eSIM in Vietnam: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Vietnam, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 28 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Vietnam: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Vietnam?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	Unlimited	7 days	$6.02	—	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$36.10	$1.81	View →
Holafly ★ 4.6 · Review	Unlimited	5 days	$15.04	—	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	Unlimited	7 days	$8.02	—	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Vietnam

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$3.01	$3.01
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$4.01	$8.02
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$6.02	$6.02
Saily	Unlimited	7 days	$6.02	—
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$6.02	$2.01

Guide expert

Choosing the best Vietnam eSIM plan is not just about finding the largest data allowance. You also need to check the partner network, the actual validity period, whether tethering is allowed, and how your phone will manage your French line. This guide helps you buy, install, and use an eSIM in Vietnam with a reliable connection, from Hanoï to the northern mountains.

How does an eSIM work in Vietnam, and is your phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your smartphone: you buy a data plan online, receive a QR code or an installation link, and then download a mobile profile to your device. In Vietnam, this profile connects to a local partner network, often Viettel, VinaPhone, or MobiFone. You can therefore prepare your connection from home, without looking for a shop at the airport or handling a tiny plastic card after a long flight.

The main difference from a physical SIM is convenience. A standard card must be inserted into the SIM tray and may require you to temporarily remove your French line. An eSIM remains stored on your phone and generally works alongside your usual SIM thanks to Dual SIM. You can then select the travel eSIM for mobile data while keeping your French number for calls, banking SMS messages, or login codes.

In most cases, you can buy and install before departure, as long as you have Wi-Fi at home. Installing the profile does not necessarily start the plan: this depends on the provider. Some providers start counting validity from installation, while others start when you first connect to a Vietnamese network. Check this rule before paying, then disable the eSIM line until you arrive if the provider recommends it. Also keep the QR code and instructions available offline: a screenshot or saved PDF can save the day.

iPhone XR, XS, and later models generally support eSIM; however, iPhones sold in certain markets may have specific Dual eSIM restrictions.
With Samsung, many recent Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and some Galaxy A models are compatible, but compatibility varies according to the exact model number and country of sale.
Recent Google Pixel devices, particularly from the Pixel 3 onward depending on the version, are often compatible; however, check that your device is not a carrier-specific variant.
Other recent Android models from Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, or Honor may support eSIM, but you need to check the specifications of your exact model, not just its brand.
Your phone must be unlocked: a carrier-locked device may reject a travel profile even if it technically supports eSIM.
To check, look for “Add eSIM” in Settings, or check the EID information using the **\*#06#** code when your device displays it.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best 4G and 5G coverage in Vietnam?

For strong coverage across the country, prioritize an eSIM that uses Viettel or advertises several partner networks, rather than an offer that simply promises coverage in “Vietnam.” Viettel is generally the safest choice for an itinerary combining major cities, secondary roads, and mountainous regions. VinaPhone often provides an excellent urban experience, while MobiFone is a credible alternative in cities and tourist destinations. The network actually used matters more than the seller’s marketing claims.

In Hanoï, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hué, Nha Trang, or Hoi An, 4G is usually fast enough for maps, Grab, social media, video calls, and sending photos. 5G is expanding in major urban centers and busy areas, particularly through Viettel and VinaPhone, but availability remains uneven from one street to another. So do not choose a plan solely because it mentions 5G: a strong, stable 4G connection is better than intermittent 5G.

In practice, speeds vary more according to the time of day and population density than the logo displayed on your phone. In central neighborhoods of Hanoï or District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, you can often use navigation, video content, and light remote work without difficulty. On a train, night bus, or island, speeds may drop sharply. A mobile network may deliver several dozen Mbps under good conditions, but never consider this level guaranteed.

Mountainous areas require more caution. Around Sapa, Hà Giang, Mù Cang Chải, certain parts of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, or the Mekong Delta away from major routes, coverage can change within a few kilometers. The connection is often adequate in towns, but less reliable while hiking, in narrow valleys, and on remote roads. Download your maps, tickets, and hotel confirmations before leaving the cities.

Major cities and leading beach resortsHanoï, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An: generally smooth 4G, with 5G available in some locations.

Main roads and established tourist destinationsHué, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta: often good connectivity, with variations depending on your movements.

Northern mountains and remote countrysideHà Giang, Sapa outside the towns, Cao Bang, valleys, and mountain passes: irregular signal, sometimes absent in enclosed areas.

Transport and sea crossingsTrains, night buses, secondary roads, and boats: variable coverage; do not rely on the Internet for urgent information.

Choose an offer that explicitly states the partner network; for a road trip, Viettel is often the safest bet.
If your provider offers automatic network selection, leave it enabled at first; try manual selection only if the signal remains consistently weak.
Prepare Google Maps or Maps.me in offline mode before rural stages, even if you have a large data plan.
In cities, disable unreliable public Wi-Fi and use your eSIM for payments, bookings, and sensitive tasks.
For remote work, choose accommodation with Wi-Fi as a backup: mobile 4G is not a guaranteed professional connection.

