No products in the cart.
Change Number to Vietnam for Apps: Complete Guide 2025
Change number to Vietnam for apps is a frequent concern for foreigners staying in the country. Many apps such as WhatsApp, Grab, Shopee, Zalo, Telegram, and banking platforms require OTP (one-time password) verification linked to a phone number. Without a Vietnamese number, travelers and expats may face login failures, missed SMS codes, or blocked features. This guide explains how to change your registered number to a Vietnam SIM or eSIM, compares prices in 2025, and shares practical experiences from real users.
📲 Why Change to a Vietnam Number for Apps?
- OTP Reliability: Local OTP messages for Grab, Shopee, or banks are often not delivered to foreign SIMs.
- App Functionality: Some apps, like Shopee or MoMo, only work with local numbers.
- Security: Changing to a Vietnam number ensures you don’t miss important SMS codes while abroad.
📱 Which Apps Require a Vietnam Number?
- Ride-hailing: Grab, Be app.
- Food delivery: GrabFood, ShopeeFood.
- Shopping: Shopee, Lazada, Tiki.
- Banking: Local banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV) and some international banks for OTP.
- Messaging: Zalo requires a local number to register, while WhatsApp/Telegram allow old numbers but OTP for re-login may fail without roaming.
💡 SIM vs eSIM Options in Vietnam
Here are the 2025 options if you want to change your app number to a Vietnam line:
| Option | Data & Calls | App Compatibility | Price Range (2025) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM (physical) | 3–5GB/day + local number | ✅ Works for OTP across all apps | $18–22 (15 days) | Airports: SGN, HAN, DAD |
| City Shop SIM | 3–5GB/day + local number | ✅ Works | $15–20 (15 days) | Carrier stores downtown |
| eSIM with Phone Number | 3–6GB/day + local number | ✅ Works, instant OTP-ready | $12–19 (10–30 days) | Online (GoVnSIM, resellers) |
| Data-only eSIM | 4–6GB/day, no number | ❌ Not suitable for app number change | $13–18 (15–30 days) | Online shops |
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Changing Number to Vietnam
Pros:
- OTP arrives instantly for local apps and banks.
- Apps requiring Vietnamese numbers become usable.
- Cheaper than paying roaming SMS fees.
Cons:
- Need to update app settings with new number.
- Airport SIMs cost 20–30% more than online eSIMs.
- May cause confusion if friends expect to reach you on your old number (for messaging apps).
📊 Case Study: Changing Number for Apps in Ho Chi Minh City (2025)
Olivia, a student from the UK, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City for a semester abroad. She tried registering on Shopee with her UK number but OTP SMS never arrived. She bought a SIM at a shop for 420,000 VND (~17 USD). Once registered with the Vietnamese number, OTPs worked smoothly for Shopee, Grab, and MoMo. Later, she found out she could have ordered an online eSIM with phone number for $14.50 (20 days) delivered instantly by email—saving time and money.
Lesson: Changing to a Vietnam number makes apps work properly. Buying eSIM online is often cheaper and more convenient than offline SIMs.
🚫 Common Issues When Changing App Number
- Data-only eSIM mistake: Cannot be used to register or change numbers in apps requiring SMS.
- Roaming dependency: Waiting for OTP from a foreign SIM can be unreliable in Vietnam.
- App update delays: Some apps take a few hours to reflect the new registered number.
🔑 Best eSIM Plans for Changing Number to Vietnam (2025)
- Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number – $8.50–$19.50, valid 10–30 days, fully OTP-ready.
- Vietnam eSIM 20 Days (4GB/day) – $14.50, includes number, instant QR activation.
- Vietnam eSIM 30 Days Ultimate Plan – $18.50, 6GB/day, local number, ideal for longer stays.
🛫 Airport SIM vs Online eSIM
Airport SIMs are easy but pricier. Example:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): 15-day SIM with 3GB/day + number → ~$20–22.
- Online eSIM with number: ~$14.50 (20 days), QR delivered instantly.
Tip: If you plan to change numbers for multiple apps, ordering an eSIM online before your trip is the most efficient option.
❓ FAQ: Changing Number to Vietnam for Apps
Q: Which apps require a Vietnam number?
A: Grab, Be, Shopee, Zalo, MoMo, and most local banking apps.
Q: Can I keep WhatsApp with my old number while using a Vietnam SIM?
A: Yes. WhatsApp remains tied to your original number unless reinstalled.
Q: Do all eSIMs support app number change?
A: Only eSIMs with phone numbers can receive OTP SMS.
✅ Final Takeaway
For foreigners, change number to Vietnam for apps is essential for using Grab, Shopee, MoMo, and banking services. The best solution in 2025 is a Vietnam eSIM with phone number—fast, cheaper than airport SIMs, and ready for instant app registration.
📣 Plan Your Connectivity
Need OTP-ready solutions for apps? Check our full guide here: Vietnam OTP SIM & eSIM guide.
✅ Want instant activation? Order your Vietnam eSIM from GoVnSIM and get your QR instantly by email. Start using all your apps smoothly as soon as you land.
Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com