Do You Need an eSIM for Vietnam? (Or Is a SIM Card Better?)

What is an eSIM (and How It Works in Vietnam)

eSIM stands for embedded SIM, it’s a digital SIM card that uses technology already built into your phone. It allows your phone to connect to a network without the need for a physical SIM card. 

You can easily install an eSIM on your phone using apps such as Airalo, I’ll cover more details about the setup below.

eSIM vs Physical SIM in Vietnam (Quick Comparison)

If you’re deciding between using an eSIM and a local SIM card in Vietnam, here’s a quick side by side comparison:

Feature	eSIM	Physical Local SIM
Set Up	Install in minutes via app	Buy in airport/store + insert SIM
When you’re connected	Instantly after landing	After purchase + activation
Convenience	No need to swap SIM cards	Need to remove your home SIM (easy to misplace)
Price	Slightly higher	Usually cheaper locally
Top ups	Done in app instantly	Must visit shop or use local methods
Coverage	Uses local networks	Direct local carrier
Support	App-based support	Usually in-store help (if issues)
Best for	Short trips, easy setup	Longer stays, budget travellers

Who Should Use an eSIM in Vietnam

I’d recommend an eSIM to anyone looking to be connected as soon as they land in Vietnam, you’ll avoid having to queue and sign up for a tourist sim at the airport. This is especially helpful if you’re landing late at night – particularly in cities like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, where having internet straight away makes getting around much easier. 

eSIMs are typically suited to short term travellers, if you’re staying longer than a month it might be worth looking into local SIM options.

When a Local SIM Card Might be Better

You might prefer to use a local SIM card if you’re a heavy data user (more than 50gb per month) or if you’re staying in the country long term, as a local SIM would likely be cheaper.

If your phone is an older model and doesn’t have the option to use an eSIM or is locked to a network, you’ll need to purchase a physical tourist SIM card. Alternatively, you could use WiFi during your trip as most hotels, cafes and restaurants have WiFi available for customers to use. 

Tip: If you’re using public WiFi, protect your connection with a VPN

Best eSIM for Vietnam

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for Vietnam, here are the top options to consider based on ease of use, price and reliability – including the one I’ve personally tried and tested.

Airalo Vietnam eSIM (Best Overall for Most Travellers)

I recommend Airalo as the best eSIM for Vietnam because it’s simple, convenient and reliable – I’ve now used their eSIMs in over ten countries.

While travelling throughout Vietnam, I always found the coverage reliable, even when travelling between cities such as Da Nang and Hoi An. The eSIM connects to a local network such as Vinaphone. 

While local SIM cards might be slightly cheaper than Airalo, it’s worth paying for the convenience of being connected as soon as you land, the ability to easily monitor your data usage or top up using the app when you need more. 

Choosing the right eSIM plan for Vietnam can feel confusing with so many data and duration options available. 

To help you choose the best eSIM for Vietnam for your trip, here are the Airalo plans I recommend based on duration and data needs:

Duration	Recommended Plan	Price (AUD)*	Why Choose It
7 Days	5GB	$14.50	Perfect for maps + social media
15 Days	10GB	$25	Ideal for most travellers
30 Days	20GB	$41.50	Best value for longer trips

*Prices are current as at May 2026 and are displayed in Australian Dollars (AUD).

Alternative eSIM Options for Vietnam

If you’re wanting to explore your options, there are other Vietnam eSIM providers, although I haven’t personally tested these.

Provider	Best For	Key features	Pricing (AUD)*
Saily	Budget + security	Includes built-in security such as ad blocking and virtual location	10GB = $24.99
Yesim	Extra features	Option for virtual number	10GB = 31.67
Gigsky	Cruises & flights	Works at sea + inflight connectivity	10GB = $25.56

*Prices are current as at May 2026 and are displayed in Australian Dollars (AUD).

How to Set Up an Airalo eSIM for Vietnam (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve chosen the best eSIM for Vietnam, setting it up only takes a few minutes.

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

This is an important first step, as not all phones support eSIMs. Most newer devices are compatible.

• iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > “Add eSIM”
• Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager

If you don’t see an eSIM option, your phone may not be compatible.

Step 2: Download the Airalo App

These instructions assume you download and use the Airalo app, it’s the easiest way to install and manage your eSIM however it is possible to install via a QR code. If you wish to proceed using the QR code, follow the instructions provided.

• Download the Airalo app from the App Store or Google Play
• Create an account or log in

Step 3: Purchase your Vietnam eSIM Plan

Choose a data plan based on your trip length and expected data usage.

