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Food Delivery OTP in Vietnam: How to Get a Local Number for Apps (2025 Guide)
Food delivery apps like GrabFood, ShopeeFood are essential for both locals and travelers in Vietnam. From late-night bánh mì to coffee orders, these services make daily life easier. But there’s one hurdle: you can’t use these apps without verifying your account via OTP (one-time password) SMS. Many foreign numbers fail to receive this code. This guide explains how to receive food delivery OTP in Vietnam, including SIM vs eSIM options, real 2025 prices, and real traveler stories.
🍜 Why Food Delivery OTP Matters
- Account Creation: All delivery apps require OTP to set up an account.
- Login Security: When reinstalling apps or switching phones, OTP is mandatory.
- Daily Convenience: Without OTP, you can’t order food, track delivery, or make digital payments.
📱 Can Foreign Numbers Receive OTP in Vietnam?
Sometimes, but not consistently. Many international numbers can’t receive OTP SMS from Vietnamese apps due to local network restrictions. Even when messages do arrive, they’re often delayed, making the process frustrating. That’s why having a Vietnamese number is the safest solution for food delivery OTP.
💡 SIM vs eSIM Options for Food Delivery OTP
Below are the most common solutions available in 2025:
| Option | Data & Calls | Food Delivery OTP | Price Range (2025) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM (physical) | 3–5GB/day + local number | ✅ Works | $18–22 (15 days) | SGN, HAN, DAD airports |
| City Shop SIM | 3–5GB/day + local number | ✅ Works | $15–20 (15 days) | Carrier shops in cities |
| eSIM with Phone Number | 3–6GB/day + local number | ✅ Works | $12–19 (10–30 days) | Online (GoVnSIM, resellers) |
| Data-only eSIM | 4–6GB/day, no number | ❌ Not possible | $13–18 (15–30 days) | Online stores |
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Using a Vietnam Number
Pros:
- OTP arrives instantly for GrabFood, ShopeeFood, and Baemin.
- Works across multiple apps including ride-hailing and banking.
- Much cheaper than roaming SMS costs.
Cons:
- Airport SIMs are 20–30% more expensive than online eSIMs.
- Physical SIMs usually require passport registration.
- Data-only eSIMs can’t receive OTP SMS at all.
📊 Traveler Story: Food Delivery OTP in Ho Chi Minh City (2025)
Laura, a digital nomad from Canada, stayed in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. She tried to sign up for GrabFood with her Canadian number but never got the OTP. After several failed attempts, she gave up and walked to a nearby restaurant. The next day, she purchased a SIM card from a shop for 450,000 VND (~18.5 USD). With a local number, she immediately received the OTP and could order meals directly to her apartment.
Later, she learned that an online eSIM with phone number would have cost $14.50 for 20 days, with instant activation by QR. She realized she could have avoided the hassle of visiting the shop.
Lesson: For food delivery apps in Vietnam, a local number ensures smooth OTP verification and saves time.
🚫 Common Problems with Food Delivery OTP
- Data-only mistake: Many travelers buy data-only plans that can’t receive OTP SMS.
- Foreign SIM issues: International numbers often fail to receive OTPs from local apps.
- Activation delays: Some physical SIMs need time before SMS works properly.
🔑 Best eSIM Plans for Food Delivery OTP in 2025
- Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number – $8.50–$19.50, 10–30 days, fully OTP-ready.
- Vietnam eSIM 20 Days (4GB/day) – $14.50, instant activation, includes number.
- Vietnam eSIM 30 Days Ultimate Plan – $18.50, 6GB/day, includes number, great for long-term stays.
🛫 Airport SIM vs Online eSIM
Airport counters are convenient but charge higher prices. Example:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): 15-day SIM with 3GB/day + number → ~$20–22.
- Online eSIM: ~$14.50 for 20 days, with instant QR delivery.
Tip: For food delivery users, online eSIM is the fastest and most economical option.
❓ FAQ: Food Delivery OTP in Vietnam
Q: Can I use my home country SIM for GrabFood or Shopeefood?
A: Sometimes, but often unreliable. OTP may not arrive. Local numbers are much more reliable.
Q: Do all eSIMs work for OTP?
A: No. Only eSIMs with a phone number can receive OTP SMS. Data-only plans won’t work.
Q: Do I need to show my passport?
A: Yes for physical SIMs at shops or airports. Online eSIMs usually don’t require it.
✅ Final Takeaway
If you want to use food delivery apps like GrabFood, ShopeeFood during your Vietnam trip, don’t risk failed OTPs. In 2025, the most reliable choice is a Vietnam eSIM with phone number, ordered online before your trip.
📣 Plan Your Connectivity
Need OTP support for food delivery and other apps? Read the full details in our Vietnam OTP SIM & eSIM guide.
✅ Want instant setup? Order your Vietnam eSIM today from GoVnSIM and get your QR instantly by email. Enjoy food delivery apps smoothly the moment you land.
Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com