickups and returns, and daily rental fees can add up over time. For travelers who prioritize convenience, simplicity, and minimal gear, newer alternatives like eSIMs—particularly SimSolo—often offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution. Still, if you’re not using an eSIM-compatible phone or prefer to share a connection, Pocket WiFi remains a strong option worth considering for your trip to Vietnam.
