Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Vietnam — Foreigner Guide 2026

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Vietnam allows you to switch carriers (e.g., from Viettel to Mobifone) while keeping the same phone number. Officially launched in 2018, MNP is now a routine procedure with predictable timelines and modest fees.

1. Why MNP matters

• Keep your established business number when switching carriers
• Switch to better coverage in your new home/office area
• Get better data plans without losing your contact identity
• Maintain bank account / app linkages tied to your number

2. Eligibility

• SIM must be registered with national ID (or passport for foreigners)
• SIM must be active for at least 90 days at current carrier
• No outstanding bills (for postpaid plans)
• Not under contractual lock-in (rare for prepaid)

3. Step-by-step process

Step 1: Visit the new carrier's store

Important: visit the carrier you want to switch to, not the current one. For example, switching from Viettel to Mobifone — visit a Mobifone store.

Bring:

• Passport + valid visa (foreigners) OR Vietnamese ID
• Existing SIM
• VND 60,000 (~$2.40) MNP fee
• Additional ~VND 25,000 for new SIM card

Step 2: Complete paperwork

• Staff verifies your ID matches the SIM registration
• Choose your new plan with the new carrier
• Sign the MNP transfer agreement
• Receive a new blank SIM (your number will be ported to it within 24-72 hours)

Step 3: Wait for processing (24-72 hours)

During this period:

• Old SIM continues to work normally
• You receive SMS notifications from both carriers
• Final SMS from old carrier: "Your SIM has been transferred to [new carrier]"

Step 4: Activate new SIM

Once old SIM stops working:

1. Insert new SIM into your phone
2. Restart the phone
3. Verify by dialing *101# (balance check)
4. Test outgoing call to confirm activation

4. Costs breakdown

5. Important caveats

• Account balance is lost — top up balance is forfeited during the switch. Use it up first.
• Existing plan is canceled — register a new plan with the new carrier at Step 2.
• App accounts (banks, social media) remain linked — only the carrier changes, not the number.
• You can switch back after 90 days — same process, same fees.

6. Comparing carriers (2026)

7. Common scenarios for foreigners

Moving from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Consider switching from Vinaphone (strong in Hanoi) to Mobifone (strong in HCMC) while keeping your number.

Frequent rural travel for business

Switch to Viettel — superior rural and mountain coverage.

Returning to Vietnam after years abroad

If your old SIM was deactivated for inactivity (240+ days), the number is lost. MNP doesn't apply — you'd need to buy/recover the number first.

FAQ

Can foreigners use MNP?

Yes, with valid passport + visa. Some carrier representatives may have limited English — consider going with a Vietnamese-speaking colleague or using Sim Tài Lộc's bilingual concierge service.

How long does MNP take in practice?

Typical: 24-72 hours. In our experience, ~85% of cases complete within 48 hours. Edge cases (paperwork issues, system errors) can extend to 5-7 days.

Will I be charged international roaming during the switch?

No. The number stays domestic Vietnam throughout. If you're abroad during the switch, your phone will work on either old or new SIM (whichever is active) for incoming calls.

Can I keep my premium feng shui SIM through MNP?

Absolutely. The number is yours — only the carrier (network) changes. Many premium SIM owners use MNP to optimize plan costs without sacrificing their valuable number.

Sim Tài Lộc support?

We provide a "white-glove" MNP service for foreigners and busy executives — we handle the paperwork, schedule the carrier visit, and walk you through activation. Service fee: $30 USD on top of carrier fees.

📞 Sim Tài Lộc 1900.0000 — bilingual MNP support for international clients.