As frequent travelers to Vietnam who tested the top-rated eSIM cards in Vietnam’s south, central, and north destinations, we are happy to present you with a clear, concise, and up-to-date list of the best ones.
No fluff, no overcomplication, just facts.
The recommended Vietnam eSIM card providers in this article all offer packages with the best mobile networks. So you can be sure of great connectivity throughout the country.
For more information about Vietnam mobile networks and SIM Card packages, check our dedicated article on the Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists – check this if your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
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About Vietnam eSIMs for tourists
Vietnam eSIMs have gained popularity among travelers due to the convenience and cost-effectiveness they offer.
eSIM, or embedded SIM, technology allows you to access mobile data without the need to switch SIM cards physically. Instead, eSIMs are built into your device and can be activated with a simple QR code.
This eliminates the need to carry multiple physical SIM cards or worry about losing or damaging them.
It’s especially beneficial if you frequently visit Vietnam or visit multiple countries on a trip, as you conveniently switch between eSIM profiles for different destinations.
When using a Vietnam eSIM, you can enjoy high-speed mobile data, access to popular apps and websites, and the ability to make internet calls using services like WhatsApp/Viber or Messenger – all while keeping your home number active.
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About eSIM providers for travelers in Vietnam
With so many Vietnam eSIM options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one.
There are already so many companies, mostly selling very similar packages, and new ones are popping up like mushrooms after rain.
So we’ve listed the top-rated ones that we personally used, trust and that have a history of great customer reviews.
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Top three Travel eSIM providers for Vietnam
Our recommended eSIM providers for travelers in Vietnam are Gigago, Airalo, and SimOptions.
These providers offer a range of data plans and packages to suit different travel needs and budgets. All of the recommended providers also offer great network performance and customer support.
Whether you’re looking for unlimited data plans, budget-friendly options, or short-term solutions for weekend getaways, these providers have you covered. Some of the eSIM options also come with local phone numbers.
We’ll explore the various options and highlight the pros and cons of each recommended provider.
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Top Vietnam eSIM options for travelers in 2024
1. Unlimited Data Plans
Unlimited data plans are a popular choice if you require a high amount of data usage during your stay in Vietnam. These plans offer the freedom to use mobile data without worrying about running out or incurring additional charges.
Key features and benefits of unlimited data plans:
- High-speed data
- Wide network coverage
- No data usage restrictions
As of now, Gigago is the only provider offering truly unlimited data eSIMs for Vietnam.
Even though the 10-day and 15-day unlimited plans have a daily cap of 6GB and 4GB at max speed (the rest is slower), they’re still great deals.
The bolded package options in the table mean it’s a TRULY UNLIMITED package with no speed limitations after using a certain amount of data.
Why we recommend unlimited data plans by Gigago
Despite the higher upfront cost compared to limited data plans, unlimited data plans can offer better value for money.
In addition, the unlimited data plans by Gigago also come with a local phone number for receiving texts/calls, so you can register local apps like Grab (Uber). Unfortunately, you can not make outgoing calls on these packages.
Plus, data sharing (hotspot) is allowed for the unlimited plans. However, the 15 and 30-day packages have a limit of 6GB for data sharing, while the 10-day package has no known limit.
NOTE
We used to recommend Holafly for unlimited eSIM data plans in Vietnam, but as of 2024, they are extremely expensive compared to other options. This is especially true since they don’t allow hotspots (sharing data between devices) or a local phone number.
For some countries, Holafly is a great choice, but for Vietnam, unfortunately not.
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2. Budget-Friendly Packages
For budget-conscious travelers, several Vietnam eSIM providers offer affordable data packages.
Key features and benefits of budget-friendly eSIM packages:
- Flexible validity: shorter validity with more data or longer validity with less data
- Lower upfront cost: top-up as needed
As the comparisons below show, the cheapest Vietnam eSIM is the Gigago 8-day 7GB plan for $8.90 or the Airalo 30-day 3GB plan for $9.50.
