Traveling to Vietnam is an incredible experience, but staying connected is non-negotiable for navigating busy Hanoi streets, booking Grabs in Saigon, or sharing views from Ha Long Bay. This Vietnam eSIM guide answers every possible question about using an eSIM in Vietnam to ensure you hit the ground running with high-speed data.
Table of Contents
1. Does eSIM work in Vietnam?
Yes. eSIM technology works perfectly in Vietnam. Major networks like Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone support eSIM on most smartphones, and many global travel eSIM providers offer strong nationwide coverage.
2. Is my phone eSIM compatible for using in Vietnam?
You need to check two things:
- eSIM support: Most newer smartphones — including iPhones (XR/11 and later), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and later), and Google Pixel (3 and later) — support eSIM technology.
- Unlocked status: Your phone must be unlocked to use a Vietnam eSIM. Locked phones cannot activate eSIMs from carriers outside your home network.
3. Why should you use an eSIM for traveling in Vietnam instead of using your home carrier’s roaming plan?
Using your home carrier’s roaming plan while abroad can quickly become expensive. Most roaming options charge daily fees, offer limited data, and may include hidden overage costs. In contrast, a Vietnam travel eSIM offers transparent pricing, various plan options, reliable local speeds, and easy activation whenever you need it.
4. Is an eSIM cheaper than international roaming?
Absolutely. eSIM plans for Vietnam are 80–90% cheaper than most carriers’ roaming fees. For example, roaming charges on Verizon cost $12/day whereas a Vietnam eSIM can cost as little as $1/day or $5-$8/week for much higher data allowances. You’ll pay local rates instead of high international charges.
5. What is the difference between an online travel eSIM and a local physical SIM?
An online travel eSIM:
A travel eSIM is a prepaid digital plan designed for visitors. You can buy it online, set it up digitally, skip SIM shops and connect instantly after landing.
Pros:
- Install before you land
- No passport required
- No airport queue
- Instant activation
Cons:
- Usually more expensive than local SIM
- Some are data-only (no phone number)
- Requires eSIM-supported devices
Local physical SIM card:
A local physical SIM card is made for residents or long-term travelers. It requires an in-store purchase with an ID/passport and often includes voice/SMS balance.
You can buy one at:
- Noi Bai airport or Hanoi city
- Tan Son Nhat airport and Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang Airport and Da Nang city
Expect to pay around 200,000 VND (~8–9 USD) for a solid tourist SIM.
It works well – but:
- Some kiosks inflate prices.
- Some plans are unclear.
- Not all sellers are official.
Tip: If you prefer local physical SIM card: visit an official store (Viettel, Vinaphone) with glass entrance, air-conditioned shop, branded singaure) instead of small booths.
► Read more: eSIM vs. Physical SIM in Vietnam
6. How can I buy an eSIM for Vietnam?
You can buy one online from reliable providers such as vietnamesim.com or Gigago. Visit the provider’s website, choose a plan (data and validity), make payment via credit card or PayPal, and you’ll receive a QR code via email within minutes for setup.
7. What is the best network carrier in Vietnam?
In Vietnam:
- Viettel has the strongest rural coverage
- Vinaphone is second
- Mobifone drops first in mountains
If your eSIM connects to Mobifone only, expect weaker signal in:
- Ha Giang Loop
- Sapa outskirts
- Phong Nha countryside
- Mekong Delta villages
If you’re serious about rural travel, check which network your eSIM uses.
If unclear, Viettel is the safest choice.
8. Do I need to provide a passport or ID to buy a Vietnam eSIM?
No. Online travel eSIMs don’t require any ID or passport verification. Once you make the purchase, you receive your QR code instantly via email. ID verification is only required for physical SIM cards purchased in local stores.
9. Can I buy my eSIM in advance or should I wait until arrival?
You can – and should – buy it in advance. It is faster and stress-free. Install the eSIM before flying, but activate it only after landing. That way, your plan duration starts only when your phone first connects to a Vietnamese network.
10. Will I get a local Vietnamese phone number with my Vietnam eSIM?
This depends on your selected network. Plans from Vinaphone and Local (MobiFone MVNO) come with a local number, while Viettel and Skyfi are data-only. If you choose a data-only plan, you can still stay connected via VOIP apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram.