Should you choose a Vietnam eSIM or a Southeast Asia regional plan?

If you are staying only in Vietnam, a Vietnam-only eSIM is generally the simplest and most affordable option. It focuses its data on one country and may offer better value for money. It is the right choice for a Hanoï–Ninh Binh–Hué–Hoi An–Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, a beach holiday in Phu Quoc, or several weeks of work in Da Nang.

A regional eSIM becomes more attractive as soon as your trip crosses several borders. It may include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, and sometimes Indonesia and the Philippines. For a Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh–Bangkok itinerary, you avoid buying and reinstalling a card each time you arrive in a new country. However, check the list country by country: “Asia” may refer to a very broad area, but some plans specifically exclude Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam.

The trade-off is often a higher cost per gigabyte and less favorable network selection in certain countries. A regional eSIM may also switch to roaming on local networks; this is not necessarily a problem, but you must confirm that data roaming is allowed on your phone. For a long stay mainly in Vietnam with a two-day trip to Cambodia, compare the extra cost of a regional eSIM with buying a small complementary local plan.

Choose a Vietnam-only eSIM if more than 90% of your trip takes place in the country.
Choose a regional plan for a Vietnam–Cambodia–Thailand or Vietnam–Laos itinerary, without changing profiles at the border.
Check the included countries, partner networks, and amount of data available in each destination before buying.
At a land border, wait a few minutes after crossing: your phone may need to search for a new network and reconnect.

What do traveler reviews reveal about eSIMs in Vietnam?

Traveler feedback is generally positive when the eSIM has been installed before departure and the partner network is clearly identified. Travelers particularly appreciate having Internet as soon as they land, ordering a Grab without negotiating with a taxi driver, finding their accommodation, and keeping their French SIM card. For a typical trip, convenience often matters more than a small price difference.

Frustrations rarely come from the eSIM technology itself. They usually occur when someone activates the wrong data plan, forgets to enable data roaming on the travel line, or assumes that the offer includes local calls. Travel eSIMs are frequently data-only: they do not replace a Vietnamese phone line if you need a local number for standard calls.

Reviews are also more mixed for plans marketed as unlimited. Some are perfectly suitable for messaging, maps, and light work, but may apply a fair usage policy, reduce speeds after heavy consumption, or restrict hotspot use. Read the terms before relying on the eSIM for high-definition streaming or daily video conferences.

Recurring positive point: an immediate connection on arrival, with no shop visit or additional paperwork.
Recurring positive point: easy monitoring of usage and top-ups from an app or customer account.
Point to watch: the partner network and tethering options are not always visible on the first sales screen.
Point to watch: responsive support is useful if the APN must be entered manually or if the QR code has already been used.

How do you buy, install, and activate your eSIM for Vietnam?

The most stress-free approach is to install the profile over Wi-Fi before leaving, then use it only as your data line once you are in Vietnam. Allow a few minutes, but never delete a profile that has not yet been properly activated.

1
Check compatibility
Before buying anything, check that your phone supports an eSIM and is unlocked. Look in the settings to see whether the option to add an eSIM is available, then make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection for installation. If your device already contains several profiles, also check that an activatable eSIM slot remains available.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Buy your plan while you still have access to your email and support that is easy to reach. You will normally receive a QR code, a manual activation code, or an installation button in the provider’s app. Save the QR code in your files and consider printing it: a QR code displayed on the same screen that needs to scan it cannot be read without another device.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM, then select “Use QR Code.” On Android, the path is often Settings > Connections / Network & Internet > SIM Manager > Add eSIM, with labels that vary between Samsung, Pixel, and other brands. Give the line a clear name, such as “Vietnam data,” so you do not confuse it with your French SIM card.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
When you arrive, activate the eSIM line, select it as your mobile data line, and enable data roaming on this line only if the provider requires it. Disable mobile data on your French SIM to avoid unexpected charges. The APN is often configured automatically; if the Internet does not work, copy the APN name provided in the instructions exactly, without adding spaces or changing the other fields.
5
Troubleshoot if the Internet does not work
Start by turning airplane mode off and on again for around 30 seconds, or restart the phone. Then check that the eSIM is enabled, selected for data, that roaming is allowed, and that the APN matches the instructions. If a signal is displayed but no page loads, temporarily try manually selecting a partner network and contact support with a screenshot of your settings.

Can you keep your number, make calls, and use a hotspot with an eSIM in Vietnam?

Yes, you can generally keep your French number while using the Vietnamese eSIM for Internet, provided your phone supports Dual SIM. The principle is simple: your French SIM remains active for calls and SMS, while the eSIM becomes your data line. Before departure, make sure to disable mobile data and roaming on your French line. This prevents your phone from automatically switching to an expensive Vietnamese network.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. They provide Internet access, but not necessarily a Vietnamese number, standard phone calls, or local SMS messages. This does not prevent you from calling through WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, FaceTime Audio, Messenger, or Google Meet: these services use data. Your WhatsApp account also keeps your usual number; do not register a new number or reinstall the app just to use the eSIM.

