Vietnam eSIM online– Best Data Plan for Vietnam Trip

Vietnam eSIM online– Best Data Plan for Vietnam Trip

Jessica Pham Jessica Pham | Published Aug 17, 2022

Want to join the internet right after landing in Vietnam? Don’t want to be at any physical store to buy a SIM Card. Vietnam eSIM is a perfect choice!

Vietnam is among the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, because there is a lot to see and enjoy in the country. Its cuisine, culture, landmarks, and people are just a part of it.

What if you want to stay connected with your friends and family members, or share your memorable moments with others via the internet when you are traveling in Vietnam?

>>Normally, almost all restaurants, hotels, and cafés in Vietnam offer FREE WiFi with a password, but there will be almost no free Wi-Fi on the roads or at the tourist attractions of Vietnam. Even if there is, the signal is poor.

>>In addition, if you manage to buy a SIM card at a physical store in Vietnam, you may encounter certain difficulties in communicating in the local language.

👉To avoid this trouble and keep you connected wherever in Vietnam, we suggest you buy an eSIM card.

You are perhaps wondering:

  • What is eSIM? Is eSIM better than a physical SIM Card?
  • Which devices support Vietnam eSIM
  • What are the best eSIMs for Vietnam?
  • How much does a Vietnam eSIM cost?
  • How to use Vietnam eSIM
  • How to buy Vietnam eSIM
  • FAQs about Vietnam eSIM

Let’s learn in detail.

1. What is eSIM? Is eSIM better than Physical SIM Card?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM (not electronic SIM), and is a small chip embedded in your device and cannot be removed. The eSIM acts the same way as a traditional SIM card, but without the need to insert a physical SIM card to use. It can be activated by installing an eSIM profile on it.

Physical Sim and eSIM

eSIM is better than a physical SIM Card because it has so many more benefits:

  • eSIM is small: This not only allows extra room for other components, or perhaps a larger battery, it also enables manufacturers to rejig the internal layout of their devices. An eSIM doesn’t need to be near the edge of the phone and could make waterproofing devices even easier.
  • eSIM can’t be physically damaged or lost: because it’s embedded inside devices.
  • eSIM is secure: can’t be duplicated.
  • eSIM can store multiple cellular profiles: several profiles can be stored so you can easily toggle to select which carrier you would like to use.
  • eSIM is easy to locate: it’s easier to find your phone in case it is lost or stolen since network providers can control eSIM remotely.

While eSIM has many benefits and it appears more advantageous than the physical SIM, there are still some limitations to the technology:

  • eSIM is relatively new: it is only available with more recent phone models and selected carriers.
  • eSIM is more difficult to transfer to a different device: Instead of popping the card out of an old smartphone phone, you have to download your data from the cloud to get your contacts, message, and other media back.

2. Is eSIM available in Vietnam?

Yes. All 3 big mobile network operators of Vietnam (consisting of Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone) are offering eSIM service. In case the users already have a physical SIM Card of those operators, they can convert it into an eSIM online. In case they have none, they can buy one and then convert it online.

But we are sure that, as a tourist, you don’t want to get involved in this complicated process. We suggest you have a data eSIM to keep you connected wherever in Vietnam, that’s enough. And of course, such a type of eSIM is now available for travelers to Vietnam.

The Vietnam eSIM data plan offers some pros and cons as follows:

PROs CONs
Keep your original SIM for calls – The eSIM is digital, so your original SIM will work as usual if you need it.
No queue at any physical store & No show of passport for registration – Get the QR code via email immediately after your payment for installation on your phone.
Get connected immediately – Activate your eSIM when landing in Vietnam and get connected immediately.
Cost-effective: Save money on international roaming charges by using eSIM at a reasonable price. Multiple networks: Automatic switch to the strongest local networks. Stay connected everywhere.
Get your full trip covered by VinaPhone – One of the 2 biggest mobile network operators in Vietnam.
Keep your WhatsApp number: You can make calls or send messages to all contacts on your WhatsApp, like you are at home.
Support 24/7 – We are always available on email, WhatsApp, Viber, Zalo for support
No data sharing: Normally, the data eSIM does not allow you to share data with other devices. But GIGAGO eSIM has this issue settled and allows you to do it.
Your phone must be compatible with the eSIM: Make sure that your phone is unlocked and listed in the supported devices below.
No local phone number: This is a matter of almost data eSIMs for Vietnam. They normally include data only for you to make voice/video calls via WhatsApp, Viber or Skype. BUT Vietnam eSIMs from a local provider named GIGAGO have both data and a Vietnamese phone number for your to receive important calls and SMS.