11. How do I install my eSIM for Vietnam?
- Open your phone’s Settings menu > Cellular / Mobile data > Add eSIM or Add cellular plan
- Scan the QR code in the email sent from the eSIM provider
- Label it (e.g., “Gigago Vietnam eSIM”)
- Done – you are ready to stay connected in Vietnam.
12. Should I activate my eSIM before departure or after arrival in Vietnam?
Install it before your departure when you have stable Internet or WiFi. But you should only activate it after landing in Vietnam. Do not activate too early because it triggers your plan’s duration, so doing it early may waste day plans.
13. How do I activate my Vietnam eSIM?
For most plans, activation happens automatically once you land in Vietnam. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth connection:
- Enable the Line: Go to your phone’s Settings and turn on your Vietnam eSIM.
- Set as Primary Data: Select the eSIM as your “Active” or “Primary” line for Cellular Data.
- Turn on Data Roaming: Ensure Data Roaming is toggled ON for the Vietnam eSIM specifically.
- Wait for Connection: Give the phone 1–2 minutes to register with the local network.
Activation Methods by Provider on Vietnamesim.com:
Depending on which network you chose, there may be one final step:
- Viettel eSIM: automatically activated as soon as they detect the Viettel signal.
- Vinaphone eSIM: automatically activated as soon as they detect the Vinaphone signal.
- MobiFone official: Dial 900 and press 2 once in Vietnam to initialize the eSIM.
- Skyfi (MobiFone MVNO): automatically activated as soon as they detect the Skyfi/MobiFone signal.
- Local (MobiFone MVNO): Open your MyQR confirmation link and click the button Activate.
14. What if I cannot scan the QR code?
If scanning fails, open your eSIM email and look for the manual activation details (SM‑DP+ address and activation code). Enter them manually in your phone’s eSIM installation screen.
15. Do I need to install an app to use the eSIM?
Not necessarily. Many providers (like Vietnamesim.com) send the QR activation code directly via email – no app required.
However, some brands (e.g., Airalo) offer apps that let you monitor data usage and top up easily.
16. Can I still receive calls/texts on my home number while using the eSIM for data?
Yes. Just keep your primary SIM active and use the Vietnam eSIM for data. You’ll still receive OTPs, SMS, or calls on your main number if your phone supports Dual SIM Dual Standby.
17. Can I use my home SIM and Vietnam eSIM at the same time?
Yes, that’s one of the biggest advantages of eSIM. You can run both simultaneously – use your home SIM for calls and texts and your Vietnam eSIM for mobile data.
18. Do Vietnam eSIMs include calls and texts besides mobile data?
It depends on the specific plan you choose. While many travel eSIMs are “data-only,” Vietnamesim.com offers both options to suit your needs:
- Data-Only Plans (Viettel, Skyfi): These do not come with a phone number. You can still stay connected by using internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Zalo, Telegram, or Messenger for calling and texting.
- Data + Phone Number Plans (Vinaphone, Local/MobiFone): These include a local Vietnamese phone number. Depending on the package, you may receive:
- Incoming Calls & SMS: Always free.
- Outgoing Calls: Many plans include a bundle of “on-net” minutes (e.g., 1,000 free minutes to other Vinaphone numbers).
- Local SMS: Available on select plans or by topping up your credit.
Pro Tip: If you need to book local restaurants or register for the Grab app using a local number, we recommend choosing a Vinaphone or Local plan.
19. Does my Vietnam eSIM support 5G connectivity?
Yes, most premium eSIMs from Vietnamesim now support 5G in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. To use 5G, ensure that:
- Your smartphone is 5G-compatible.
- 5G is enabled in your phone’s cellular settings (set to “5G On” or “5G Auto”).
You are in an area with 5G coverage (usually urban centers). If you are in a rural area, your phone will automatically switch to 4G/LTE, which remains the most reliable network for cross-country travel.
► Read more: Vietnam 5G roll out (updated)
20. How do I switch between my home SIM and Vietnam eSIM?
Your device treats each SIM (physical or eSIM) as a separate mobile line that you can assign for different functions – data, calls and texts.
On your device:
- Go to Settings > Mobile / Cellular > Default SIM (or SIM Manager)
- You will see both your home SIM and Vietnam eSIM listed
- Select the Vietnam eSIM as your default data line and your home SIM for voice calls or SMS.
