An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you can install an eSIM by scanning a QR code and use it for mobile data while travelling.

Benefits of using an eSIM in Vietnam

• Internet from the moment you arrive: You can install the eSIM before your trip and use mobile data after landing.
• No need to change your physical SIM: Your regular SIM card can remain in your phone while the eSIM is used for mobile data.
• Easy to arrange before your trip: You can purchase and install the eSIM before leaving home, so you don't need to look for a SIM card after arrival.
• Flexible data plans: Different plans are available depending on the length of your stay and how much data you expect to use.
• Useful for travelling: Mobile data can be used for maps, Grab, translation apps, WhatsApp and other services you may need while travelling in Vietnam.

Our eSIM recommendation

For our customers, we recommend GiGaGo eSIM based on our experience in Vietnam and feedback from our clients.

GiGaGo offers several plans with different data allowances and validity periods. This makes it possible to choose a plan according to the length of your trip and your expected data usage.

View GiGaGo Vietnam eSIM plans

If you use a lot of mobile data, for example for navigation, video calls, social media or working while travelling, a plan with a larger data allowance may be more suitable. GIGA120 is one of the options available for travellers who need more data during a 30-day stay.

If you prefer to have your mobile data ready before you arrive, an eSIM can save you the need to look for a SIM card at the airport.

Buying your eSIM in advance also gives you time to check the plan, install it on your phone and make sure everything is ready before your flight.

If you want to arrange your Vietnam eSIM before departure, you can view the available GiGaGo plans here:

View Vietnam eSIM plans

Why we recommend GiGaGo

We recommend GiGaGo to our customers based on our experience and feedback from travellers using their eSIMs in Vietnam.

• Easy to arrange: Purchase and install the eSIM before your trip.
• Different data options: Choose a plan based on the length of your stay and expected data usage.
• Vietnamese mobile network: The available plans use Vietnamese mobile networks such as Vinaphone.
• Online support: If you have questions or problems with the eSIM, customer support is available.

The important thing is to check the details of the particular plan before purchasing, as data allowances, validity and available services can differ between plans.

Before your trip, you can install the eSIM on your phone and have everything ready for your arrival.

1. Purchase your eSIM online before travelling to Vietnam.
2. Receive the QR code by email.
3. Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code in your phone's mobile network settings.
4. Select the eSIM for mobile data when you arrive in Vietnam.
5. Activate the plan according to the instructions provided with your eSIM.

For some GiGaGo plans, activation may require sending an SMS code. The exact activation method depends on the plan you purchase, so always follow the instructions provided with your eSIM.

We recommend installing the eSIM before departure, while you still have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. You can then switch to the eSIM for mobile data after arriving in Vietnam.

The coverage available to your eSIM depends on the Vietnamese mobile network used by the particular plan. The GiGaGo plans described on this page use the Vinaphone network.

Vinaphone provides mobile coverage in major cities and many popular tourist destinations, including:

• Major cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Nha Trang
• Tourist destinations: Hoi An, Sapa, Ha Giang and Phong Nha
• Islands: Phu Quoc, Cat Ba and Con Dao

As with any mobile network, coverage can vary depending on your exact location. In remote mountain areas, rural regions and some islands, the signal may be weaker or unavailable in certain places.

If your itinerary includes remote areas of Vietnam, it is therefore worth checking the expected network coverage before choosing an eSIM plan.

If you are staying in Vietnam for several weeks or longer, keep a few practical points in mind:

• Choose the plan according to your stay: Check the validity period and data allowance before purchasing an eSIM.
• Use Wi-Fi when available: This can help reduce your mobile data usage, especially during longer stays.
• Use messaging apps: WhatsApp, Telegram and similar apps can be useful for calls and messages when using mobile data.
• Keep your eSIM information safe: Save the installation instructions and QR code somewhere secure in case you need them later.

For longer stays, it is worth checking the validity and data allowance of your plan before travelling rather than assuming that you can simply extend it later.

Both eSIMs and physical SIM cards can work well in Vietnam. The better option depends mainly on your phone, travel plans and personal preference.

Which option is better?

For many visitors, an eSIM is a convenient option because it can be arranged before departure and does not require changing the physical SIM card in your phone.

A physical SIM can still be a good choice if your phone does not support eSIM or if you prefer to buy a local SIM after arriving in Vietnam.

Most recent smartphones support eSIM, but compatibility depends on the exact model, region and sometimes the mobile operator.

Before purchasing an eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to another mobile network.

Common eSIM-compatible devices

Important: eSIM availability can differ between regional versions of the same phone. Always check your exact model and region on the manufacturer's website or in your phone's settings before purchasing an eSIM.

Quick way to check your phone

On many phones, you can check whether an “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan” option appears in the mobile network settings.

An eSIM is a convenient way to arrange mobile data before travelling to Vietnam. You can install it before departure and use it after arrival without having to look for a physical SIM card.

For many travellers, this makes the first hours after landing a little easier, especially if you need mobile data for maps, Grab, translation apps, messaging or contacting your hotel.

We recommend choosing your eSIM based on the length of your trip, expected data usage and the network used by the particular plan. Also check that your phone supports eSIM before purchasing.

If you would like to arrange your Vietnam eSIM before your trip, you can view the available GiGaGo plans here:

View Vietnam eSIM plans