Is eSIM Available in Vietnam in 2025

Every traveler faces the same dilemma: hunt for a SIM card at the airport, deal with language barriers at local shops, or figure out if there's a better way. The good news is that Vietnam fully supports eSIM technology, and it's actually one of the smartest ways to stay connected during your visit. But before you dive in, you need to understand what actually works for tourists versus what sounds good on paper.

Is eSIM Available and Legal in Vietnam?

Yes, eSIM is completely legal and widely available in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government approved eSIM technology in 2020, and the major carriers have been offering it since then.

The Vietnamese mobile market operates through three dominant carriers that collectively serve over 100 million subscribers. Viettel commands the largest market share with superior rural coverage, Vinaphone focuses on urban areas with competitive data packages, and Mobifone rounds out the trio with decent citywide service.

All three now offer eSIM services, but the practical reality for travelers involves navigating bureaucratic requirements that can turn a simple purchase into an afternoon-long ordeal.

• Viettel - The biggest network with the best coverage outside cities.
• Vinaphone - Strong in urban areas with competitive data plans.
• Mobifone - Popular locally, decent city coverage.

But here's where it gets interesting for travelers. While these local carriers offer eSIM, they usually require Vietnamese identification for activation. That means if you're visiting for two weeks, you might hit bureaucratic walls that eat into your vacation time.

The Vietnamese cybersecurity law from 2017 requires SIM registration with valid ID. Local carriers must follow this strictly, but international eSIM providers operate differently, making them often the more practical choice for tourists.

How to Get eSIM in Vietnam

Your eSIM acquisition strategy should align with your travel duration, connectivity needs, and tolerance for bureaucratic processes. The landscape offers several distinct paths, each with specific advantages and potential frustrations that can significantly impact your Vietnam experience. You have two main paths: get a local Vietnamese eSIM or use an international provider. Each has its place depending on your needs.

Getting Local Vietnamese eSIM

If you want a Vietnamese phone number and plan to stay longer than a month, local carriers make sense. Requirements:

• Valid passport;
• Sometimes proof of accommodation;
• Vietnamese address (hotel address usually works);
• Time to visit carrier stores.

Process: Visit a Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone store with your documents. Staff will help you set up the eSIM profile on your device. This typically takes 30-60 minutes and costs around 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-4) for the SIM, plus your chosen plan. This works, but it's not always smooth. Some stores are more tourist-friendly than others. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you'll find English-speaking staff. In smaller cities, prepare for some creative communication.

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International eSIM: The Smarter Choice for Most Travelers

For most Vietnam visitors, international eSIM providers offer a better experience. You get instant activation, competitive rates, and no bureaucratic hassles.

Yesim stands out here because of one key advantage: you get one eSIM that works in 200+ countries. Unlike competitors that make you install a new eSIM for each destination, Yesim's International Pay As You Go plan lets you top up once and use it globally.

This matters more than you might think. Many travelers hit multiple countries in Southeast Asia. With other providers, you're juggling Vietnam eSIM, Thailand eSIM, Cambodia eSIM - your phone becomes a digital mess. With Yesim, it's one plan, one app, one simple experience.

Best eSIM Providers for Vietnam

After testing various options, here's what actually works for different traveler types.

Best eSIM for Vietnam

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, choosing the right eSIM can save you money, hassle, and time. But not all eSIMs are created equal — the best option depends on how long you’re staying, what kind of phone you have, and whether you need a Vietnamese phone number.

🥇For Simple Data Needs: Yesim

• Starting price: €0.50 for Vietnam plans;
• Coverage: Partners with top Vietnamese networks;
• Unique advantage: One global eSIM works in 200+ countries;
• Best for: Multi-country travelers, business travelers, anyone who values simplicity.

🥈For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Airalo

• Starting price: $4.50;
• Coverage: Good in major cities;
• Limitation: Separate eSIM needed for each country;
• Best for: Single-destination trips on tight budgets.

🥉For Long-Term Stays: Local Carriers

• Viettel eSIM: Best coverage nationwide, from €3/month;
• Vinaphone eSIM: Strong urban coverage, competitive packages.
• Best for: Stays over 30 days, need Vietnamese phone number.

Does eSIM Work Well in Vietnam?

In cities: Excellent. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang have strong 4G/5G coverage. You'll get speeds comparable to what you're used to at home.

