Vietnam eSIM Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

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 question about Vietnam eSIM: what works, what doesn’t, and exactly what to do before and after you land. Use the sections below to straight to what you need:

I. The Basics

1. Does eSIM work in Vietnam?

Yes. eSIM technology works reliably across Vietnam. All three major networks (Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone) support eSIM on most smartphones, and coverage spans cities, coastal towns, and most tourist destinations. Remote areas like Ha Giang still get 4G on Viettel, though signal can be patchy in deep valleys.

2. Is my phone eSIM compatible for using in Vietnam?

Most smartphones released after 2018 support eSIM technology – including:

• iPhone XR/11 and later
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and
• Google Pixel 3 and later

Your phone also needs to be unlocked to use a foreign eSIM.

→ Check full list of eSIM compatible phones and devices

3. Why should you use an eSIM for traveling in Vietnam instead of using your home carrier’s roaming plan?

Your home carrier’s roaming plan charges daily fees regardless of how much data you use – Verizon charges $12/day,, AT&T $10/day, most European carriers EUR 5- 8/day.

A Vietnam eSIM costs $1-$2/day or $5-$8/week with far higher data limits and no surprise charges. It means that for a 10-day trip, that is a potential saving of $80-100.

Beyond the cost, eSIMs activate instantly, require no airport queue, work the moment your plane lands and offer reliable local speeds.

4. eSIM vs. local physical SIM – What is the difference?

A travel eSIM installs digitally before you fly – no queue, no passport, instant activation on landing. A local SIM costs slightly less but requires an in-store purchase with ID, and airport kiosks sometimes inflate prices.

For most tourists, eSIMs wins on convenience. For long-stay travelers, (30+ days) who want a local number, and the cheapest possible rate: local SIM is worth considering.

→ Read more: eSIM vs. physical SIM in Vietnam: Full comparison

5. How do I buy a Vietnam eSIM?

You can buy one online before your trip:

• Visit the provider’s website vietnamesim.com,
• Choose a plan (select by data amount and trip length),
• Make payment via credit card or PayPal,
• Receive a QR code via email within minutes
• Scan QR code to install – activate after landing.

No ID required. No app needed. The whole process takes under 5 minutes.

II. Choosing the right plan

6. What network carriers is best in Vietnam?

Viettel has the strongest coverage, particularly in rural areas. If your itinerary includes Ha Giang Loop, Sapa, Phong Nha, or the Mekong Delta, Viettel is the safest choice.

Vinaphone is a strong second, reliable in cities and most tourist destinations.

MobiFone is fine for urban travel but signal drops first in mountains and remote villages.

If you’re unsure which network your eSIM uses — or if the provider isn’t transparent about it — choose Viettel.

→ Read more: Top 3 mobile network operators in Vietnam – Viettel vs Vinaphone vs MobiFone

7. Do I need a passport or ID to buy a Vietnam eSIM?

No. Online travel eSIMs require no ID or passport verification. Once you make the purchase, you receive your QR code instantly by email, then scan and go.

Passport is only required for physical SIM cards purchased in local stores – a regulation that doesn’t apply to online eSIM purchases.

→ Check this: Do they ask for photo and passport at airport SIM counters in Vietnam?

8. Should I buy before arrival or after landing?

You can – and should – buy it before arrival – always. Here is why:

• You can install the eSIM at home on stable WiFi
• No searching for Internet at the airport.
• Your plan only starts counting when you first connect to a Vietnamese network – not when you scan.

Buy and install before you fly. Activate after landing.

→ Read in details: Should you buy a Vietnam eSIM before arrival or after landing?

9. Will I get a local Vietnamese phone number?

It depends on the plan:
Plans with a Vietnamese phone number:

• Vinaphone eSIM
• Local eSIM (MobiFone MVNO)

Data-only plans (no number):

• Viettel eSIM
• SkyFi eSIM (MobiFone MVNO)

If you need a number for Grab registration, Zalo, or receiving OTP codes from Vietnamese services – choose Vinaphone or Local eSIM.
Good to know: Grab now has in-app chat, so you can register with your home number before departure and message drivers using mobile data — no local number required.

→ Check this: Do I need a Vietnamese phone number as a tourist?

10. Do Vietnam eSIMs include calls and texts?

Data-only plans (covered by Viettel, SkyFi) offer NO phone number. But you can use WhatsApp, Zalo, Telegram, or Messenger for calls and texts – all work perfectly over 4G/5G data.

Plans with a phone number (covered by Vinaphone, Local/MobiFone) offer:

• incoming calls and SMS: free
• outgoing calls: many plans include on-net minutes. (e.g. 1,000 free minutes to other Vinaphone numbers)
• Local SMS: available on selected plans.

Pro Tip: If you need to register for Grab or book local restaurants requiring a Vietnamese number, choose Vinaphone or Local plan.

11. How much data do I actually need?

It depends on how you use data in your trip:

• Light use (maps, messaging, email): 1-3 GB/week
• Moderate use (social media, GPS, travel apps): 3-5 GB/week
• Heavy use (video calls, streaming): 10-15 GB/week
• For digital nomads (remote work, video meeting): unlimited plan

The amount of data you choose also varies by trip length. For a 1-2 week tourist trip with moderate use, a 5-10 Gb plan is comfortable. When you are in doubt, you should go one tier up because running out of data in the middle of your trip is more disruptive than paying a little extra.

III. Setup and activation

12. How do I install and activate my Vietnam eSIM?

Take these steps:

Step 1: Install (do it at home, before flying)

• Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile data > Add eSIM
• Scan QR code from your confirmation email
• Label it as “Vietnam eSIM”

Step 2: Activate (after landing in Vietnam)

• Turn on the eSIM line, then set as primary data
• Enable Data roaming, then wait for 1-2 minutes

If you buy eSIM from Vietnamesim.com, here’re some detailed information about activation policy by carrier:

• 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.

