eSIM for Vietnam: what actually works
A researched, up-to-date guide to mobile data in Vietnam. Operators, coverage, prices, and when a local SIM beats us.
Choose your eSIM Vietnam according to the length of your stay and your expected data use. 5 GB is generally enough for maps, messaging and social media, while video streaming and hotspot use require more data. The plans shown range from 1 to 20 GB and start at $1.90. They are fully refundable within 30 days provided the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination. The activation link is sent by email after purchase.
Vietnam eSIM plans
Prices in USD. Instant QR activation. Pick your data, land connected.
Clear data. Clear price.
Drift plans show a fixed data allowance, validity period and final price before checkout.
About “unlimited” plans: Plans marketed as unlimited, including Holafly plans, may still be subject to local network Fair Usage Policies (FUP) and temporary speed reductions after heavy use. Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited full-speed data.
Coverage in Vietnam
Vietnam's networks are strong and cheap in 2026. Viettel has the widest reach by a clear margin, with 4G near-universal and 5G past 90% of the population. Vinaphone has become the speed leader, benchmarking as the fastest 5G in Southeast Asia, and matches Viettel in the cities. Coverage is excellent across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and the main tourist routes; remote areas like Ha Giang and the deep Mekong can fall back to slower service, where Viettel is the safer bet.
Local operators
Viettel
5G/4Glocal eSIM availableLargest carrier (about 54% market share) and the widest coverage by far. 4G reaches ~98.6% of the population, 5G ~91%. The best choice for any itinerary outside the major cities, and the safest in remote areas like Ha Giang or the deep Mekong.
Vinaphone
5G/4Glocal eSIM availableSecond-largest carrier and the 2026 speed leader: recently ranked fastest 5G in Southeast Asia by Ookla. In cities its speeds rival Viettel. The simplest tourist option because it bundles a local number and calls, useful for Grab, OTPs and restaurant bookings.
MobiFone
5G/4Glocal eSIM availableWorks well in cities and towns but weaker coverage once you go rural. Fine if you are not heading anywhere remote.
⚠️ A Vietnam plan covers the whole country. For overland trips into Laos or Cambodia, check whether your plan is regional or single-country before crossing.
Networks available by plan
The network depends on the plan you choose. These are the published operators for the first six plans currently sold.
| Plan | Published operators |
|---|---|
| 1 GB · 7 days | Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, Vinaphone |
| 3 GB · 30 days | Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, Vinaphone |
| 5 GB · 30 days | Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, Vinaphone |
| 10 GB · 30 days | Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, Vinaphone |
| 20 GB · 30 days | Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, Vinaphone |
Buying a local SIM instead
Where to buy: Official carrier counters at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) airports, official stores, and phone chains like The Gioi Di Dong, FPT Shop, CellphoneS. Passport required.
Price: Very cheap locally: a Viettel SIM with 3GB/day for a month runs around 6 USD at an official store. Airport counters cost more. Travel eSIMs start around 10-11 USD for 7-30 days. USD
Local SIMs are typically cheaper than travel eSIMs if you wait until you reach town. Confirm which carrier you are actually getting: Viettel or Vinaphone are best, MobiFone is fine for non-remote trips, avoid Vietnamobile. Airport counters may be closed for late-night arrivals.
How much data for Vietnam
What to expect by trip type.
| Itinerary | Days | Data needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi + Ha Long + Hoi An + HCMC | 12 | 8GB |
| North loop (Hanoi / Sapa / Ha Giang) | 8 | 6GB |
| HCMC + Mekong + beaches | 7 | 5GB |
The verdict
The verdict
Our eSIM wins when: Short trips, or any time you want to land connected without queuing, especially for late-night arrivals when airport counters may be shut. Convenience and a pre-flight purchase are the draw.
A local SIM wins when: Most trips on pure price, if you can wait until town. A local Viettel pack is dramatically cheaper per GB than a travel eSIM, and registration is quick with a passport.
On the competition: Travel eSIM prices in Vietnam are low, but local SIMs undercut them heavily. For coverage, what matters is the underlying network: prefer an eSIM on Viettel for rural travel, or a Vinaphone-based option for city trips with a local number. Holafly's data-only unlimited makes sense only for heavy users.
Bottom line: If you want zero friction and to land online, a travel eSIM on Viettel is the safe pick. If you are budget-focused and happy to wait until town, a local Viettel SIM at around 6 USD a month beats almost everything. We tell you that because it is true.
Vietnam eSIM FAQ
Which carrier has the best coverage in Vietnam?
Viettel, by a clear margin: ~98.6% 4G and ~91% 5G population coverage, and the safest choice in remote areas like Ha Giang and the Mekong.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a local Vietnamese SIM?
Usually not. Local SIMs are very cheap (a Viettel 3GB/day monthly plan is around 6 USD in town). Travel eSIMs cost more but let you land connected and skip the airport queue.
Which network is fastest in Vietnam in 2026?
Vinaphone now benchmarks as the fastest 5G in Southeast Asia per Ookla, edging Viettel in cities. For rural reach, Viettel still leads.
Can I get a local phone number with my plan?
A Vinaphone tourist SIM bundles a local +84 number and calls, handy for Grab and OTPs. Most data-only travel eSIMs do not include a number.
Cities & islands in Vietnam
Local coverage, the best network by area, and the same plans that work nationwide.
Ready to sort your Vietnam eSIM?
Pick the plan that fits your trip to Vietnam, or work out exactly how much data you need first.