Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel: The 2025 Expert Guide

Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel is now a key question for travelers in 2025. With Vietnam’s booming tourism, digital nomads, and short-term visitors all need fast, convenient, and flexible connectivity. eSIM technology is a game-changer, letting you get connected before landing and avoid the hassle of airport SIM shops or physical SIM swaps.

What Is an eSIM and Why Use It in Vietnam?

An eSIM (“embedded SIM”) is a digital SIM profile you install via QR code, with no physical card required. It’s the preferred choice for many modern travelers to Vietnam because:

  • Instant setup – receive your QR code by email and activate in minutes.
  • Keep your home SIM for banking, OTP, or WhatsApp without losing your main number.
  • No more SIM swapping – safer for multi-country or connecting flights.
  • Flexible plans – various data amounts, with or without local phone numbers.
  • Supports most modern phones (iPhone XR+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+).

Comparison Table: Real eSIM Plans for Vietnam (2025)

ProviderData AmountValidityVietnam NumberPrice (USD)Activation TimeCoverage
GovnSIM Viettel eSIM5GB, 15GB, 30GB7, 15, 30 daysYes8–25<5 minNationwide
Mobifone eSIM6GB, 15GB, 30GB7, 15, 30 daysYes9–27<10 minNationwide
Airalo1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB7–30 daysNo6–22<10 minMajor cities
Nomad1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB7–30 daysNo6–20<10 minMajor cities

*All plans accurate as of July 2025. Always verify on the provider’s website for latest details.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel?

  1. Check if your phone supports eSIM (Apple eSIM list).
  2. Estimate your data needs (basic use: 3-5GB; heavy use: 10–30GB).
  3. Do you need a Vietnamese phone number (for Grab, Zalo, bank SMS, etc)?
  4. Compare coverage: Viettel/Mobifone have best nationwide coverage; global brands use local partners, mostly in cities.
  5. Look for simple activation: best providers send eSIM QR within minutes.
  6. Read genuine reviews and case studies (see below).

Case Study: Linda from Taiwan Uses eSIM in Vietnam

Linda Chen, a traveler from Taiwan, booked a 10-day trip to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Wanting a hassle-free experience, she ordered a Viettel eSIM with 15GB of data and a Vietnamese number before her flight. Linda received her QR code via email and activated the plan within three minutes on her iPhone 13. Throughout her trip, Linda used data for Google Maps, social apps, Grab, and received SMS from her hotel and banking apps. Linda reported steady coverage even in rural areas and said:

“It was so convenient not having to queue at the airport for a SIM or worry about losing my original number. I was connected right away, and the local number made booking taxis and hotels much easier.”

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travelers?

  • eSIM: No delivery or pickup needed, safer for multi-country trips, easy to top-up online.
  • Physical SIM: Available everywhere, may work on older phones, but requires removing your main SIM card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I keep my WhatsApp number with a Vietnam eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your home WhatsApp active, even after activating a local eSIM for data and calls.

2. Will eSIMs work everywhere in Vietnam?

Viettel and Mobifone eSIMs work in all major cities and tourist destinations. Airalo/Nomad plans also work in most areas, but may have slower speeds outside main cities.

3. What if I run out of data?

Most eSIM providers let you top-up or purchase an extra package online via their app or website.

4. Can I use eSIM for banking SMS or Grab rides?

Only eSIMs with a real Vietnamese phone number support local SMS/OTP (for Grab, banking, etc.).

 

Real Traveler Stories: eSIMs in Action Across Vietnam

Case Study 2: Markus (Germany) – eSIM for a Motorcycle Adventure

Markus, a German backpacker, chose a 30GB Mobifone eSIM for his two-week motorcycle trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. His main needs were Google Maps navigation, hotel booking apps, social media, and video calls with family. Markus installed the eSIM in advance; when he arrived at Noi Bai Airport, he was connected within minutes.

“I traveled through small towns and even remote areas like Phong Nha and the Hai Van Pass. The 4G was very good almost everywhere. Only in a couple of mountain valleys did I have slower data,” Markus said. “Having my German SIM still active meant I could receive important OTPs. I never had to search for a SIM shop or worry about losing my main SIM.”