Tethering works with many plans and lets you connect a computer, tablet, or another traveler’s phone. However, it is not universal: some unlimited plans restrict hotspot use or apply a specific allowance. Even when allowed, tethering quickly drains the battery and uses up data, especially during cloud backups, system updates, or video conferences. Disable automatic downloads on your computer before using it as a hotspot.

If you use up your allowance, the simplest solution is often to top up through the provider’s app or website while connected to the hotel Wi-Fi. Depending on the offer, you may buy an add-on, renew the same plan, or install a second profile. Do not delete the original eSIM before confirming that the new package works: a QR code is often single-use. Also keep an offline map and your hotel’s phone number so you are not left stranded between connections.

In the Dual SIM settings, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and your French line as the calling line if needed.
Disable “Cellular Data Switching” or any similar option so the phone does not use your French plan.
WhatsApp, Signal, and video calls work with an eSIM without a local number, as long as you have network coverage.
Check the terms to see whether hotspot use is allowed, especially with an unlimited or very cheap plan.
Monitor usage in the provider’s app and in your phone’s settings: the two counters may show a slight delay.

What guidelines should you follow to choose the best Vietnam eSIM plan without making a mistake?

To estimate your needs, allow around 3 to 5 GB for one week of light browsing, 8 to 15 GB for two to three weeks with photos and social media, and more for work, video, or tethering. The best Vietnam eSIM plan is the one that matches your actual itinerary and usage, not necessarily the one displaying the largest allowance.

First, compare the validity period. A 7-day plan does not automatically cover eight days of travel: check whether the first day starts at activation, at midnight, or in 24-hour periods. For a 15-day trip, a 14-day plan may force you to buy more data at the end.
Do not look only at the total price: calculate the price per useful gigabyte and ask yourself whether you will actually use that amount. A huge, inexpensive plan is not a saving if it expires with half the data unused, while an undersized plan can become expensive through top-ups.
Prefer a seller that clearly states the local network, or at least the available networks. “Nationwide” coverage does not mean that all operators have the same reach in the northern mountains or rural areas of central Vietnam.
Read the small print of plans described as unlimited. They may reduce speeds after a certain daily threshold, limit video, prohibit hotspot use, or apply a fair usage policy. This is often no problem for Google Maps and Grab, but it is decisive for intensive remote work.
Install the eSIM before your flight, but follow the provider’s validity start rule. If the plan starts upon installation, wait until the day before or your arrival; if it starts upon the first local connection, you can generally install it several days in advance.
Prepare your phone to prevent hidden data consumption. Disable photo backups over mobile data, app updates, autoplay videos, and offline downloads. A cloud sync can use several gigabytes in just a few minutes.
Keep a backup solution: accommodation Wi-Fi, downloaded maps, saved bookings, and some cash. An eSIM is very convenient, but in remote areas, even the best plan cannot replace offline preparation.
Do not buy one eSIM for several phones assuming you can transfer it freely. A profile is generally linked to a single device, and transfers are often impossible or subject to a strict procedure. For two travelers, plan for two eSIMs or a plan explicitly compatible with tethering.
Keep your French line active only if you need bank SMS messages or important messages, but block its data roaming. Also check the cost of receiving calls in Vietnam: answering a standard call on your French number may be charged even if your data runs through the eSIM.

Questions fréquentes

Does the eSIM work as soon as I land at Hanoï or Ho Chi Minh City airport?

Yes, if the profile is already installed and you activate the data line when you arrive. Wait one to a few minutes for registration on the network, then check that data roaming is enabled on the eSIM, not on your French SIM.

Exactly when does my eSIM plan validity begin?

This depends on the provider: validity begins either upon installation or when you first connect to a Vietnamese network. Check this condition before departure, as it determines the best time to scan the QR code.

Can I call Vietnamese emergency services with a data-only eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for standard emergency calls. In Vietnam, commonly used numbers include 113 for the police, 114 for the fire department, and 115 for an ambulance; keep a SIM capable of making calls, ask your hotel for help, or use a local phone if necessary.

Can I get a refund if my eSIM does not work?

Refund policies vary considerably. Once the profile has been installed or activated, many providers refuse refunds unless a technical fault can be demonstrated. Contact support before deleting the eSIM and provide screenshots, your phone model, the displayed network, and your APN settings.

Is a VPN useful with an eSIM in Vietnam?

A reliable VPN can improve privacy on public Wi-Fi, particularly for payments or sensitive accounts. It is not essential on your mobile connection, but it may sometimes slow speeds; choose a nearby server, test it before departure, and do not use it to circumvent local rules.