SIM Card, Apps, and Communication in Phú Quốc
Getting a SIM Card
SIM cards are easy to buy at Phú Quốc International Airport, ferry ports, official telecom shops (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone), or convenience stores. Registration with a passport is required by law, so buying from official outlets is recommended.
Carriers:
Viettel generally has the widest coverage across the island.
Vinaphone works well in towns and resorts.
Mobifone is decent in urban areas.
4G LTE is standard everywhere, and 5G is available in Dương Đông, An Thới, and major resort areas. Free Wi-Fi is also widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants, making it easy to stay connected without relying solely on mobile data.
Language & Communication Apps
The main language spoken in Phú Quốc is Vietnamese, but English is commonly used in tourist areas, and you will also hear Chinese, Russian, and Korean.
Apps to use:
Google Translate: Essential for translating menus, signs, and simple conversations.
Zalo: The most popular Vietnamese messaging app, widely used by locals.
WhatsApp & Messenger: Common for international travelers and expats, useful for contacting hotels and tour operators.
Social Media Apps
Many businesses and service providers in Phú Quốc use social platforms as their main contact channels:
Facebook Page: Most hotels, restaurants, and tour companies respond quickly through their pages.
Instagram: Popular for cafés, resorts, and activity operators, often with updated photos and promotions.
TikTok: Growing as a platform for discovering local experiences and trending spots.
Beware of scam or fake accounts, especially when booking directly—safest is to book through established OTAs (Booking.com, AirBnB, GetYourGuide, etc.).
Transport Apps
Popular apps used by locals:
Grab: The most reliable app for booking taxis and motorbike rides on the island.
Xanh SM: Electric taxi service expanding across Việt Nam, now available in Phú Quốc.
VinBus: Tracks the free VinBus electric buses in real time, useful for planning routes between the airport, Dương Đông, and major resort clusters.
Navigation
Useful for navigation as well as finding details about spots across the island:
Google Maps: Reliable for most of Phú Quốc, including resorts, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Offline maps are advisable for remote beaches or hiking trails.
Accommodation & Activities
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are the most reliable way to secure your bookings:
Agoda, Traveloka, Booking.com, Airbnb: Useful for comparing and booking hotels, homestays, or villas.
Klook, GetYourGuide: Convenient for booking activities like snorkeling tours, cable car tickets, or theme park passes.
Food & Shipping
Too tired to go out or want something delivered straight to you?
Grab: Food delivery works in main towns and resort areas.
Bship: Local delivery service for smaller shops and personal orders.
Weather
Accurate and easy to use for tracking rain, wind, waves, etc.
Windy.com: Real-time weather and wind maps, helpful for planning boat trips, diving, or beach days.