ron67
backpacker
Posts: 13

#1 Posted: 23/2/2008 - 06:33


What is the best and cheapest way for using a mobile phone in Vietnam ? I am with Optus in Australia, they have told me the cost is very expensive to use International Roaming. What does everybody do? Can anybody help?

CatBa
adventurer
Posts: 349

#2 Posted: 23/2/2008 - 07:55


Roaming has been the mobile industries cash cow for years.

Here in VietNam the networks with the most extensive coverage are VinaFone and MobiFone which BOTH use GSM LOW-BAND (as in Australia).

Actually MobiFone is owned by VinaFone and share many cell base stations but of the two VinaFone has the most extensive coverage.

There is also much smaller CDMA coverage by another growing network - owned by the military - but essentially cover the major cities only.

To purchase a SIMM I recommend that you go to the main VinaFone store in your city of entry - take your passport/visa - as they give you a large selection of numbers available.

The passport/visa is required for security as hand phones have been used to detonate bombs.

There are regular sales: at the moment VinaFone is offering 60% discounts if you buy VND$300,000 prepaid credit.

When you travel here resist the temptation to use your phone - I find that my hand phone gets teaser messages in HongKong, China and Thailand - as they just are waiting for you to accept roaming!

< www.vinaphone.com.vn/locale.do?language=en >, < www.mobiphone.com.vn/web/en/ >, < www.viettel.com.vn/english/ >.

manooe
motodop
Posts: 27

#3 Posted: 23/2/2008 - 09:58


Once you are in Vietnam, buy a new Sim Card at around 10$.
I recommend: Viettel network. They are the cheapest one and their quality is acceptable.