• Shorter trips (1 – 7 days):  3 – 7 day packages 
• Longer trips (1 – 4 weeks): 7 day – 30 day packages

Step 4: Install the eSIM on Your Phone

Once purchased, follow the setup instructions

• Follow in app prompts to direct install the eSIM
• Label the eSim for easy identification e.g. “Vietnam eSIM”

You’ll need to be connected to the internet or WiFi during installation.

Step 5: Set Your eSIM as Your Mobile Data Line

Once you’ve arrived in Vietnam and you’re ready to start using your eSIM:

• Go to SIM / mobile data settings
• Select your Vietnam eSIM for mobile data
• You can keep your home SIM active for calls/texts but beware of roaming charges

Step 6: Turn On Data Roaming (Important)

This step is essential for the eSIM to work properly.

• Open your eSIM settings
• Turn ON “Data Roaming”

You’ve already set your mobile data line to be the Vietnam eSIM, you won’t be charged extra, as your data is prepaid.

Step 7: Activate Your eSIM in Vietnam

Your package will activate once you’ve arrived in Vietnam and connected to a local network, which should happen automatically if you’ve followed the above steps. 

If your phone doesn’t automatically connect:

• Manually select a network e.g. Vinaphone
• Restart your phone

I’d recommend following these steps to get set up before you leave for your trip to ensure you are connected from the moment you land, but you can set it up anytime.

Important Things to Know Before Using an eSIM in Vietnam

eSIMs are Data-Only

Most eSIMs are data only and won’t provide you with a local Vietnamese number. While you won’t have the ability to make traditional SIM based calls or SMS, you can still use internet-based apps for communication, such as WhatsApp, iMessage or FaceTime. Your WhatsApp phone number doesn’t change and you can still message your normal contacts as usual. 

Data is typically where most people run into issues with high international roaming costs, so having an Airalo eSIM will save that bill shock. 

Home SIM for Backup

I would recommend activating global roaming for your home SIM if possible. This will ensure you have a back up in case of emergencies. You might also need it to receive messages, such as two factor authentication. A common example of when this might be needed is if your bank sends verification codes. 

Just ensure you keep mobile data set to your eSIM and keep data roaming OFF on your home SIM.

Vietnam eSIM Not Working? (Fix These Common Issues)

I’ve now used Airalo eSIMs travelling across ten countries and I’ve only once encountered an issue, however after reaching out to the support team their quick response had it resolved. 

If you’re having issues with your eSIM not working, here are some quick troubleshooting tips you can try.

No Signal

If you’ve got no signal and it’s your first time trying to use the eSIM, read back through the installation instructions to ensure you’ve followed them correctly. For example, ensure that you’ve turned on data roaming. You should also check that you haven’t left airplane mode on (easy mistake when you’ve just landed).

Check the APN Settings

APN means Access Point Name, and sometimes you need to manually change these settings for the eSIM to work. If that’s required, you can follow the detailed steps provided in the Airalo app under installation.

Restarting your Phone

Restarting your phone might sound simple, but it often fixes connection issues.

FAQs About Vietnam eSIMs

Does eSIM work in Vietnam?

Yes, eSIMs work well in Vietnam and connect to the major local networks like Vinaphone. I had a fast and reliable signal while travelling through Vietnam, even when travelling between cities like Da Nang and Hoi An. 

Airalo is widely considered one of the best eSIM options for Vietnam due to its ease of use and reliable coverage.

Can I use WhatsApp with eSIM?

You can use WhatsApp with your eSIM, it will work exactly the same and stays linked to your own phone number, even when using the eSIM for data.

Is eSIM cheaper than buying a SIM card in Vietnam?

eSIMs are often more expensive than buying a local SIM card but it’s worth paying a bit extra for convenience. It’s easy to set up and manage an Airalo eSIM using the app, including checking how much data you have left or topping up. This is where I was caught out during my first trip to Vietnam using a local SIM. I couldn’t check how much data I had remaining, I ran out and I couldn’t find where to go to top it up. 

Can I top up if I run out of data?

Yes, it’s easy to top up and add extra data using the app.

Can I use an Airalo eSIM as a hotspot?

You can use your Airalo eSIM as a hotspot in Vietnam. I used mine as a hotspot to my kindle so I could download more books.

Is it possible to install multiple eSIMs?

Yes, most phones allow you to install multiple eSIMs at a time but you can only use one eSIM for mobile data at a time. I’d recommend labeling your eSIMs so you don’t get confused, e.g. “Vietnam eSIM”.