Which is the Best eSIM for Vietnam for Tourists? [2025 Comparison]
🌏 Best eSIM for Vietnam for tourists is one of the most searched topics for international travelers planning to stay connected throughout their Vietnam trip. In this in-depth guide, we break down everything you need to know about eSIMs in Vietnam – which providers are reliable, which plans are the best value, how to activate your eSIM, and how real users rate their experience. All information is based on verified 2025 data, traveler reviews, and official sources.
📡 Why Use eSIM in Vietnam?
eSIM technology has become a game-changer for travelers in 2025. Here’s why more than 75% of international tourists now choose eSIMs over physical SIM cards in Vietnam:
- ⚡ Instant activation: No need to visit a shop or wait at the airport. Scan a QR code, get connected in under 5 minutes.
- 🗺️ Keep your home SIM: No risk of losing your original number – eSIM lets you stay reachable for banking or SMS verification.
- 🚫 No more SIM swapping: Avoid fiddly SIM trays, risk of dust/damage, or misplacing your home card.
- 🌐 Works on all unlocked eSIM-ready devices: All iPhone 11+, Google Pixel 4+, Samsung S20+, and many newer Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei models.
- 💸 Transparent pricing: Prices for Vietnam tourist eSIMs start from $7–$13 USD for 15–30 days, with generous data (5–10 GB+ or unlimited options).
🔎 Fact: According to Vietnam Briefing’s 2025 telecom guide, eSIM use among visitors more than doubled from 2023–2025, driven by digital nomads and expats.
📶 Top eSIM Providers for Tourists (2025)
There are two main types of eSIM brands for Vietnam:
- 🇻🇳 Local carriers: Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone offer official eSIMs for tourists. These have the best nationwide coverage and fastest speeds. Plans are available direct, or through trusted travel partners like GoVnSIM.
- 🌐 International eSIM brands: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Gigago, and Ubigi resell local network data, usually via Viettel or VinaPhone. Convenient purchase in English, but pricing and support varies.
Provider | Network | eSIM Plan Example | Support |
---|---|---|---|
Viettel | Viettel (native) | 30 days, 5–10GB/day or unlimited* | English, Vietnamese |
MobiFone | MobiFone | 30 days, 5–6GB/day | English, Vietnamese |
Airalo | Viettel | 30 days, 5–10GB (total) | English (app/email) |
Holafly | VinaPhone | 30 days, unlimited data (FUP) | English, Spanish (chat/email) |
*Unlimited data plans are subject to “Fair Usage Policy” (typically 2–6 Mbps after first 3–10GB/day).
💵 Real eSIM Plans & Price Comparison (2025)
Here’s an up-to-date snapshot of the most popular eSIM plans for tourists, as of July 2025:
Brand | Data | Validity | Calls/SMS | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Viettel (via GoVnSIM) | 6GB/day | 30 days | 500 min, local number | $12–$14 |
MobiFone (via GoVnSIM) | 6GB/day | 30 days | 500 min, local number | $12–$13.5 |
Airalo (Viettel) | 5GB (total) | 30 days | Data only | $10.50 |
Holafly (VinaPhone) | Unlimited* | 30 days | Data only | $19–$27 |
🔖 Note: “Unlimited” eSIMs are always subject to fair usage and may be slowed after 2–6GB/day. Only Viettel and MobiFone (via GoVnSIM) include a real Vietnamese phone number for calls, SMS, and app verification (e.g., Grab, Zalo, WhatsApp).
🚦 Coverage & Speed: Which Network is Best for Tourists?
Choosing the best eSIM for Vietnam for tourists isn’t just about price or data—it’s also about reliable coverage and fast speeds throughout your trip. As of mid-2025, Viettel remains the market leader in nationwide coverage, with 99% 4G/LTE availability across both cities and remote tourist destinations.
- 🏙️ Urban areas (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang): All major networks (Viettel, MobiFone, VinaPhone) offer nearly identical, excellent 4G and even 5G speeds. Average download: 70–120 Mbps (Speedtest.net, July 2025).
- 🌄 Popular tourist sites (Halong, Sapa, Hoi An, Phu Quoc): Viettel is most consistent, followed by MobiFone and VinaPhone. Some Airalo or Holafly eSIM users report reduced signal in rural zones (as these often prioritize urban routing).
