OTP Not Receiving (Fix) — Why You Can’t Receive OTP in Vietnam and How to Solve It

Cant receive otp vietnam is a common issue for travelers and expats when trying to log in to WhatsApp, Grab, or even online banking. This article explains why OTPs fail, shows real case studies, and gives step-by-step fixes so you can get back online quickly.

📌 Why OTP Messages Fail in Vietnam

Several factors can block OTP delivery while you’re in Vietnam:

• Roaming restrictions — many overseas numbers can’t receive banking OTPs in Vietnam due to blocked SMS routes.
• Data-only eSIMs — these don’t include SMS capability, so OTPs won’t arrive.
• Local regulation — strict ID registration rules mean some prepaid SIMs lose SMS access if not activated properly.
• App-side issues — some apps require the registered number to be active in-country, not just roaming.

📱 Case Study — Banking OTP Failure in Hanoi

Laura (Germany) tried logging into her Commerzbank app using roaming on her German SIM. Despite having data, she couldn’t receive the SMS OTP. After two failed attempts, she purchased a MobiFone Vietnam eSIM with a local number. Within minutes, her Grab app and banking OTPs worked again. The extra cost (~250,000 VND or $10.50) was still lower than multiple taxi rides back to a SIM shop.

🔍 Common Scenarios of “Can’t Receive OTP Vietnam”

1. WhatsApp & Telegram: Trying to verify with a roaming number leads to delays or complete failures.
2. Grab & Be apps: Without a local Vietnam number, OTP SMS often never arrives.
3. Banking apps: International banks may block OTP to foreign SIMs while in Vietnam.
4. Food delivery apps: ShopeeFood, Baemin, and Now all require local OTP verification.

🛠️ Fixes for OTP Not Receiving in Vietnam

• Switch to a local number: The most reliable fix is using a Vietnam SIM/eSIM with SMS capability.
• Re-insert your SIM: Physical SIM users should restart their device after landing.
• Check app settings: Ensure your country code is correct (+84 for Vietnam).
• Use dual-SIM setup: Keep your original SIM for messages, but add a local Vietnam SIM for data + OTP access.

💰 Real Market Prices (2025)

Travelers buying at airports or city shops often face higher prices than ordering online:

As shown, offline prices run 20–30% higher than ordering an eSIM in advance.

⚠️ Notes on Data-only eSIMs

Many travelers mistakenly buy cheap “data-only” eSIMs. These plans don’t support SMS, which means OTP codes cannot be received. Always double-check that your plan includes a local Vietnam phone number if OTP is important.

📊 Quick Checklist — Fixing OTP Issues

• Confirm your SIM has SMS capability (not data-only).
• Restart your device upon arrival in Vietnam.
• Check international roaming fees if using your home SIM — can be $2–$5 per OTP SMS.
• Use a Vietnam SIM/eSIM with number for smooth verification across apps.

🧭 When to Buy Your SIM/eSIM

If you land late at night, airport SIM counters may be closed. City shops often require passport registration and waiting. Ordering an eSIM before departure ensures you are OTP-ready as soon as you land.

📣 Plan Your Connectivity

Stuck with “can’t receive OTP Vietnam”? Review updated solutions and compare your options in our Vietnam OTP SIM & eSIM guide.

✅ Want a reliable fix? Order your Vietnam eSIM now from GoVnSIM and get instant QR delivery by email. Perfect for WhatsApp, Grab, and banking OTPs.

Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com