Outside cities: Depends on your provider. Viettel has the strongest rural network. International eSIM providers partner with local networks, so your experience depends on which carrier they use in Vietnam. Real traveler experiences:

• Mekong Delta tours: Spotty coverage with any provider;
• Ha Long Bay cruises: Good coverage near the main tourist areas;
• Sapa trekking: Viettel works best, others struggle;
• Beach towns (Mui Ne, Phu Quoc): Generally good coverage.

For most tourist activities, checking maps, booking rides, sharing photos, any major eSIM provider works fine. If you're venturing into remote areas, consider Viettel or an international provider that partners with them.

Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number: What's Actually Possible?

Most international eSIM providers give you data-only plans. You get the internet but no Vietnamese phone number for calls or SMS. Solutions:

• Local carrier eSIM: Get an actual Vietnamese number, but deal with registration requirements.
• Yesim virtual numbers: Get a virtual number for business or privacy needs.
• Dual SIM setup: Keep your home SIM active for calls, use eSIM for data.

Most travelers find data-only plans sufficient. WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps work perfectly for communication. For the rare SMS verification, hotel staff or Vietnamese friends can usually help.

Vietnam eSIM with Unlimited Data: The Reality Check

True unlimited eSIM in Vietnam is rare. "Unlimited" usually means:

• High-speed data up to a limit (usually 1-10GB per day).
• Slower speeds after hitting the limit.
• Fair usage policies that throttle heavy users.

📶Yesim approach: Instead of misleading "unlimited" labels, Yesim offers transparent data packages. You know exactly what you're getting - no surprises when your "unlimited" plan suddenly crawls.

For heavy data users: Look for plans with 20GB+ monthly allowances rather than "unlimited" marketing speak. Vietnam's 4G networks are fast enough that 20GB goes further than you might expect.

Local vs International eSIM: Making the Right Choice

As we discussed earlier, major mobile providers like Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone offer eSIM plans for locals and tourists. You can also buy an international eSIM for Vietnam online before you land, with instant activation on iPhone or Android. So, how to decide between a local Vietnamese eSIM and an international eSIM.

Yesim's advantage becomes clear for multi-country trips. While Airalo makes you buy separate eSIMs for Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, Yesim's global plan covers all three. You arrive in Ho Chi Minh City with working data, fly to Bangkok without changing anything, and continue to Singapore seamlessly.

Practical Tips for Vietnam eSIM Success

Setting up your eSIM before and during your trip can make a big difference — especially in a country like Vietnam where mobile coverage is great but setup can vary by provider. Whether you’re using a Vietnam eSIM for tourist needs or a long-term stay, these tips will help you stay connected without stress.

✅ 1. Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Make sure your device is eSIM-compatible. For iPhones, that means iPhone XS or newer. Most modern Android phones like the Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S, and Fold/Flip series also support eSIM. 👉 This is key if you're buying a Vietnam eSIM online.

✅ 2. Install Your eSIM While Still at Home

Before you fly to Vietnam, buy and install your eSIM while connected to a stable WiFi network. This is especially important for international eSIMs from Airalo, Yesim, or Nomad — you can activate your virtual SIM for Vietnam in just a few taps.

✅ 3 . Test Activation Before Departure

After installing the eSIM, test whether mobile data connects. You don’t need to use it yet — just ensure it’s working. If there's an issue, it’s easier to contact support from home.

✅ 4. Keep Your Physical SIM as a Backup

Don’t remove your physical SIM, you might need it in case the eSIM fails or if you want to use both numbers at once. Many travelers use a dual SIM setup to separate data and calls.

✅ 5. Activate in Vietnam with Strong WiFi

Once in Vietnam, use hotel or airport WiFi to finalize activation. Screenshot any setup instructions beforehand and save your provider’s customer support contacts just in case. This is especially helpful when using Viettel eSIM, Mobifone, or Vinaphone eSIM.

The Bottom Line: What Actually Works

For most Vietnam travelers, international eSIM providers offer the best experience. You skip airport queues, avoid language barriers, and get instant connectivity. Yesim particularly shines for three reasons:

• One global eSIM eliminates the multi-country juggling act.
• Transparent pricing without fake "unlimited" promises.
• Virtual numbers when you actually need a phone number.

Local Vietnamese eSIM makes sense if you're staying long-term or absolutely need a local phone number for business.

The choice isn't about finding the "perfect" option, it's about matching the solution to your specific travel style. Quick business trip to Ho Chi Minh City? International eSIM wins. Three-month digital nomad stint? Consider local options.

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