SIM CARD SCAM WARNING
SCAM WARNING: Fake Viettel SIM Card Booths at Hanoi Airport (HAN)
The Scam:
Do not buy SIM cards from the kiosks at Noi Bai Airport (Arrivals Hall). While they look official, they are unauthorized resellers who sell fake "30-day" plans. I confirmed this with two official Viettel offices in the city center.
Comparison of the Fraud:
Airport Kiosk: 400,000 VND ($16) for only 5GB total over 30 days (No calls).
Real Viettel Store: 180,000 VND ($7) for 5GB PER DAY (renewed daily) + 100 mins local calls.
The Bait & Switch:
I purchased a "30-day" card, but when checking the balance immediately via system code, it showed only 3 days of validity. When confronted, the staff became aggressive and blamed my phone.
Critical Risk:
In Vietnam, tourists are legally limited to one SIM card per passport. If these scammers register a 3-day fake card to your passport, you may be blocked from buying a real, legitimate SIM card for the rest of your trip!
My Advice for New Arrivals:
Skip the Booths: Do not talk to the SIM vendors at the airport.
Use Airport Wi-Fi: Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi.
Book a Ride: Use the Grab App or Xanh SM (taxis) to get to your hotel.
Buy Official: Go to a corporate Viettel Store (Cửa hàng Viettel) in the city center.
Recommended location: Viettel Store Hoàn Kiếm
How to verify your card:
If you already bought one, text KTTK to 191 or download the My Viettel app to see your actual plan and expiry date. If it doesn't match what you paid for, it's a scam.