3. Popular Vietnam eSIM data plans & Costs

The following eSIM data packages are currently available for travelers to Vietnam:

Data plan Validity Cost eSIM provider Network
1GB 7 days US $4.5 airalo Vinaphone  
1GB 30 days US $12.00 ubigi Viettel, Vinaphone
2.5 GB 5 days ~ US $8.8 klook  
7GB 8 days US $10 Gigago Vinaphone  
10GB 16 days US $12 Gigago Vinaphone  
15GB 30 days US $15 Gigago Vinaphone  
120GB 30 days US $19 Gigago Vinaphone  
4GB/day in the first 3 months, 2GB/day for next 3 months 6 months US $59 Gigago Vinaphone  
4GB/day in the first 3 months, 2GB/day for the next 9 months 1 year US $89 Gigago Vinaphone  
Unlimited * 5 days  US $19 holafly Vietnamobile**
Unlimited * 10 days US $35 holafly Vietnamobile**
Unlimited * 15 days US $47 holafly Vietnamobile**
Unlimited * 20 days US $54 holafly Vietnamobile**
Unlimited * 30 days US $64 holafly Vietnamobile

Note: Unlimited*: 2GB a day.

For the best connection wherever in Vietnam, eSIMs of Viettel and Vinaphone are highly recommended, as they are the 2 biggest mobile network operators in Vietnam, whose coverage are good in both major cities and the countryside.

Mobile coverage map in Vietnam

In addition, as suggested, in most cases, 3GB – 7GB of data will be enough for common internet usage for a short trip to Vietnam. However, if you are planning on using the internet more, you might want to consider the 12GB or 15GB data package, or a SUPER BIG DATA plan of 120GB. But in case you wish to remain in Vietnam for a long time, a long-term eSIM with big data is highly recommended.

👉Considering all the above factors, our eSIM data plans (7GB, 10GB, 15GB or 120GB – valid for 30 days, or the eSIM valid for 6 months or 1 year – operated by Vinaphone) seem to be best fitted for your trip to Vietnam. If you think the same, just make the order here.

4. Vietnam eSIM supported devices

The eSIM now can be installed on phones, smartwatches, and laptops. Like eSIM of other countries, to use Vietnam eSIM, please make sure that you have an unlocked device included in the following list:

iOS devices Android devices Windows 10*/ Windows 11 (Laptops)
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2020), SE (2022)
iPad Air (3rd & 4th Generations)
iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st, 2nd & 3rd generations)
iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd, 4th & 5th generations)
iPad (7th, 8th & 9th generations)
iPad Mini (6th generation)
*The following Apple devices DO NOT support eSIM: ✔iPhone from mainland China.
✔iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for ✔iPhone 13 mini,
✔iPhone 12 mini,
✔iPhone SE 2020, and
✔iPhone XS
Samsung
✔Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
✔Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G
✔Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+
✔Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G
✔Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold2, Fold
✔Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Note 20+, Note 20
*The following Samsung devices DO NOT support eSIM:
✔All Samsung S20 FE/S21 FE models
✔US versions of Samsung S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G
✔USA and Hong Kong versions of Samsung Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
✔Samsung S21 series devices (with the exemption of FE models) from Canada and USA may have eSIM capability as long as the One UI 4 update is installed. Please get in touch with your carrier or device manufacturer to confirm that your Samsung device is eSIM capable.


Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL*
Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL*
Google Pixel 4, 4a & 4 XL
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
*The following Google Pixel devices DO NOT support eSIM:
Pixel 3 models originating from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan; and those bought with service from any of the US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi.
Pixel 3a bought in South East Asia and with Verizon service.

HAMMER
HAMMER Explorer PRO
HAMMER Blade 3, 5G

Motorola
Motorola Razr 2019, 5G

Huawei
Huawei P40 , Pro*
Huawei Mate 40 Pro *
Huawei P40 Pro+ is not compatible with eSIMs.

