Can you reactivate a Vietnam SIM card after a few months of inactivity in Nha Trang?

From messages by 3 participants in 3 sources · Last activity: 55 days ago

TL;DR

Travelers report that it depends on the carrier and the line status: some numbers still worked for calls, but a SIM left empty and unused for several months may already be lost. In practice, people usually check reactivation options with Viettel or MobiFone after arrival.

What the community said

Restrictions can vary by home carrier: in April, MTS blocked mobile internet for a full day while using the number in Vietnam, whereas Megafon worked fine without issues.

MTS

If a MobiFone SIM has been unused since March and had no balance, there is a real chance the number has already been deactivated. For travelers arriving in Nha Trang, the practical takeaway is to verify it with the carrier first instead of assuming it will come back automatically.

MobiFone

The discussion suggests that with Viettel, travelers often specifically check whether they can keep the number and add an unlimited package. That implies reactivation usually depends on the status of the individual SIM rather than a universal rule.

Viettel

Problems may be caused not only by the SIM itself but also by carrier restrictions: one traveler reported that in June they could both make and receive calls using Megafon. So if the number does not work, it is worth checking possible restrictions on your home carrier side as well, not only the Vietnam SIM.

Megafon