Guide Viettel eSIM: The Complete 2025 Handbook for Travelers & Expats
Guide Viettel eSIM is your one-stop resource to stay connected in Vietnam, whether you’re on a short trip, a business assignment, or planning to live here for months. This handbook is written for real users: expats, remote workers, students, and international travelers who want a hassle-free mobile experience with Viettel – the largest mobile network in Vietnam. You’ll get up-to-date info on plans, real user tips, compatibility, activation, and all the legal and practical stuff no one tells you about. Let’s dive in!
What is Viettel eSIM? Why Is It So Popular in 2025?
- eSIM (embedded SIM) lets you activate a mobile plan with a QR code – no need for a physical SIM card, no paperwork at the airport.
- Viettel is Vietnam’s biggest carrier, covering 99% of the country with fast 4G/5G (over 54 million users in 2025).
- More than 80% of digital nomads, long-term tourists, and business travelers choose eSIM for Vietnam due to speed, security, and convenience.
- Great for both short-term tourists and expats who want a local number for banking, Grab, Zalo, Shopee, etc.
How Does Viettel eSIM Work?
- Order online from a reputable source like GoVnSIM or an official partner. You’ll get a QR code by email.
- Scan the QR using your phone’s cellular settings (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, etc.).
- Activate within minutes. No visit to a shop required, your plan starts as soon as you arrive or whenever you activate in Vietnam.
- Renew or top up online – no need to keep buying new SIMs every trip!
Viettel eSIM Plans & Real 2025 Price Comparison
Plan | Data/Calls/SMS | Duration | Price (USD) | Vietnam Number | Top-Up/Renewal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Viettel eSIM (GoVnSIM) | 30GB Data, Calls, SMS | 30 days | $18.5 | Yes | Contact GoVnSIM |
Viettel eSIM (GoVnSIM) | 15GB Data, Calls, SMS | 15 days | $13.5 | Yes | Contact GoVnSIM |
Airport eSIM/SIM | 10–15GB, Calls, SMS | 30 days | $20–25 | Yes (with registration) | Sometimes |
Official Viettel Store | Customizable | Monthly/Yearly | $18–$25 | Yes | Via MyViettel app or store |
Source: GoVnSIM July 2025, real airport/shop check, Viettel App.
Who Should Use Viettel eSIM?
- Expats & digital nomads needing long-term data, a local number for work, and no SIM swaps.
- Travelers who want data on arrival, don’t want to queue at the airport or worry about physical SIM compatibility.
- Students registering for local services (bank, Grab, food delivery, e-wallets).
- Business visitors who require quick set up, high-speed data, and strong nationwide coverage.
Compatible Devices for Viettel eSIM in 2025
- Apple: iPhone XR/XS/11/12/13/14/15 (global, not China mainland), iPad Pro 3rd gen+, iPad Air 3+.
- Samsung: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Note 20, Z Fold/Flip (except China only).
- Google Pixel: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series.
- Others: Oppo, Sony, Xiaomi with eSIM support (check details before purchase).
- Important: Carrier-locked or China/Japan exclusive models may NOT support Viettel eSIM. See the official phone list here.
Step-by-Step: How to Activate Your Viettel eSIM
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked for international use.
- Order a Viettel eSIM online (GoVnSIM recommended for English/Chinese/Vietnamese support).
- Receive a QR code instantly via email.
- Open phone settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Mobile Plan > Scan QR code.
- Follow on-screen instructions and activate. Your plan will start when you land in Vietnam or when you activate cellular for the first time.
- Do not delete your eSIM profile once installed unless instructed by support.
Practical User Tips & Real-Life Scenarios (2025)
- Data works in all major cities (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc.), tourist areas, and most rural provinces. Verified by real expats, 2025.
- eSIM registration is required by Vietnamese law. GoVnSIM handles registration with your passport scan, usually within 10 minutes.
- Top up or renew by messaging GoVnSIM before expiry. No need to visit a store, no new QR code unless you delete the eSIM.
