Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province offers new tours in summer 2024. (photo: VOV)

B: Most of our listeners told us that they plan a summer vacation aboard and may consider visiting Vietnam. They want to know about visas, destinations, the weather, means of transportation, tourist SIM cards, and so on.

A: Mr. Najimudin, a member of India’s International DX Radio Listeners Club, asks “What is the most popular mobile SIM cards in Vietnam?”

B: The 3 main SIM card providers in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. They all offer tourism SIM cards atcompetitive prices, high consistency, and fast mobile download speed.

A: Viettel is the leader in Vietnam with about 40% of the market share. It has the largest coverage in the country , from city center to remote mountains and islands. Viettel offers both regular packages and data plans for tourists to Vietnam at the most reasonable prices.

B: Using a regular Viettel SIM card, the client needs to pay the SIM cost which is around 2.5 USD, and then register for a data package. If you buy a tourist SIM card, you only need to pay for the data, but it cannot be topped up.

B: Vinaphone is the second biggest operator in Vietnam, occupying 30% of the market share. It also has good coverage and high speed throughout the country.

A: Mobifone holds around 20% market share. Its data speed and coverage are good in the centers and major coastal localities, but can be patchy in the mountains.

B: An eSIM is highly recommended if you want to get a Vietnam SIM online, as it requires you neither waiting time for delivery nor queuing at any counter to get it. The eSIM will be installed on your phone via a QR Code sent to your email immediately after you sent an order online before your departure, and is activated immediately when you land in Vietnam.

A: In case you want to buy a physical SIM card when you arrive in Vietnam, just visit any kios as soon as you exit the baggage claim area at the airport. In the city there are literally thousands of places to buy a tourist SIM card, such as travel agencies, local stores, and even at some hotels.

B: While traveling in Vietnam, it is possible to use the free Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, and public places, but the signal is not always reliable. Having a tourist SIM is economic and you don’t have to worry about internet connection.

Luxury cruises take tourists to explore Ha Long Bay over-night. (photo: VOV)

 

A: That was Vicky Nhung with a song about the enjoyment of traveling in Vietnam. You’re listening to the Letter Box on VOV. Let’s continue to read letters from other listeners.

B: Ding Lu, a Chinese listener in Jiangsu province, sent us an email to say that he received the English program signal on July 1at 19:00UTC on the frequencies of 9730kHz and 11885KHz. The signal was very strong and the listening effect was very clear. He used a Tecsun PL310 ET Radio and rated SINPO at all 4s.

A: Thank you Mr. Ding for regularly sending us feedback. We’ll issue a verification card to confirm your report.  

B: Antonio Angel emailed us to say that he loves listening to VOV’s English programs to update information in Vietnam and enjoy Vietnamese music. He wished VOV will maintain shortwave broadcast to introduce Vietnam to many more people worldwide.

A: Almina Alo of Bangladesh tuned in to VOV’s English program on June 30, on the frequency of 7220 Khz. He loved the Sunday Show about the RB Club which helps visually impaired children realize their dreams.

B: The RB Club is a non-profitable organization established by some doctors and parents of blind and visually impaired children. Most of the Club’s teachers and volunteers, who are also visually impaired, are dedicated their time and knowledge to help the unfortunate children improve other abilities, stand on their own feet, pursue their dreams, and lead a useful life.

A: Austin Griffin read a story on our website about the Da Nang Association of Charities and Children’s Rights Protection, and he wanted to volunteer for one or two months there.

B: Thank you very much for your kindness. You can send an email to tuthienthanhphodanang@gmail.com or if you’re in Vietnam call them at 0236 3868 322.

A: Since 2012 the American non-profit group “Giving it Back to Kids” has provided the Da Nang Association of Charities and Children’s Rights Protection more than 170,000 USD a year to implement the project "Caring for and educating orphaned children in difficult circumstances in Da Nang".

B: “Giving it Back to Kids” is dedicated to helping kids achieve their maximum potential through better medical care, nutrition, education, and love. The project helps children aged 4 to 18 and relieves their parents’ financial burden for extra classes.

A: Since June, the “Giving it Back to Kids” organization has launched a training project on general knowledge and skills for students in difficult circumstances in Da Nang City.

B: Last year, a similar program offered free classes for 150 secondary and high-school pupils to improve their knowledge on math, physics, chemical, English and life skill. The free community classes have diverse activities, such as experiential activities, presentation, debate, and role-play to make it easy for the pupils to acquire knowledge.

A: Now we would like to thank our online readers and listeners for responding to our survey. Listener Manuel Arismendi Poblete of Chile expressed his appreciation for VOVWorld’s overseas broadcast in 13 languages. He said: "I answered your survey questions in the hope that it will contribute to our work. I hope VOV will continue to grow and reach more listeners, both in Latin America and Spain.”

B: Japanese listener Nakahara Shouta appreciated VOV’s development of multimedia communications on digital platforms and social networks. He said that in addition to listening to VOV’s radio programs, they can also update information via social networks such as Facebook and YouTube.

A: Amir Jameel, President of VOV’s Online Visitors Club in Pakistan, appreciated the survey to gather comprehensive feedback from listeners around the world, allowing the audience to express their opinions and preferences.

B: He said: “Pakistan’s VOV Online Visitors Club will be actively involved, helping to collect diverse perspectives that will inform and enhance the quality and relevance of VOV's programming. This initiative is vital for understanding the varied interests of a global audience and making sure that Voice of Vietnam continues to provide content that resonates with and engages its listeners.”

A: Once again thank you for your comments which are useful for us to continuously improve our program.

B: We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWORLD, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam.

A: You can email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!