2.1. Gigago Budget Plans
As the table below shows, shorter-duration packages at Gigago can be cheaper, but only when you don’t need much data. Otherwise, the unlimited data plans are much more worth it.
However, what’s great about these plans compared to unlimited is that if you need outgoing calls, you can add call credit to your plan and make them.
As an alternative to an unlimited package, check the GIGA120 eSIM. For $18.90, you get 4GB per day (a total of 120GB per month), as well as the ability to make calls and send texts. It already includes 1000 minutes of calls to Vinaphone and Itel phone numbers (you can add more credit for calls to other networks).
Gigago is a clear winner in terms of budget eSIM plans for Vietnam.
Gigago discount
Use the code SHIPPEDAWAY on checkout to claim a 5% discount on your eSIMs.
2.2. Airalo Budget Plans
Next up are Airalo’s plans, which fall short in terms of data offered, often giving you only half of the data received by Gigago for the same duration and price.
Airalo discount
Use the code MATEJ1033 to claim a $3 discount on your first Airalo eSIM purchase.
2.3. SimOptions Budget Plans
Currently, SimOptions doesn’t offer a wide selection of budget plans compared to other providers.
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3. eSIMs with local phone numbers
Having a local phone number can greatly benefit your stay in Vietnam.
Key features and benefits of eSIMs offering local phone numbers:
- Local communication: With a local phone number, you can easily communicate with local contacts, businesses, and service providers, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience – tour operators, hotels, etc.
- Access to local apps: Having a local phone number provides you access to local apps, like Grab (Uber), so you can also receive and make calls when hailing a ride, ordering food, or similar.
- Cost savings: With a local phone number, you can make local calls without incurring long-distance charges.
4. Long-term packages for extended stays and digital nomads
The providers we recommend offer eSIM options for extended stays in Vietnam or for digital nomads who require long-term mobile internet access.
However, we usually recommend buying a local package at the Viettel or Vinaphone stores.
Their long-term packages offer better value for money and plenty of top-up options. Plus, they can be a bit cheaper than the tourist offers when you plan on staying for two or more months.
However, the best long-term eSIM deal for Vietnam is the GIGA120 eSIM, which is generally the best offer on the market and renewable.
Read more about standard Vietnam SIM Cards and details on the best operators in our Best Vietnam SIM Cards article.
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Benefits of buying an eSIM for Vietnam
When traveling internationally, there are several advantages to choosing an eSIM over traditional SIM cards.
- Convenience: With eSIMs, there’s no need to physically swap SIM cards when traveling to different countries. eSIMs are built into compatible devices and can be activated digitally using a QR code.
- Cost savings: eSIMs often offer competitive data plans and pricing, allowing you to get online as soon as you arrive in the country and save on expensive international roaming charges.
- Environmental impact: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM cards, reducing waste and the environmental impact of traditional SIM cards.
Benefits of regional eSIM plans
In addition to all the above-mentioned benefits, eSIMs are perfect for multi-country trips, especially when traveling to Vietnam and South East Asia, where visiting multiple countries on one trip is more common.
You can buy a South East Asia eSIM package, which, in addition to Vietnam, gets you online in nearby countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Otherwise, if you buy separate eSIM packages for each country, it’s still quite straightforward to switch between different eSIM profiles without switching physical SIM Cards.
Personally, we prefer buying separate packages, as we usually stay for a longer period in each country. Otherwise, for shorter trips involving multiple countries, the combo package provides a better value for money, with still enough data at each destination.
Device Compatibility: Ensuring your smartphone is eSIM compatible
Before using a Vietnam eSIM, ensuring your smartphone is compatible with eSIM technology is important.
Please note that device compatibility may vary based on regional restrictions and carrier limitations. It’s important to check with your device manufacturer or eSIM provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing an eSIM.
You can check this convenient article about device compatibility.