- Local number allows for OTPs, food delivery, ride-hailing, and online banking (some banks may require extra step for verification).
- 24/7 support available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese. Average response July 2025: under 5 minutes.
Real Case Study: Using Viettel eSIM for a 2-Month Expat Stay
“I moved to Vietnam for a remote IT contract. Got the 30-day Viettel eSIM from GoVnSIM, activated it in 2 minutes at the airport. I used it for Grab, Shopee, food delivery, calls with clients, even opened a local bank account. Renewed once by email, never needed to queue at a shop. Signal was perfect in HCMC, Da Nang, and even rural Dong Nai.”
– Samuel, IT Contractor from Canada (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions: Guide Viettel eSIM
- Can I extend or renew my plan?
Yes, just contact GoVnSIM support before your plan expires. They’ll guide you through renewal or multi-month extensions. - Does Viettel eSIM work with all apps and services?
Yes, works with Grab, Zalo, Shopee, banking, OTP, and local e-wallets. Some banking apps may require extra in-person verification. - Can I use the same eSIM for multiple trips?
If your plan hasn’t expired and you didn’t delete the profile, yes. For new plans, order a fresh QR code. - What if I lose my phone or delete the eSIM?
You’ll need to order a new QR code. Always save your code and backup in your email. - Is registration with passport safe and legal?
Yes, it’s required by Vietnam law. GoVnSIM uses encrypted secure upload. Info is never shared for marketing.
Checklist: What to Prepare for Viettel eSIM in Vietnam
- Check phone compatibility & unlock status.
- Have a passport scan/photo ready for registration.
- Order eSIM at least 24h before departure for instant activation on arrival.
- Backup your QR code and support contacts.
- Test mobile data as soon as you land; contact support if any issue.
Legal, Registration & Privacy Notes
- eSIM must be registered to a real passport/ID by law; GoVnSIM handles this for you.
- VAT invoice is available for expats, companies, and long-stay travelers on request.
- For stays over 60 days, ask about multi-month eSIM or renewal policies before purchase.
- Do not delete your eSIM profile unless instructed, to avoid extra fees for new QR code.
Comparison Table: Viettel eSIM vs Airport SIM vs Roaming
Option | Data | Price (30 days) | Vietnam Number | Activation Time | Support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Viettel eSIM (GoVnSIM) | 30GB | $18.5 | Yes | 2–5 min | 24/7, multi-language |
Airport Counter SIM | 10–15GB | $20–25 | Yes (with registration) | 10–30 min | Basic (Vietnamese/English) |
International Roaming | 2–5GB | $35–120 | No | Instant, but high risk of bill shock | Carrier only, no local help |
*Based on GoVnSIM data July 2025, airport survey, and major carrier websites.
Real Stats: Viettel eSIM Use in 2025
- 13,500+ foreign students used Viettel eSIM for long-term stays in 2024.
- Top user countries: Korea, Russia, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia.
- Average download speed in Vietnam: 98 Mbps (5G), 48 Mbps (4G/LTE).
- Average savings vs. roaming: $75–$210 per month.
- Average activation time: 2.1 minutes (GoVnSIM users).
Should You Use Viettel eSIM in Vietnam?
- Fastest and most reliable option for long-stay, remote work, and digital services.
- Easy to buy, activate, renew, and manage – no paper contracts, no store queues.
- Full-featured Vietnam number for your digital life.
- Clear, transparent pricing – no hidden costs.
- 24/7 local-language support from GoVnSIM team, trusted by thousands of expats and travelers.
How to Order Your Viettel eSIM – GoVnSIM Process (30% CTA)
- Visit this page and choose your preferred plan (15 or 30 days, easy renewal).
- Submit your email and passport for instant registration (required by law).
- Pay with international card (Visa, Master, Apple Pay, etc.), receive QR code instantly by email.
- Activate on your phone. For renewals, message support before expiry – no shop visit ever needed.
Ready for seamless Vietnam connection? Order your Viettel eSIM here