π Vietnam Number for OTP: 2025 Guide for Tourists
For travelers in Vietnam, a local number is more than just a convenience β itβs often required to receive OTP (One-Time Password) messages. Whether youβre booking a Grab, verifying WhatsApp, or authorizing a banking transaction, having a Vietnam number for OTP ensures smooth access to apps and services. This guide explains how to get one, what it costs in 2025, and why tourists should plan ahead.
π Why Do You Need a Vietnam Number for OTP?
Many essential apps depend on OTP verification via SMS:
- Messaging: WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat, Telegram
- Transport: Grab, Be ride-hailing
- Food delivery: ShopeeFood, Baemin, Gojek
- Banking: Mobile apps and card confirmations
- Government: e-visa updates and travel services
Without a local number, tourists often canβt receive these codes, leaving apps unusable.
π± Options to Get a Vietnam Number for OTP
1. Airport SIM Cards
Tourist SIMs sold at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) are OTP-ready but priced higher than online solutions.
- 30-day SIM (VNPT/MobiFone): $23β25, ~3β4GB/day, includes local number
β
Pros: Instant OTP access after landing.
β Cons: ~30% higher cost than eSIM, requires passport registration.
2. City Shop SIM Cards
Shops in city centers like Hanoi Old Quarter or HCMC District 1 also provide local SIMs. Prices are slightly lower than airports but still above eSIMs.
- 30-day SIM (MobiFone/VinaPhone): $21β23, ~3β5GB/day, includes local number
β
Pros: Full OTP support, flexible data.
β Cons: Requires time to locate shops, still 20β25% costlier than eSIM.
3. eSIM with Phone Number
Best balance of price and convenience. Example: GoVnSIM 30-day eSIM with local number, 6GB/day at $18.50, auto-activated on chosen date.
β
Pros: Instant QR delivery by email, OTP-ready, no SIM tray swap.
β Cons: Only works on eSIM-compatible devices.
4. Data-Only eSIM
Viettelβs data eSIM (15β30 days, $14.90β19.90, 5GB/day) offers excellent coverage but does not support SMS OTP. Choose this only if OTP is not essential for your trip.
5. Roaming on Home SIM
Keeping your home SIM active allows OTP delivery, but delays and failures are common in Vietnam. Each OTP can cost $1β2 in roaming fees, making it impractical for frequent use.
β οΈ Common OTP Issues
- No OTP arriving: Ensure your Vietnam number is set as the default SMS line.
- Dual-SIM conflicts: Disable your home SIM temporarily to prioritize the local eSIM.
- Bank OTP abroad: Some banks only send OTPs to your home SIM β keep roaming active as backup.
- App mismatch: Apps like WeChat require the registered phone number to match the active SIM.
π 2025 Price Comparison: Vietnam Number for OTP
Option | Price (30 days) | Data | OTP Access |
---|---|---|---|
Airport SIM (VNPT/MobiFone) | $23β25 | 3β4GB/day | Yes |
City Shop SIM (Hanoi/HCMC) | $21β23 | 3β5GB/day | Yes |
GoVnSIM eSIM with Phone Number | $18.50 | 6GB/day | Yes |
Viettel Data-only eSIM | $14.90β19.90 | 5GB/day | No |
π§³ Case Study: Food Delivery in Hanoi
In April 2025, a German tourist staying in Hanoi Old Quarter tried ordering dinner with Grabfood. Their roaming SIM never received the OTP, leaving the app unusable. The next day, they activated a local MobiFone eSIM with number ($18.50). OTPs worked immediately, and they completed their order. A similar SIM from a shop on Hang Bong Street cost $22 with less data β about 20% more.
π‘ Best Practices
- Purchase an OTP-ready eSIM before arrival to save time.
- Set your Vietnam number as the default SMS line in dual-SIM phones.
- Use roaming only as a last resort for critical OTPs.
- Test OTP reception before relying on Grab or food delivery apps.
π£ Plan Your Connectivity
Need a Vietnam number for OTP access? Read the full guide: Vietnam SIM & eSIM for OTP 2025.
β For a reliable and ready-to-use option, order your Vietnam eSIM. Get instant QR delivery by email and start receiving OTPs as soon as you land.
Part of Heera Travel Group β Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com