📱 What does it mean to receive OTP in Vietnam eSIM?

OTP (One-Time Password) is a temporary code sent via SMS or voice call for verification. If you buy a data-only eSIM, you cannot receive OTP because there is no phone number attached.
To receive OTP in Vietnam eSIM, you must use a plan that includes a Vietnam eSIM with phone number.

Benefits include:

• ✅ Secure online banking and transfers.
• ✅ App verification for Grab, ShopeeFood, and Gojek.
• ✅ Registering for Zalo, the most popular messaging app in Vietnam.
• ✅ Receiving voice calls if OTP SMS fails.

For a deeper breakdown, see our pillar article on Vietnam eSIM with phone number & OTP.

🔑 Why OTP is important for travelers & expats

Without OTP, you may be blocked from critical services in Vietnam. Real-world scenarios include:

• 🚕 Ride-hailing: Grab and Be require OTPs for login and number changes.
• 🍜 Food delivery: ShopeeFood and Gojek confirm orders and logins by OTP SMS.
• 💬 Zalo: Registration and account recovery always need a Vietnam number with OTP.
• 🏦 Banking: Vietnamese banks require OTP for every online transfer.

According to 2024 research by We Are Social, over 90% of Vietnamese smartphone users rely on OTP-based SMS verification for financial or app logins at least weekly. For long stays or frequent app use, OTP support is non-negotiable.

⚙️ How to set up your eSIM to receive OTPs

Here’s how to configure your device so that OTP SMS messages arrive properly:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
2. Scan the QR code from your provider.
3. Label it “Vietnam OTP”.
4. Enable SMS for this line.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
2. Scan QR code to activate.
3. Set the Vietnam eSIM as your default SMS line.

Google Pixel

1. Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
2. Choose “Download a SIM instead” and scan QR.
3. Activate SMS/Voice for this line.

Tip: You can keep WhatsApp tied to your home number while using your Vietnam eSIM for OTPs. Dual SIM makes both possible.

📲 Apps and services requiring OTP in Vietnam

Grab

Grab uses OTP SMS for account registration and logins. Without a local number, you cannot access the app reliably.

Zalo

Zalo, with nearly 75 million users, is the go-to messaging app. It requires a Vietnam number and OTP for new accounts and account recovery.

Food Delivery

ShopeeFood and Gojek rely on OTP SMS to confirm user accounts and order updates. A Vietnam eSIM with phone number ensures smooth registration.

Banking

Local banks like Vietcombank or Techcombank will only send OTP to the number registered in your account. If you open a Vietnamese account, you must provide your Vietnam eSIM with phone number at the bank for SMS OTP activation.

👤 Case study: Expat in Ho Chi Minh City

Lucas, a digital nomad from Canada, moved to Ho Chi Minh City for two months. His landlord asked him to connect on Zalo for contract updates and monthly bills. Registration required a Vietnamese phone number and an OTP SMS.

At the same time, Lucas needed to book rides on Grab, which also sent OTPs. With only a data eSIM, he failed both. After purchasing an eSIM Vietnam phone number, Lucas registered Zalo, communicated with his landlord, and verified Grab without issues.
This case shows why being able to receive otp in vietnam esim is crucial for both daily life and essential services.

🧩 Troubleshooting OTP issues

🚀 Where to get a Vietnam eSIM with OTP support

To reliably receive OTP in Vietnam eSIM, you need a plan that includes a phone number. These plans allow you to use Grab, Zalo, ShopeeFood, and banking services without issues.
Get yours here: Vietnam eSIM with phone number.

For more information, see the full guide: Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number & OTP (2025 Guide).