Introduction

Vietnam is among the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Thousands of travelers, digital nomads, and business people are attracted here annually by its rich history, friendly culture, and unique natural scenery.

Many visitors need to solve mobile connectivity and data services, which can be too expensive with traditional roaming. Finding a physical SIM card on-site also takes time, which is why more people are turning to eSIM – a modern alternative without the need to insert a physical card.

In this guide, we'll focus on the most popular eSIM providers for Vietnam, such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll look at their most commonly offered data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the best option.

With eSIM, you'll avoid high roaming fees and solve everything online. In the following chapters, you'll find installation guides, practical tips, and rate comparisons so you can fully enjoy traveling through Vietnam – without worrying about limited connectivity or unexpected bills.

eSIM Plans in Vietnam at a Glance

Best eSIM Providers for Vietnam

eSIM4Travel in Vietnam

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Vietnam uses the networks of Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone. These three networks are very good and have coverage almost everywhere in the country. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel is a great choice. It usually works right after installation, support responds quickly, and you can easily connect with a real person who will help you. Their prices are among the lowest on the market. They don't limit internet speed, you don't need to install any app, and if you need more data, you can easily purchase it directly for your already installed eSIM card.

Airalo eSIM in Vietnam

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo uses Viettel and VNPT networks in Vietnam. Viettel is the largest operator, while VNPT also has good signal in most places. Users report excellent experiences with Airalo in many countries including Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Philippines, and Singapore. The eSIM activation process takes approximately two minutes, and the Airalo app allows for easy top-ups during your trip.

Holafly eSIM in Vietnam

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone networks in Vietnam. These networks ensure good connectivity in many parts of the country. Holafly is unique in that it offers only unlimited data packages, ensuring you never run out of data. For trips to Vietnam, Holafly's unlimited data costs between $6.90 and $139.90 and can be purchased for periods from one to 90 days.

It's important to note that although the data is unlimited, speed may be temporarily restricted with excessive use (such as continuous HD streaming or downloading large files). Users report that speed limitations may occur at approximately 4.5 GB of intensive use.

Yesim eSIM in Vietnam

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim uses Viettel and Vietnamobile networks in Vietnam. Viettel has excellent coverage, while Vietnamobile is a smaller operator with good coverage in cities. You can find more details about Yesim in our detailed overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Vietnam

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in Vietnam uses the network from Hanoi Telecom. This network has good signal mainly in large cities and surrounding areas. Find more information in our guide about Jetpac.

Best eSIM Plans for Vietnam

Comparison of selected most popular eSIM data packages for Vietnam. To compare all available options, use our Vietnam eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters.

Free Data in Vietnam

If you only need basic internet connection, perhaps for checking emails, Roamless offers 150 MB for free in Vietnam. 

Another option is to try GigSky, which offers a free eSIM with 100 MB of data for testing without requiring payment card details. This trial version allows you to test how eSIM works before deciding on a paid plan.

For more information about getting free data, check out our article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for USA and Abroad. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview of all available options, use our Vietnam eSIM comparison tool, where you'll also find free offers.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Vietnam

Activating an eSIM for Vietnam is a simple process that will save you time and hassle when traveling. The biggest advantage is that you can prepare everything from the comfort of your home before departure, without having to look for SIM card vendors after arrival or deal with language barriers.

• Detailed guide for activating eSIM on iPhone
• How to easily set up eSIM on Samsung phones
• List of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Verify phone compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, check if your phone supports this technology. Most newer models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers work with eSIM without issues. If you're not sure, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support or complete list of compatible devices.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Vietnam, you have several reliable providers to choose from, such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When selecting a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for regular use of maps and social media, 2 GB is sufficient, while for more demanding users we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, we recommend using our Vietnam eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation using QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email with a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you've only received an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection configuration: In most cases, the connection will set up automatically after installation is complete. If not, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, make sure that data roaming is enabled for your eSIM profile – don't worry, you won't be charged any additional fees.

