Data-Only Viettel eSIM vs eSIM with Phone Number – Which Should You Choose in 2025?
Choosing between a Data-Only Viettel eSIM and an eSIM with a Vietnamese phone number is one of the most common questions among travelers, digital nomads, and long-term visitors in Vietnam. The right option affects not only your connection quality but also how you make calls, receive OTP codes, and access local services. This 2025 guide breaks down key differences, costs, and ideal use cases to help you decide with clarity.
🔍 Understanding the Basics
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) lets you connect to a mobile network digitally, without inserting a physical SIM card. In Vietnam, the main carriers offering eSIMs are Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone. They fall into two major types:
- Data-Only Viettel eSIM: Internet-only access — ideal for browsing, navigation, video calls, and messaging apps like WhatsApp or LINE.
- eSIM with Phone Number: Comes with both data and a local Vietnamese number, enabling calls, SMS, and OTP verification.
📊 Feature Comparison – Data-Only vs eSIM with Number
| Feature | Data-Only Viettel eSIM | eSIM with Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Data | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Local Phone Number | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Receive OTP | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Voice Calls | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Activation Speed | Instant via QR | Instant (online) or in-store |
| Best For | Tourists, short stays, heavy data users | Expats, business travelers, long-term stays |
💰 Real Price Ranges (2025)
Based on verified GoVnSIM listings as of 2025:
- Viettel eSIM (Data-Only): 5GB/day — 15 days: $14.50 · 30 days: $18.90
- MobiFone eSIM with Number: 3GB/day — 10/15/30 days: $6.90–$13.90
- VinaPhone eSIM with Number: 5GB/day — 10/15/30 days: $11.90–$18.90
All options include hotspot/tethering support. Only MobiFone and VinaPhone eSIMs provide local phone numbers for calls or OTPs.
⚖️ Pros and Cons at a Glance
Advantages of Data-Only Viettel eSIM
- Lower cost and faster setup — no passport upload for tourist eSIMs.
- Instant QR delivery with zero waiting time.
- Ideal for travelers who use WhatsApp, LINE, or Telegram for communication.
Drawbacks of Data-Only Plans
- No local number for OTP verification (banking, Grab, etc.).
- Cannot make or receive traditional calls.
Advantages of eSIM with Phone Number
- Complete service — data, SMS, and calls in one plan.
- Essential for OTP use (banking, ride-hailing, food delivery apps).
- Better suited for long stays or work trips.
Drawbacks of Number Plans
- Higher cost and may require ID verification.
- Lower daily data limit compared to data-only eSIMs.
📱 Real Traveler Experience
Laura from Spain stayed in Vietnam for three weeks working remotely from Da Nang. She started with a Data-Only Viettel eSIM (5GB/day for $18.90) and used WhatsApp and Zoom for client calls. Midway through her trip, she switched to a VinaPhone eSIM with number for easier Grab bookings and OTP verification. Her takeaway: data-only was perfect for the first half, but having a number later made local apps more convenient.
🧭 When to Choose Each Type
Choose Data-Only Viettel eSIM if:
- Your trip is short (under 30 days) and you rely on messaging apps.
- You want instant activation and simple setup.
- You prefer not to provide passport details for ID registration.
Choose eSIM with Phone Number if:
- You need OTPs for banking, Grab, or delivery apps.
- You plan to make or receive local calls frequently.
- Your stay in Vietnam is longer-term (study, work, or business).
⚙️ Quick Setup Guide
- Check device compatibility – iPhone XR+, Pixel 4+, Galaxy S20+, or newer.
- Buy your plan – Choose from GoVnSIM’s Vietnam eSIM catalog.
- Receive QR code – Delivered instantly by email.
- Install eSIM –
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Scan QR.
Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. - Set as data line – Enable data; for number plans, set SMS line too.
- Test connection – Open Google Maps or run a Speedtest by Ookla to confirm network speed.
📣 Plan Your Connectivity
If you only need data for maps, work, and messaging, check the latest Vietnam Viettel eSIM Guide 2025 for current plans and setup details.
For longer routes or rural destinations, the Viettel eSIM for Tourists provides the most stable coverage and consistent speeds across Vietnam.
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.