Case Study 3: Sarah & Daniel (Singapore) – Seamless Honeymoon Connectivity

Newlyweds Sarah and Daniel from Singapore used GovnSIM’s Viettel eSIM, selecting the 15GB/15-day plan for their honeymoon covering Hanoi, Sapa, and Da Nang. They activated their eSIMs before departure. When they landed, they had instant 4G for booking their airport transfer and messaging their hotel. Daniel shared:

“Switching between our Singapore numbers and Vietnam eSIMs was so easy. We never worried about running out of data, and it was super useful to have a local number for tours, food delivery, and calling our Sapa homestay.”

Case Study 4: Linh (US Expat) – Staying Connected for Remote Work

Linh, a Vietnamese-American expat based in Ho Chi Minh City, uses a Mobifone eSIM (30GB, 30 days) for remote work and local calls. “I tried an Airalo plan but found it didn’t support local SMS, so I switched to an eSIM with a Vietnamese number. Now I can join video meetings, access my US bank, and get OTPs from local services, all on one device,” she explains.

eSIMs for Vietnam Travel

ProsCons
  • Instant setup—no need to find a SIM shop
  • Keep your main number active
  • Choose real Vietnam phone number if needed
  • Flexible plans: 5GB, 15GB, 30GB
  • Works for short and long stays
  • Easy online top-up
  • Not all devices support eSIM
  • Some global eSIMs don’t provide a local number
  • Data-only plans can’t receive local SMS or calls
  • Changing eSIM profiles can be tricky on some phones

eSIM Setup Guide: Step-by-Step for Vietnam

eSIM Setup Guide: Step-by-Step for Vietnam

  1. Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility (Apple eSIM guide).
  2. Choose your eSIM provider and select the plan (5GB, 15GB, 30GB).
  3. Complete payment; you’ll receive a QR code via email.
  4. On your phone, go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Add eSIM.
  5. Scan the QR code and follow prompts. Activate the eSIM before flying or after landing in Vietnam.
  6. Set your eSIM as the data line (keep your original SIM active for calls/SMS if needed).

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Using eSIM in Vietnam (2025 Update)

  • Backup your eSIM QR code in your email or cloud before traveling, in case you need to reinstall.
  • Check coverage maps if traveling to remote regions. Viettel generally has the widest rural coverage.
  • Enable data roaming for the eSIM profile on your device (it won’t incur extra fees on local eSIMs).
  • Use Wi-Fi calling or local apps (Zalo, Viber) for cheap calls and messages with a data-only eSIM.
  • Monitor your data usage—video streaming and maps can use several GB on long trips.
  • For long stays, choose a 30-day, 30GB package with a Vietnam number for best value and flexibility.

Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel: Summary Table (2025)

ProviderData OptionsVietnam NumberTop-up?Typical Price (USD)
GovnSIM Viettel eSIM5GB / 15GB / 30GBYesYes8–25
Mobifone eSIM6GB / 15GB / 30GBYesYes9–27
Airalo (Vietnam Data)1GB / 3GB / 5GB / 10GB / 20GBNoNo6–22
Nomad1GB / 3GB / 5GB / 10GBNoNo6–20

*As of July 2025. Always confirm with the provider before purchase.

FAQ – Vietnam eSIM for Travelers

1. How long does it take to activate an eSIM in Vietnam?

Most providers (GovnSIM, Mobifone, Airalo, Nomad) deliver QR codes instantly or within 5–10 minutes after payment.

2. Can I receive calls and SMS from Vietnamese numbers?

Only eSIMs with a Vietnam number (GovnSIM, Mobifone) can receive local calls/SMS. Data-only plans do not support SMS/calls.

3. Are there truly unlimited data plans?

As of 2025, most Vietnam eSIMs are capped at 30GB/month. “Unlimited” data plans are usually not available for short-term travel eSIMs.

4. What happens if I delete my eSIM profile?

You may need a new QR code from your provider; some allow free re-issue, others may charge a fee.

5. Do I need to show my passport to buy a Vietnam eSIM?

Most online eSIM sellers do not require a passport for eSIM activation, but local telecom shops might if you buy in person.

Who Should Use a Vietnam eSIM?

  • Short-term tourists: Avoid queues, get connected instantly at arrival, use 5–15GB plans.
  • Digital nomads/expats: Choose 30GB/30-day packages for flexibility and local number support.
  • Business travelers: Benefit from secure, stable internet and ability to keep your main SIM for work SMS or calls.

eSIM technology has changed the travel game in Vietnam—no more physical SIM hassles, and transparent, reliable data at your fingertips. Real travelers now choose eSIMs for control, convenience, and real local support. For more information : Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number: The Definitive Guide (2025)

 

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