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.
Unlimited Internet
Stay online for your whole trip with a daily high-speed allowance: 2 GB of high-speed data per day, then internet access continues at reduced speed.
Checking availability…
- 2 GB of high-speed data per day. The high-speed allowance renews every day for the duration you choose.
- After 2 GB, speed is reduced to 1 Mbps. The limit applies until the next daily renewal.
- Internet access continues at reduced speed. Maps, messaging and email keep working after the daily allowance.
- Hotspot supported where confirmed by the supplier. Tethering conditions depend on the local network.
- Validity starts at the first connection when supported by the SKU. For plans that start on installation, the activation terms are shown before payment.
- One eSIM for the selected duration. A single QR code covers the whole period: no daily reinstallation.
Price in USD, taxes may apply at checkout. The total shown here is recalculated by the server before the order is created.
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.
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. Current travel eSIM prices are shown with each plan. 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
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: Available networks depend on the selected plan and are shown with each plan. 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 selected according to its published networks 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.