Vietnam eSIM: The Whole Guide to Connectivity (2025)

Vietnam is a nation that demands to be shared. Staying connected is crucial for navigating the nation’s distinct digital ecology, not only for Instagram, from the majestic karsts of Ha Long Bay in the north to the hectic coffee culture of Hanoi.

The modern passenger’s secret weapon is the Vietnam eSIM. It gets you into the nation with data already flowing, avoiding the frauds Vietnam eSIM  of market traders and the lines at airport kiosks.Here is all the information you need to select, purchase, and use an eSIM if you are traveling to Vietnam.

The “Grab” Factor: The Significance of Connectivity

Data is only used for messages and maps in several nations. It’s for survival in Vietnam. Grab, the local version of Uber, powers the entire nation. You’ll use it for food deliveries, motorcycle rides, and taxis.

The nuance: The majority of eSIMs used for overseas travel are data-only. A local +84 telephone line is not included with them.

The Fix: These days, this is hardly ever a problem. You can use your home number to register with Grab. Instead of contacting you, drivers would usually message you via the data-using app. When they do make a call, it’s typically using the in-app voice option. Don’t be put off by a data-only eSIM’s absence of a phone number.

Network Wars: Vinaphone vs. Viettel

You are “roaming” on an authenticated Vietnamese network when you purchase an eSIM from a company like Airalo or Holafly. It’s important to know what connection your eSIM is using.

1. The King of Coverage, Viettel

Viettel, which is owned with the military, boasts the nation’s largest infrastructure.

The Ha Giang Island Loop, Sapa treks, Phong Nha caverns, and isolated islands are the best places to go.

Conclusion: Make sure your eSIM is connected to Viettel if you are leaving large cities.

2. Vinaphone: (The Urban Expert)

dependable and owned by the state.

Ideal For: Digital nomads in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). In crowded cities, speeds are frequently higher than Viettel.

Conclusion: A good option for the standard tourist route.

Vietnam’s Top 3 eSIM Choices

1. The ” Simple Choice”: Nomad/Airalo

These are global markets. Before you leave the house, you purchase the plan through an app.

Network: typically Vinaphone; however, the specifics of the package may vary.

Advantages: User-friendly software, instant delivery, and extremely affordable for little data volumes (1GB to 5GB).

Cons: The cost per GB is little more than when purchasing locally; there is no local phone number.

2. Holafly, the “Data Hog”

For Vietnam, Holafly provides unlimited data plans.

Network: Frequently links to Viettel or Vinaphone.

Advantages: Data never runs out. Excellent for anyone who use social media frequently.

Cons: Generally speaking, you can’t hotspot (tether) your laptop. It’s only for your phone.

3. Viettel Direct, the “Local Hero”

When you arrive at the place of departure (Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai), you can purchase an official Viettel eSIM.

Advantages: You receive the most affordable local rates and a genuine local phone number (+84).

Cons: You must interact with airport kiosk employees, wait in line, and present your passport for registration. Compared to the app-based choices, it is less seamless.

Installation Instructions (Do This Before You Take Off)

Use this workflow to get started right away:

Buy & Install: Use your home Wi-Fi to buy your eSIM. To add the “Cellular Plans” to your phone, scan the QR code.

Label It: Give the new line Vietnam eSIM  the name “Vietnam” to avoid confusing it with your main line.

Synopsis

A regular travel eSIM from Airalo as well as Nomad is the most practical choice if you are limited to the major tourist destinations (Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon). To make sure you avoid losing your worldwide positioning system in the middle of nowhere when renting a motorcycle to explore the northern mountains, opt for a company that expressly assures Viettel connectivity.