For more information about Vietnam mobile networks and SIM Card packages, check our dedicated article on the Best Vietnam SIM Cards for Tourists – check this if your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Vietnam eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Activating your Vietnam eSIM is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you activate your eSIM:
Time needed: 15 minutes
Vietnam eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
- Choose your eSIM provider
Select a reputable eSIM provider that offers data plans suitable for your travel needs in Vietnam.
- Purchase your eSIM
Visit the eSIM provider’s website and choose the data plan that best suits your requirements. Add the plan to your cart and proceed to checkout to complete the purchase.
- Receive the QR code
After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email containing a QR code from the eSIM provider to your email address. Keep this email accessible on your device.
- Scan the QR code
On your device, open the camera app and scan the QR code received from the eSIM provider. This will activate the eSIM and initiate the download of the necessary eSIM profile. If you’re wondering how to do this on the phone, just save the QR code image or take a screenshot of it, and then tap on it in your photo gallery. It should scan it.
- Optional: Manually enter eSIM plan
If you can’t scan the QR code, follow the manual steps for adding the eSIM to your phone. It’s very straightforward and shouldn’t take a long time either.
- Confirm the eSIM activation
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the activation of the eSIM profile. This may involve entering a confirmation code or selecting the appropriate settings on your device. Sometimes, you need to send a text message to the provider’s provided phone number to activate the eSIM.
Ensure that your device has a stable internet connection for the initial activation process. We usually do this at the departure airport before flying into Vietnam, so as soon as we land, we’re online. - Enable Data Roaming on the new eSIM plan
In your new eSIM plan settings, enable Data Roaming, otherwise it won’t work. Don’t forget this step!
- Turn off “Cellular Data Switching”
When you enable data roaming, make sure to turn off “Cellular Data Switching”; otherwise, the phone might switch to your home plan if the eSIM loses connectivity. This is usually something that rarely happens, but it’s possible in elevators of skyscrapers, where the connection drops. So, if your home plan gets connectivity first, it might cause extra costs.
- Set new eSIM data plan as primary
Make sure to set the new eSIM plan on your phone as the primary one for mobile data. This way, your home plan won’t be used for data, but it can still receive texts and phone calls.
Otherwise, remember to remove or disable your physical SIM card while using the eSIM to avoid any conflicts or additional charges. - Start using your Vietnam eSIM
Once the eSIM activation is complete, you can start using your Vietnam eSIM to access mobile data. The validity period usually starts when the eSIM connects to the local network’s cellular data. But make sure to check this, as sometimes it starts right after installation (Steps 5-6-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eSIMs in Vietnam provide wide network coverage, including remote areas. However, network coverage may vary depending on the local mobile network operator. It’s recommended to check the coverage maps of different providers to ensure network availability in your specific travel destinations. Refer to our Best Vietnam SIM Cards article for more information.
To top up data on your Vietnam eSIM, you can follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. This may involve using an app or website to purchase additional data packages or credits. It’s recommended to top up before your current data plan expires to avoid any interruptions in connectivity.
Yes, with Vietnam eSIMs, you can keep your home country and Whatsapp numbers active and still receive phone calls and texts. Just make sure to set the Vietnam eSIM plan as the primary data plan so your home plan is not used, and you avoid roaming charges.
Yes, it is possible to share data between devices with a Vietnam eSIM. However, the ability to share data and the specific process (and number of devices) may vary depending on the eSIM provider and the plan you have chosen.
If you encounter connectivity issues with your Vietnam eSIM, it’s recommended that you contact your eSIM provider’s customer support team. They can provide troubleshooting assistance and guide you through any necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Yes, there are many great Vietnam eSIM packages with unlimited data. The most affordable choice is the 15 or 30-day one by Gigago.
Yes, many eSIM packages for Vietnam now include a local Vietnamese number for calls and texts.
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Final thoughts on choosing the best Vietnam eSIM
We hope we have provided you with everything you need to choose the best eSIM for Vietnam that will suit your travel itinerary and budget.
All of the recommended providers we listed in this article should deliver a great experience in terms of connectivity, network speeds, customer service, and ease of use.
Enjoy your Vietnam trip!
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