- For cost control, turn off mobile data on your home SIM to prevent background roaming charges.
Tip: Label the plans clearly as Home SIM and Vietnam eSIM in your settings so you can quickly switch between them while traveling.
21. How do I avoid accidental roaming charges on my home plan?
Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android) and turn off data roaming for your home SIM.
Then, assign the Vietnam eSIM as the data SIM. This ensures all data is used from your Vietnam eSIM plan.
If your device supports per line defaults for iMessage or RCS, confirm them as well to keep messaging running on the right line.
22. Can I use the eSIM for Hotspot/Tethering?
Yes. Most travel eSIMs support hotspot/tethering, so you can share your Internet connection with other mobile devices of travel companions. Note that sharing data will use up your data faster.
23. Will it work for Grab, Zalo, and food delivery apps?
Yes, Vietnam eSIMs provide full 4G/5G access compatible with all Vietnamese apps like Zalo, Grab, Shopeefood, etc. These require strong data, which travel eSIMs provide reliably.
24. How much data will I actually need for my trip in Vietnam?
- For light use (messaging, emails, maps): 1-3GB/week
- For moderate use (social media, GPS, travel apps): 3–5 GB/week
- For heavy use (video calls, streaming): 10-15GB/week
- Digital nomads: consider unlimited plans.
Most travelers are comfortable with a 5-10GB plan for a 1-2 week trip.
25. What should I do if my data stops working in a rural area like Ha Giang?
- Go to the Settings menu
- Switch your phone from 5G to 4G/LTE
- Restart your device
- Ensure Data roaming is turned on
If there is still no service:
- Check if your eSIM allows Network Selection
- Manually switch network carriers (e.g. From MobiFone to Viettel or Vinaphone to Viettel)
26. How do I check my remaining data balance?
You can easily monitor your usage through your phone’s settings or by using network-specific shortcodes. For eSIMs purchased from Vietnamesim.com, use the following methods:
- Viettel Plans: Send a free SMS with the text KTTK to 191. You will receive a message (in Vietnamese) showing your remaining high-speed data.
- Vinaphone Plans: Dial *101# and press call to see your main balance, or send an SMS with DATA to 888.
- MobiFone/Local Plans: Dial 0905# and press call to view your remaining data allowance.
- Phone Settings (Universal): On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and look under “Current Period.” On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage. (Note: Remember to “Reset Statistics” when you land in Vietnam for an accurate count).
If you are ever unsure about your remaining data or have trouble with the codes, you can always contact our 24/7 support team via WhatsApp or email, and we will provide a detailed status of your plan.
27. What should I do if the eSIM is not working or shows “No Service”?
In 90% of cases, “No Service” is caused by a simple setting rather than a broken eSIM. If you aren’t connecting, follow this checklist in order:
- Ensure Data roaming is turned on;
- Toggle Airplane mode on/off;
- Restart your phone;
- Select the correct mobile network manually.
- Check APN Settings. APN is note in activation email from your eSIM provider.
If there is still no connection, contact the support team for help.
Note: Never delete your eSIM to try and “fix” it. Most eSIM QR codes are one-time use; if you delete it from your phone, it cannot be re-installed, and you will need to purchase a new one.
28. Can I top up my data if I run out?
It depends on the eSIM provider’s policy. For Vietnamesim.com, up to now, you cannot top up, but you can simply buy a second eSIM and scan it once the first one expires or runs out.
29. Can I transfer my travel eSIM for Vietnam to a new phone?
No. Most travel eSIMs are designed for a single installation on a single device. Once scanned and linked to a phone’s hardware (EID), it cannot be “un-scanned” and moved to another device.
Do not delete the eSIM from your current phone thinking you can simply re-scan the QR code on a new one. This will permanently deactivate the eSIM, and you will lose your data plan.
However, in certain circumstances, contact provider support for a replacement profile. But, do not delete the eSIM from your old phone expecting to move it before contacting support.
30. How do I delete the eSIM after my trip?
- Go to Settings > Mobile data > eSIM profile
- Select Vietnam eSIM > Delete eSIM or Remove cellular plans.
31. When should I remove or delete the eSIM from my phone?
You should only delete the eSIM after your trip is completely finished and you no longer need the data.
- Do not delete it during your trip if the data runs out, as you may need the ICCID or technical details to contact support.
- Do not delete it to try and “fix” a connection issue