Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Living thousands of miles away from family and friends can present challenges in communication and maintaining emotional bonds. However, thanks to technological advancements, it is now easier than ever to stay connected with those we hold dear despite the distance.
From Vietnam, discovering all the effective methods for nurturing these precious relationships becomes essential for anyone looking to navigate the modern world without sacrificing emotional closeness. From video conferencing to social media and messaging apps, each tool offers a unique way to keep conversations alive and share experiences despite the oceans that separate us.
Connecting with Loved Ones: The Best Internet Providers in Vietnam
Main Internet Providers in Vietnam
- VNPT: National leader with approximately 54.6% market share. Offers excellent service quality through infrastructure investments. Fiber optic plans from 189,000 VND/month (30 Mbps) to 1,119,000 VND/month (300 Mbps). Three months free with annual payment.
- Viettel: Exceptional coverage, even in rural and mountainous areas. Ideal for remote regions. Also offers a wide range of mobile services. Prices slightly higher than competitors.
- FPT Telecom: Very good customer support and high satisfaction. Plans from 185,000 VND/month (22 Mbps) to 630,000 VND/month (200 Mbps). Customer-oriented approach, responsiveness to technical issues.
- Vinaphone: Known for connection speed and 5G network deployment nationwide. Solid coverage in major cities.
- Mobifone: More economical, covers over 90% of the population, near-complete 4G service in urban areas.
Plan Comparison (Fiber Optic and Mobile)
| Provider | Speed (Mbps) | Monthly Price (VND) | Geographic Coverage | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNPT | 30–300 | 189,000–1,119,000 | National, urban areas | Standard |
| Viettel | 22–300+ | 185,000–1,119,000+ | National, rural areas | Good |
| FPT Telecom | 22–200 | 185,000–630,000 | Major cities | Excellent |
| Vinaphone | Fast 4G/5G | Variable | National, major cities | Standard |
| Mobifone | 4G | Variable | 90% of population | Standard |
Tips for Choosing the Best Provider Based on Your Needs
- Choose Viettel for national coverage, especially outside major cities or when traveling.
- Select FPT Telecom for fast technical support and responsive customer service.
- Opt for VNPT if network stability and performance are priorities, especially for remote work.
- For primarily urban and economical use, Mobifone or Vinaphone may suffice.
- Check the availability of fiber optic or 5G in your area before subscribing.
- Compare eSIM offers for short stays or travelers: Saily, Airalo, Ubigi, Yesim offer flexible and affordable plans.
Options for International Calls and Online Communication
Use messaging and video conferencing apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, Messenger, Viber for free or low-cost international calls.
Most internet plans allow smooth use of these apps, especially on 4G/5G and fiber optic networks.
Practical Tips for a Stable and Secure Connection
- Choose fiber optic for a fast and stable home connection.
- Use a VPN to secure your data and access foreign services.
- Regularly update your equipment (modem, router).
- Protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password.
- In case of issues, contact technical support promptly (FPT is known for its responsiveness).
- For travelers, prioritize eSIMs with instant activation and app-based management for more flexibility.
Recommended Apps and Services for Communication
- WhatsApp: Messaging and voice/video calls.
- Zoom: Professional meetings and video conferencing.
- Skype: International calls and video conferencing.
- Messenger: Chat and video calls via Facebook.
- Viber: International calls and messages.
For an optimal experience, tailor your provider choice to your location, usage (work, streaming, international calls), and regularly compare offers based on the evolving Vietnamese market.
Good to know:
The main internet providers in Vietnam include VNPT, Viettel, and FPT Telecom, offering various plans based on speed, price, and coverage; it is advisable to choose based on your specific needs, and messaging apps like Zalo and Skype are ideal for staying in touch with people abroad.