- 🚉 Traveling by train or bus: Real-world tests show 95%+ uptime on Viettel eSIMs, even on long intercity routes. International brands may roam onto second-tier networks with slower speeds.
📊 2025 Speed Test Result:
- Viettel: 95 Mbps avg (city), 50–80 Mbps (rural)
- MobiFone: 90 Mbps avg (city), 45–70 Mbps (rural)
- Airalo: 60 Mbps avg (city), 20–40 Mbps (rural, sometimes drops to 3G)
- Holafly: 70 Mbps avg (city), 25–50 Mbps (rural, FUP limits after ~5GB/day)
🌐 For updated coverage maps and user reports, check the official Viettel coverage page or compare on nPerf’s Vietnam network map.
🌍 How to Choose the Right eSIM for Your Trip
- ⏳ Short trip (under 7 days): Data-only eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, or GoVnSIM’s “Short Stay” package) are affordable for light use, but check for phone number requirements.
- 📱 Need a local phone number: Only official carrier eSIMs (Viettel, MobiFone via GoVnSIM) provide you with a Vietnamese number for ride-hailing, hotel check-ins, and verification.
- 👨👩👧👦 Traveling as a group/family: Each traveler must activate their own eSIM. Some platforms (GoVnSIM) allow bulk orders and group support in English.
- 💻 Digital nomad/work trip: Prioritize networks with highest reliability (Viettel/MobiFone) and consider a plan with 6GB/day or unlimited data for video calls.
- 🚦 Remote adventure (Sapa, Ha Giang, Mekong): Choose Viettel-backed eSIMs for the best coverage.
🔎 Always check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before buying. Most iPhones since iPhone 11, and newer Android flagships, are supported.
👤 User Reviews & Case Study: Real Traveler Experience (2025)
Case Study: Mark S., Australia (visited May 2025)
“I used the GoVnSIM Viettel eSIM for a 3-week trip in Vietnam. Setup was instant with a QR code on arrival at my hotel. 4G speeds were always 40–90 Mbps, even in Sapa and Hue. I needed a local number for Grab and Zalo – worked perfectly. Tried Airalo for a second phone and got slower speeds in rural areas. Next trip, I’ll stick with local eSIM providers!”
🌟 Based on Google Reviews (2025), tourists give GoVnSIM a consistent 4.8/5 rating for eSIM support, activation speed, and English-language help.
💬 “Holafly’s unlimited plan was easy to set up, but it slowed down after several days of heavy use” (TripAdvisor, 2025).
🛒 Pro Tip: Buy a Reliable eSIM Online from GoVnSIM
- 🚀 Instant online order & delivery: Secure payment and QR code by email within 10 minutes (24/7).
- 📞 English & Chinese support: WhatsApp: +84 98 307 49 15, LINE ID: anyaxiaoying.
- 🇻🇳 Official Viettel/MobiFone plans: Local phone number included, valid for app registration and calls.
- 📋 Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, no paperwork. See Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number Guide for details.
🌟 Ready for fast, secure mobile data in Vietnam?
Order your tourist eSIM today at GoVnSIM and enjoy airport/hotel delivery, real Vietnamese number, and 24/7 support!
Contact us anytime via WhatsApp (+84 98 307 49 15) or LINE (ID: anyaxiaoying).
🔗 See more: Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number: The Definitive Guide (2025)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I buy a Vietnam eSIM before I arrive?
Yes, you can pre-order online from GoVnSIM and activate it the moment you land in Vietnam. - Which phones support eSIM in Vietnam?
Most modern iPhones (11 and up), Samsung S20/S21/S22/S23, Google Pixel 4+, Huawei P40+, Oppo Find X series, and more. - Will my eSIM work for ride-hailing (Grab) and food delivery?
If you choose a Viettel/MobiFone plan (GoVnSIM), you get a local number for app verification. - How long does it take to activate?
Usually under 10 minutes with a QR code. Customer support is available 24/7 if you need help. - Is eSIM cheaper than airport SIM?
For short trips, eSIM is often cheaper and more convenient than physical airport SIM cards.
Still have questions? Reach out to the GoVnSIM team for fast advice and smooth travel in Vietnam!