Others
Nuu Mobile X5
Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi
OPPO Find X3 Pro*, Find X5 Pro*, X5*
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 1 IV
ACER
ACER Swift 3
ACER Swift 7

ASUS
ASUS Mini Transformer T103HAF
ASUS NovaGo TP370QL
ASUS Vivobook Flip 14 TP401NA

Dell
Dell Latitude 9510
Dell Latitude 7410
Dell Latitude 7310
Dell Latitude 9410
Dell Latitude 7210 2-in-1

HP
HP Elitebook G5
HP Probook G5
HP Zbook G5
HP Spectre Folio 13

LENOVO
Lenovo Yoga C630
Lenovo Miix 630
Lenovo Yoga 520
Lenovo Yoga 720 convertible laptops

SURFACE*
Surface Go 3
Surface Pro X
Surface Duo 2
Surface Duo

Notes:
✔*For Windows 10: Your PC needs to have Windows 10 version 1703 or later for you to use an eSIM. The device also needs to be “LTE-ready”.
✔*Surface: Any AT&T locked devices will not support eSIM.  If the device was purchased through carriers, the eSIM capability in Surface Duo may be disabled by the said carrier. Please get in contact with them to confirm that eSIM is not disabled.

The list is under constant expansion as more eSIM-compatible devices get released into the market.

5. Number of Maximum Vietnam eSIMs on one device

As mentioned above, a phone can accommodate various eSIM profiles of different mobile operators, but only one profile can be active at a time. The table below will give you the maximum number of eSIM profiles to be installed in your device. However, we DON’T suggest you to reach this number, but 3 at maximum for optimal performance.

ManufacturerModelMaximum number of eSIM profiles
AppleiPhone XR20
AppleiPhone XS20
AppleiPhone XS Max20
AppleiPhone 1120
AppleiPhone 11 Pro20
AppleiPhone 11 Pro Max20
AppleiPhone SE (2020)20
AppleiPhone 12 Mini20
AppleiPhone 1220
AppleiPhone 12 Pro20
AppleiPhone 12 Pro Max20
AppleiPhone 13 mini20
AppleiPhone 1320
AppleiPhone 13 Pro20
AppleiPhone 13 Pro Max20
AppleiPhone SE (2022)20
AppleiPad Pro (2018 and onwards)20
AppleiPad Air20
AppleiPad20
AppleWatch series 31
AppleWatch series 41
AppleWatch series 51
AppleWatch series 61
AppleWatch SE1
GooglePixel 31
GooglePixel 3a1
GooglePixel 41
GooglePixel 4a1
GooglePixel 51
GooglePixel 61
GooglePixel 6 Pro1
HuaweiP401
HuaweiP40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)1
HuaweiMate 40 Pro1
MotorolaRazr 20191
MotorolaRazr 5G1
SamsungGalaxy Fold1
SamsungGalaxy Fold 31
SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 2 5G1
SamsungGalaxy Z Flip1
SamsungGalaxy Z Flip 5G1
SamsungGalaxy Z Fold2 5G1
SamsungGalaxy S201
SamsungGalaxy S211
SamsungGalaxy S21+ 5G1
SamsungGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G1
SamsungGalaxy S221
SamsungGalaxy S22+1
SamsungGalaxy S22 Ultra1
SamsungGalaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G1
SamsungGalaxy Note 201
SamsungGalaxy Z Fold3 5G1
Nuu MobileX51
Planet ComputersGemini PDA1
Rakuten MobileRakuten Mini1
Rakuten MobileBig-S1
Rakuten MobileBig1
OppoFind X3 Pro1
OppoReno 5 A1
OppoReno6 Pro 5G1
OppoFind X51
OppoFind X5 Pro1
OppoA55s1
SonyXperia 10 III Lite1
SonyXperia 1 IV1
HonorMagic 4 Pro1

6. How to use Vietnam esim for your trip?

After using it once, you will find that using a prepaid Vietnam eSIM data plan gives you no problem keeping you connected wherever in Vietnam.

After completing your order, you will be provided with an eSIM profile QR code via email (by default) or any app which is convenient for you (upon request), you’ll then install it on your phone and then activate it when you land in Vietnam. You will find the detailed instructions below.

However, before starting these steps, please keep in mind that:

  • Your device must be connected to the Internet when you install the eSIM on your device (Wi-Fi is the best, as certain phones may require you to turn off the mobile data of the other plan).
  • Your primary sim data should be turned off when your data eSIM is in use (otherwise you probably have to pay a roaming fee).
  • In case you are required to provide the confirmation code during your eSIM installation, enter the code provided by your carrier.
  • The validity of your eSIM starts from the time you activate it, so don’t activate your eSIM until you are in Vietnam.