We recommend installing and preparing your eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with good Wi-Fi connection. This way, you'll be sure that after arriving in Vietnam, you'll be online immediately without any complications. For more information about first-time setup, check our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Vietnam

Vietnam offers travelers amazing experiences from bustling cities to quiet beaches and mountain villages. Whether you're on vacation, a business trip, or as a digital nomad, quality internet connection is essential. Here are tips to maximize the use of your eSIM during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in Vietnam is almost essential. Some websites and services may be restricted or blocked in the country. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) will not only ensure access to all your favorite sites and apps but also protect your privacy when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which can be risky in tourist areas. We recommend installing and testing your VPN before traveling.

Data Limit Management

Effective monitoring of data consumption will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Most eSIM providers offer their own apps where you can track current usage. You can also set alerts directly on your phone. For maximum data savings, read our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks before your trip, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Downloading maps, guides, and translators for offline use
• Setting lower quality for video and music streaming
• Turning off automatic app updates and background synchronization
• Using hotel Wi-Fi for more demanding tasks like backing up photos

If you're not sure how much data you'll need, check our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the right package. For the most precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data amount and validity period exactly according to your needs.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for Vietnam offer only data services without traditional calls and SMS. But that doesn't mean you can't stay in touch with family and friends. With data connection, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free calls and messaging. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial Services and Payments

Digital banking and payment apps can significantly simplify your travel. Services like Revolut or Wise offer favorable exchange rates and the ability to pay in local currency without high fees. With an active eSIM, you'll always have access to your funds and the ability to quickly respond to unexpected expenses.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit neighboring countries too? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for Southeast Asia that cover Vietnam as well as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and other countries. These packages are often more cost-effective than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can select exactly the countries you plan to visit. Also check out our guides for Japan or Australia if you're planning to extend your travel around the region.

✈️ Expert advice: Before traveling, save important contacts and documents offline, including information about your accommodation, reservation numbers, and copies of travel documents. Even with the best data connection, you may find yourself in a situation without signal, and this information can be very useful.

Alternative Internet Connections in Vietnam

eSIM technology represents a modern and convenient solution for traveling, but it's not the only option for staying online in Vietnam. If for some reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are several alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Vietnamese SIM cards are available practically everywhere - at airports, tourist centers, electronics stores, and even in regular mini-markets. The main providers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone, who offer special tourist packages with data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include low price (usually $5-15 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the need to physically visit a store after arrival, potential language barriers during purchase, and the risk of buying from unofficial vendors who may offer unregistered cards with limited validity.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing only from official vendors, ideally directly at the airport or in official operator stores. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone and if you don't have a dual SIM device, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices offer a flexible alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network, to which you can connect several devices simultaneously - phones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches. They're ideal for families or groups of travelers who want to share one connection.

Portable hotspots can either be rented before your trip from specialized companies or purchased directly in Vietnam. Some models even serve as power banks, which every traveler will appreciate during long days away from the hotel. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another thing you have to carry with you and regularly charge. Also, the purchase price or rental is usually higher than for eSIM or local SIM cards.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest but typically the most expensive solution. Roaming works based on agreements between your American operator and local Vietnamese providers, allowing you to use your existing phone number and plan abroad.

Prices for roaming outside the US can be astronomical - often ranging between $0.50 and $2.50 per MB (not GB!). This means that even regular browsing of social media or maps can quickly lead to a bill in the hundreds of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for traveling outside the US, which can be more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Vietnam has relatively good coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, and some parks. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly.

The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Without proper protection, your personal data and online activities can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying solely on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating, looking for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connection.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Vietnam

Vietnam has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing quality services to both locals and tourists. Understanding the local market will help you choose the best eSIM or other connection option.

Main Vietnamese Mobile Operators

Viettel is the largest operator in the country with the most extensive coverage. This army-owned company covers approximately 95% of Vietnam's territory, including remote rural areas and mountainous regions. If you plan to travel outside the main tourist routes, Viettel will likely offer the most reliable connection.