Digital Tools: Available Communication Solutions
| Platform | Video Calls | Voice Calls | Instant Messaging | International Features | Constraints in Vietnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | End-to-end encryption, wide global adoption, groups up to 1024 members | Sometimes unstable without VPN, but generally accessible | |
| Skype | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Calls to landlines/mobiles, screen sharing, real-time translation | Accessible, but some features may be slow depending on connection |
| Zoom | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Group meetings, recording, screen sharing, optimized video quality | Requires a good connection, risk of dropouts during peak hours |
| Messenger | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Facebook integration, reactions, group calls, file sharing | Generally accessible, heavily dependent on Facebook’s stability in Vietnam |
| ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Widely used in Asia, payment features, automatic translation | Some functions limited outside China, but the app works in Vietnam |
Features Suitable for International Communication:
- Free video/voice calls between connected users.
- Instant messaging allowing sending of photos, videos, documents.
- Discussion groups for multiple members, convenient for families or scattered friends.
- Built-in translation (especially on Skype, WeChat) for multilingual exchanges.
- Screen sharing (Zoom, Skype) useful for showing documents or photos in real time.
Constraints and Usage Tips in Vietnam:
Some apps (WhatsApp, Messenger) may be slowed or temporarily inaccessible without VPN during censorship peaks, but overall, they remain usable.
Costs: Most features are free via Wi-Fi; calls to traditional phone lines (excluding Skype) are generally paid.
Internet Connection: Stability varies by region and operator; prioritize fiber optic Wi-Fi networks in major cities to minimize disruptions.
Tips for Optimizing Communication from Vietnam:
Time Zones:
- Identify the availability times of your loved ones based on their country (e.g., Vietnam UTC+7).
- Plan a common slot in the morning or evening, depending on time differences.
- Use calendar features (Google Calendar, Zoom integration) to schedule calls.
Connection Optimization:
- Prioritize calls over high-speed Wi-Fi rather than 4G for stability.
- Avoid video calls during peak hours (local evenings).
- Close background apps and limit streaming to save bandwidth.
Anticipating Disruptions:
- Inform your loved ones in case of outages or slowdowns and prioritize instant messaging as a fallback solution.
- Use voice messages or audio calls if the connection does not support video.
Key takeaway: To stay in touch easily from Vietnam, prioritize platforms offering video calls, instant messaging, and good tolerance for fluctuating connections. Prepare exchanges considering time zone differences and secure a reliable Wi-Fi connection for an optimal experience.
Good to know:
WhatsApp and Messenger are ideal for instant messages, while Skype and Zoom offer better quality for international video calls; use early morning or late evening hours to avoid peak connection times and prefer Wi-Fi to reduce costs.
Maximizing Your Exchanges: Tips and Practical Advice
To maximize your exchanges with loved ones, optimizing digital tools is essential, especially when there is a time difference between Vietnam and other countries. Here are some tips for using these tools effectively:
Using Communication Apps
- WhatsApp: Ideal for voice messages and low-cost video calls.
- Skype: Offers advanced video conferencing features.
- Zoom: Preferred for professional meetings or online events.
Scheduling Time Slots
It is crucial to schedule regular time slots to avoid disruptions due to time zone differences. For example, if you are in Vietnam, you can schedule calls between 2 PM and 6 PM to match working hours in Europe (9 AM to 1 PM).
Tips for Maintaining Engagement
To maintain engagement during long-distance conversations, here are some tips:
- Shared online games: Playing online games together can strengthen bonds.
- Themed video conferences: Organizing sessions around a common theme can stimulate discussions.
Managing Call Costs
To manage call costs from Vietnam, it is advisable to opt for mobile data plans that include international calls or mobile data for internet-based calls. Here is an example of what these plans might look like:
| Plan Type | Features | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | 10 GB data, 100 minutes international calls | $10 |
| Advanced Plan | 50 GB data, 500 minutes international calls | $30 |
| Premium Plan | 100 GB data, unlimited international calls | $50 |
Testimonials of Successful Experiences
Many people have successfully maintained strong relationships using these tools. For example, a Vietnamese family living abroad used Zoom to celebrate traditional holidays together, which strengthened their bonds despite the distance. Similarly, groups of friends have organized regular online gaming sessions to stay in touch.
Good to know:
Use WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom to schedule regular video calls despite the time difference, and opt for suitable data plans to minimize costs. Incorporate online games during calls to maintain engagement, as suggested by Marie, who organizes weekly quizzes with her family.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
