Connectivity

Facebook Messenger and Zalo are the primary communication platforms in Vietnam. Many businesses, landlords, and service providers communicate exclusively via these apps.

Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) is the national power utility. Online bill payment via EVN app. Foreign tenants in long-term rentals typically pay electricity separately at ~2,500-3,000 VND/kWh.

Vietnam uses 220V/50Hz power. Sockets accept two-round-pin plugs (European standard). Power cuts can occur, especially during storms. Surge protection is advisable for laptops.

International eSIM providers (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) offer Vietnam data eSIMs. Local carriers Viettel and Vinaphone also offer tourist eSIMs purchasable online before arrival.

Vietnam has three major GSM networks: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. All have good 4G/LTE coverage in Da Nang and Hoi An. 5G is being rolled out in urban areas.

Prepaid SIM cards can be bought at Da Nang International Airport or mobile shops. Passport must be shown for registration. Tourist SIM packages with data start at ~100,000-200,000 VND.

Free WiFi is available in most cafes, restaurants, hotels, and coworking spaces in Da Nang and Hoi An. Speed varies (20-100 Mbps typical in cafes, higher in coworking).

If you're working remotely, Da Nang has a solid coworking scene. Enouvo Space (two locations, An Thuong area), DNC Coworking, and Hana Coworking all offer reliable fiber at 50–200 Mbps. Day passes run 100,000–150,000 VND. Most cafés in An Thuong also have decent Wi-Fi and power outlets — you won't need a coworking space to get things done, but if you need a quiet, AC'd desk with no coffee pressure, the spaces are worth the small fee. Hoi An's coworking scene is thinner: The Deck Hoi An (Cam Chau, riverside, ~150,000 VND/day) and Hoi An Hub (Cam Chau area) are the main options. For co-working from a café in Hoi An, the northeast side of Old Town or spots along Cua Dai Road tend to have better Wi-Fi. The old town core itself often gets crowded in the afternoon. Worth knowing: if you're applying for a digital nomad visa or need to demonstrate you have a workspace, formal coworking spaces can provide a letter. Useful for visa applications.