Now, let’s see what you need to do to use the Vietnam tourist eSIM:

1. Use Vietnam eSIM on iPhones

To use a Vietnam tourist data esim on iPhones, you must complete the 2 steps below:

1.1 Install the eSIM on your iPhones

  • Go to Settings > Cellular Data
  • Tap Add Cellular Plan
  • Scan the QR code. In case the QR code cannot be read, tap Enter Details Manually, at the bottom of your iPhone screen, and then enter the SM-DP+ ADDRESS & ACTIVATION CODE provided together with your eSIM QR code.
  • Tap Continue to add the data plan to your phone.
  • Label your eSIM, and turn your eSIM off.
  • Set other options including Default line as your Primary number, iMessage & Facetime as your Primary number, Cellular Data as your Vietnam eSIM.
  • Disable the Turn on this Line of your eSIM until you land in Vietnam (if you are in Vietnam, this action is not required).
Install Vietnam eSIM on iphones

1.2 Active your eSIM

  • Go to your Vietnam eSIM, and enable Turn On This Line. (if you are in Vietnam and do not turn off it in the installation step, this action is not required)
  • Turn on Data Roaming of your eSIM.
  • Go to Messages, and text to activate the data plan as guided.
  • Go to Settings >> Cellular Data >> Select your Vietnam eSIM. Remember to turn the Allow Cellular Data Switching to avoid roaming charge from your primary number.
  • Turn the Airplane Mode ON and then OFF, and enable the Mobile data to enjoy the internet in Vietnam.

2. Use Vietnam eSIM on Samsung Phones

You also need to follow 2 steps to use the eSIM on a Samsung phone.

2.1 Install your eSIM

  • Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.
  • Tap Add mobile plan.
  • Tap Scan carrier QR code and scan the QR code provided to you or Enter Code instead if you have problem scanning your QR, and enter the information provided by your eSIM provider manually.
  • Tap Add and Your mobile plan will be downloaded and activated on your eSIM.
  • Tap Cancel in Turn on new mobile plan? (if you are in Vietnam and want to use this plan immediately, tap Yes in this action).
Install Vietnam eSIM on Samsung phones
Install Vietnam eSIM on Samsung phones

2.2 Activate your eSIM

  • Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > your eSIM, turn your esim ON and then turn its data roaming ON.
  • Go to Messages, and text to activate the data plan as guided.
  • Turn the Airplane Mode ON and then OFF, and enable the Mobile data to enjoy the internet in Vietnam

3. Use Vietnam eSIM on Google Pixel Phones

3.1 Install your eSIM

  • Go to Settings >> Network & internet
  • Tap + next to Mobile Network
  • Tap Don’t have a SIM Card? or Download a SIM instead?.
  • Scan the QR code. In case your QR code cannot be read, tap Enter code instead and enter the information provided by your eSIM provider.
  • Tap Continue to add this data plan to your phone.
  • Turn off your eSIM (if you are in Vietnam, this action is not required).

3.2. Activate your eSIM

  • Go to Settings > Network & internet > your eSIM and turn it on, and then turn data roaming on.
  • Go to Messages, and text to activate the data plan as guided.
  • Turn the Airplane Mode ON and then OFF, and enable the Mobile data to enjoy the internet in Vietnam.

>>Please be informed that the steps above may slightly differ depending on the smartphone models. If you encounter any issues or have questions on how to install and activate the eSIM, please contact our customer support.

How can I buy an eSIM for Vietnam?

It’s very easy to buy a data tourist eSIM for Vietnam. It’s will be completely done in 3 steps below:

  • Choose your data plan, place the order and make payment
  • Check your email with QR Code
  • Scan the QR code
  • Activate and Ready to travel

Great! We hope that this information for your trip to Vietnam has been useful to you, but if you want to know more about virtual cards, we have listed some questions that travelers usually have when purchasing an eSIM to travel to Vietnam. If you have any additional questions, feel free to let us know via:

Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam eSIM

Do I need a passport to buy the Vietnam eSIM data card?

No. It’s not necessary to present a passport to get a Vietnam eSIM for tourists.

Can I share data with my data eSIM in Vietnam?

No, the eSIM for Vietnam does not allow you to share data.

How to activate my Vietnam travel eSIM?

After installing the eSIM profile, you must choose it as the default data plan, activate data, and turn on data roaming, and your eSIM will work!

When does my Vietnam eSIM data plan start?

Our Vietnam prepaid data eSIM starts when you activate it, not when you download its QR code for installation on your phone.

What cell phones are compatible with the eSIM for Vietnam?

Cell phones compatible with the eSIM in Vietnam are increasing every day and well listed in the table above.

Can I have several Vietnam eSIMs on my phone?

Yes. But you should limit to 3 profiles only for the best performance of your phone. In addition, you will have one eSIM profile be active at one time.

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