Vietnam eSIM The Ultimate Guide 2025
Switching from a physical SIM card to a Vietnam eSIM makes arrival in the country much smoother. Instead of searching for SIM shops after a long flight, you can land, turn on your phone, and go online immediately. This guide explains how eSIM works in Vietnam, which networks and plans to consider, realistic price examples, and how to set everything up step by step.
📱 What Is an eSIM and Why It Works So Well in Vietnam
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM already built into your phone. Rather than inserting a plastic card, you scan a QR code and the mobile plan is installed directly on the device. Vietnam’s main operators — Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone — all support eSIM on modern smartphones.
- 🎉 No physical card: everything is handled by QR code and on-screen menus.
- 🌍 Dual-SIM friendly: you can keep your home SIM active for banking and OTP.
- 🧳 Perfect for travel: no need to find a shop or carry SIM tools.
- 🌱 Less plastic waste: fully digital setup.
⚙️ How a Vietnam eSIM Works Step by Step
The basic journey is simple:
- Choose a Vietnam eSIM plan online and complete payment.
- Receive a QR code and activation details by email.
- On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and enable data roaming for that line.
- Once you land in Vietnam and your phone detects the local network, data will start working.
Most recent devices are compatible: iPhone XS or newer, Google Pixel 4 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and above, plus many recent Xiaomi and Oppo models.
📶 Coverage and Networks in Vietnam
Vietnam has three major networks that cover most cities and tourist destinations:
- Viettel – widest national footprint, good choice for mountain areas and rural roads.
- MobiFone – strong performance in big cities and popular destinations.
- VinaPhone – good speeds in urban areas and along main travel routes.
GoVnSIM uses official local profiles, so your eSIM connects directly to these Vietnamese networks rather than using a slow roaming profile.
📊 Example Vietnam eSIM Plans (2025)
Below are example GoVnSIM eSIM plans with realistic 2025 pricing:
| Plan | Data (high-speed) | Validity | Network | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam eSIM 20 Days Best Plan | 4 GB/day | 20 days | MobiFone | $14.90 |
| Vietnam eSIM 30 Days Ultimate Plan | 6 GB/day | 30 days | MobiFone | $17.90 |
| Viettel eSIM for Vietnam | 5 GB/day | 15 / 30 days | Viettel | $13.50 / $18.90 |
| Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number | 3–5 GB/day | 10 / 15 / 30 days | MobiFone / VinaPhone | $6.90 – $19.50 |
There is no truly unlimited mobile data in Vietnam. Most tourist plans include a clear daily high-speed allowance (for example 3–6 GB/day), which is usually enough for navigation, social media, work apps, and video calls.
💵 Where to Buy Vietnam eSIM – Price Comparison
Travelers usually choose between three main options: buying online before arrival, buying at airport counters, or visiting a local shop in town. The table below shows typical price ranges for a roughly 7–15 day data package.
| Where to Buy | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online (GoVnSIM) | $6.90 – $18.90 | Instant QR delivery, English support, clear data limits |
| Airport SIM counters | $20 – $28 | Mostly physical SIMs, prices vary by counter and time of day |
| City mobile shops | $12 – $22 | Requires a visit in person, price depends on shop and area |
📌 Choosing Between Data-Only and eSIM With Phone Number
1. Data-only Vietnam eSIM
A data-only eSIM works well if you mainly need Google Maps, ride-hailing with an existing international number, social media, and email. It is often the lowest-cost option, especially for short holidays.
2. Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number
If you want to register and receive OTP codes from local apps, a Vietnamese phone number makes life much easier. This is helpful for:
- Using ride-hailing and taxi apps with a local number.
- Receiving OTP from Vietnamese banks or payment apps.
- Local calls to hotels, homestays, or tour operators.
You can see current options here: Vietnam eSIM with phone number.
📶 Vietnam eSIM vs Physical SIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi
| Feature | Vietnam eSIM | Physical SIM | Pocket Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activate online before flight | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ (usually airport pickup) |
| Works as soon as you land | ✔ | Only if bought in advance | After pickup and power on |
| Vietnamese phone number available | ✔ (selected plans) | ✔ | ✘ |
| Extra device to carry/charge | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Good for sharing with many devices | Hotspot from phone | Hotspot from phone | ✔ |
🛬 First Hour in Vietnam: eSIM and Airport Pickup
The first hour after landing is when reliable data matters most: finding your driver, confirming your hotel, or checking the route. With a Vietnam eSIM active on arrival, you can message your accommodation, check live traffic, and avoid confusion at the terminal exit.
If you prefer to have both connectivity and transport arranged in advance, you can combine your eSIM with a pre-booked ride. GoVnSIM’s partner service offers private transfers from major airports; you can see details here: Vietnam airport pickup service.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam eSIM
Is Vietnam eSIM legal and safe?
Yes. eSIM is officially supported by major Vietnamese operators. GoVnSIM uses legitimate local network connections rather than grey-market roaming profiles.
Which phones support Vietnam eSIM?
In general, iPhone XS and newer, recent Google Pixel and Samsung flagship models, and many newer Xiaomi and Oppo devices support eSIM. Always check your specific model in a compatibility list before ordering.
Can I keep my home SIM active?
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible phones support two lines at the same time. A common setup is: home SIM for banking SMS and WhatsApp, Vietnam eSIM for all local data.
What data speed should I expect?
Depending on location and network, you can usually expect 4G or 5G speeds fast enough for video calls, navigation, and streaming. Mountain passes or very remote areas may see slower speeds, especially away from main roads and towns.
🚀 Simple Tips for a Smooth eSIM Experience
- Activate the eSIM profile while connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your phone after installation so it can register cleanly on the local network.
- Set the Vietnam eSIM as your default mobile data line in settings.
- Keep a copy of your QR code or activation code in case you need to reinstall on the same device.
- Use hotspot sharing sensibly if several people connect through one phone.
📣 Plan Your Connectivity in Vietnam
If you prefer a simple setup with a clear local number for calls, ride-hailing, and OTP, you can start with a single-user package from the Vietnam eSIM with phone number range and keep everything on one device.
For travelers heading to mountains or less-connected regions, the Viettel eSIM for Tourists provides the most reliable coverage and consistent high-speed connection across Vietnam.
📞 Support
Support: WhatsApp +84 98 307 49 15 · LINE: anyaxiaoying · Email: info@govnsim.com
Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com.