Vinaphone represents the second largest operator with excellent coverage in cities and tourist areas. Their network is known for good speed and stability, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities. Vinaphone was also one of the first operators to start testing 5G technology in Vietnam.

Mobifone, the third major player in the market, offers competitive prices and good coverage primarily in urban areas. Although their network is not as extensive as Viettel's, it's more than adequate for common tourist destinations. Mobifone is often the choice of short-term visitors due to attractive tourist packages.

Smaller operators include Vietnamobile and Gmobile, which have more limited coverage focused primarily on large cities. These companies sometimes offer more aggressive pricing strategies, but for tourists, they are usually not the first choice due to smaller coverage.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Vietnam varies by region. In large cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G connection, and in some areas even with 5G technology. Tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, or Nha Trang also have good coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage may be more limited, especially in mountainous regions in the north (Sa Pa, Ha Giang) or in some parts of the Mekong Delta. Here, Viettel is usually the best choice. On popular tourist islands like Phu Quoc, coverage is surprisingly good in recreational zones but may be weaker on remote beaches.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Vietnam, we recommend using the interactive map from nPerf.com, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in the places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers partner with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Vietnamese networks are used by the most popular eSIM services:

• Airalo: Primarily uses Viettel network, in some packages also Vinaphone
• Holafly: Exclusively partners with Viettel
• Nomad: Offers access to both Viettel and Vinaphone networks with automatic switching for the best signal
• Yesim: Uses Viettel network
• GigSky: Works with Vinaphone and Mobifone networks

When choosing an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you're primarily heading to major cities and tourist areas, any provider will likely work well. For trips to more remote regions, we recommend selecting a service that uses the Viettel network for the best coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our Vietnam eSIM comparison tool, which will help you find the most suitable solution based on your needs.

How to Call from Vietnam

Communication with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of traveling. With eSIM in Vietnam, you have several options to stay in touch without having to pay excessive amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Vietnam contain only mobile data, not traditional voice services. However, this isn't a problem because with a data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is the world's most popular application for sending messages and making calls over the internet. It's widely used in Vietnam too and offers quality voice and video calls. Other popular options include Facebook Messenger, which is useful for contacts from your Facebook list, and Skype, which allows you to call regular phone numbers for low fees.

For communication with locals, the Zalo app may be useful, which is extremely popular in Vietnam. It works similarly to WhatsApp and is often used by local businesses, guides, or taxi drivers.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call regular phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more favorable rates than traditional international calling.

Rebtel is among the most reliable services for international calling with competitive rates. It works via WiFi or mobile data and offers quality connections. Calls to the US start at prices from 10 cents per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates. Rebtel also offers the ability to both make and receive calls, which is useful for longer stays.

Google Voice is another popular alternative that provides an American phone number usable for calls and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or at very low fees. The disadvantage is that you need an American phone number for registration, although there are ways to bypass this limitation.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM services are beginning to offer packages that include traditional calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including Vietnam. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Vietnam

Summary

Traveling through Vietnam is significantly easier today thanks to eSIM. You don't have to deal with physical SIM cards, look for local operators, or pay high roaming fees. You can arrange internet connection before departure and be online within minutes after arrival.

In this article, we compared the most used eSIM solutions and providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each has its advantages, and the choice depends on length of stay, data usage intensity, and personal preferences.

Among the most commonly chosen data packages are 5 GB for regular use, 2 GB for short trips, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer trips, or unlimited plans for more demanding use like remote work or frequent streaming.

If you're looking for an affordable and functional solution, eSIM4Travel is worth considering. It usually works immediately after installation, their support is available and responds quickly, and you can quickly reach a real person who will advise you. Their offers are among the cheaper ones on the market. They don't limit connection speed, there's no need to install any app, and flexibility is guaranteed by the option to purchase additional data for an already installed eSIM card.

For unlimited data, the best choice is Holafly, which provides truly unlimited data packages for Vietnam.

We recommend installing your eSIM before your trip. This will ensure a smooth start and connection immediately upon arrival in Vietnam. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for Vietnam, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.