If you cannot scan your QR code, open your email and enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually in Settings > Add eSIM > Enter details manually.

No app required for installing Vietnamesim.com plans. Done – you are ready to stay connected in Vietnam.

→ Full activation guide with screenshots: how to activate a Vietnam eSIM

13. When exactly should I activate?

Install: before departure (using your home WiFi)

Activate: after landing in Vietnam

Your plan’s validity period starts the moment the eSIM connects to a Vietnamese network.

⚠️ Exception – Viettel eSIM: Validity starts the moment you scan the QR code, not when you connect to Vietnam’s network. So don’t scan it too early, or you’ll waste days before you even depart.

IV. Using your eSIM in Vietnam

14. Can I use my home SIM and Vietnam eSIM at the same time?

Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of eSIMs.

You can run both simultaneously – use your home SIM for calls and texts and your Vietnam eSIM for mobile data.

To do it, go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Default SIM (or SIM Manager). Then set Vietnam eSIM as default data line.

Important note: Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to prevent background charges from your home carrier.

→ Learn: How to use your home SIM and Vietnam eSIM at the same time

15. How do I switch between SIMs and avoid accidental roaming?

Your device treats each SIM (physical or eSIM) as a separate mobile line. You can assign specific tasks – like data, calls, or texts – to each one.

Step 1: Set your default lines

• Go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Default SIM (or SIM Manager)
• Select the Vietnam eSIM as your default data line and your home SIM for voice calls or SMS.

Step 2: Disable roaming on your home SIM (not the Vietnam eSIM) to prevent accidental home carrier charges.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > your home SIM > Data roaming > switch Off
• On Android: Go to Settings > Connections / Network & Internet > SIM Manager > tap your home eSIM > Data roaming > switch off

Tip: Label both SIMs clearly (“Home” and “Vietnam”) so you can switch quickly while traveling.

16. Can I use hotspot/tethering with my Vietnam eSIM?

Yes. Most Vietnam eSIM plans support hotspot sharing. You can share your connection with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion’s phone.

Note: Hotspot drains data significantly faster. If you plan to tether regularly, choose a larger data plan or unlimited.

17. Will it work for Grab, Zalo, and Vietnamese apps?

Yes. All Vietnamese apps – Grab, Zalo, ShopeeFood, Be, Xanh SM, Agoda – work normally on 4G/5G data.
One exception: apps that require SMS verification with a Vietnamese number (Zalo registration, some Grab sign-ups). For these, you need a plan with a local number (Vinaphone or MobiFone plan),

18. Does my Vietnam eSIM support 5G?

Yes, most premium plans on Vietnamesim.com supports 5G in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong). Outside the cities, your phone automatically switches to 4G/LTE, which remains the most reliable network for cross-country travel.

To use 5G, ensure that:

• your phone must be 5G-capable, and
• 5G must be enabled in Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data.

→ Read more: Vietnam 5G coverage & rollout update

19. 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:

By carrier shortcode:

• Viettel Plans: Send a free SMS with the text KTTK to 191.
• Vinaphone Plans: Dial *101# and press call, or send an SMS with DATA to 888.
• MobiFone/Local Plans: Dial 0905# and press call.

Via phone settings:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings (Universal): Go to Settings > Cellular > “Current Period.” Reset this counter when you land for accuracy.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage.

If you are still unsure about your remaining data or have trouble with the codes, contact vietnamesim.com support via WhatsApp: +1 657-571-1199 or email: [email protected] – 24/7 response.

V. Troubleshooting

20. What if data stops working in rural areas?

In remote areas like Ha Giang, deep Sapa valleys, rural Mekong, week signals is normal.

Do this quick fix:

1. Switch from 5G → 4G/LTE in Settings

2. Toggle Airplane mode off/on

3. Manually select Viettel as your network carrier

If you are on a MobiFone-based eSIM in Ha Giang, consider this before your trip — Viettel is significantly stronger in that region.

→ See more: Ha Giang Loop connectivity guide for travelers

21. What if my eSIM shows “No Service”?

90% of “No Service” issues come from settings, not a broken eSIM. If you aren’t connecting, follow this checklist in order:

• Data Roaming turned ON for Vietnam eSIM?
• Vietnam eSIM set as primary data line?
• Airplane mode toggled off/on?
• Phone restarted?
• APN settings correct? (check your activation email)

⚠️ Never delete your eSIM to “fix” it. Most QR codes are one-time use — deleting means buying a new plan.

22. Can I top up if I run out of data?

For vietnamesim.com plans: top-up is not currently available. If you run out, simply purchase a second eSIM and scan it — your phone can hold multiple eSIM profiles.

It is easier to buy a larger plan upfront than to manage running out mid-trip.

23. Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?

No. Travel eSIMs are locked to the device they’re first scanned on (tied to the phone’s EID hardware).

Do not delete the eSIM thinking you can re-scan on a new device — the QR code is one-time use an cannot be reactivated.

If you’ve switched phones, contact your provider’s support before deleting anything. In some cases, a replacement profile can be issued.

VI. End of trip

24. When and how to delete the Vietnam eSIM after your trip?

When to delete: Only after your trip is fully finished and you are certain you no longer need the data.

Do not delete it:

• During your trip if data runs out (you may need the ICCID to contact support)
• To try to “fix” a connection isssue

How to delete:

• Go to Settings > Mobile data > eSIM profile
• Select Vietnam eSIM > Delete eSIM