Looking for the best eSIM for Vietnam? It’s time to compare the most affordable Vietnam eSIMs with easy setup, reliable coverage, fast data and flexible plans.
When I travelled to Vietnam, I would have been completely lost without a data connection. From navigating the chaotic streets of Hanoi, to booking hotels in Phu Quoc and sharing photos from our dreamy cruise through Ha Long Bay, having internet was essential.
The best eSIM for Vietnam depends on how much data you need, but Sim Local is my top pick for its flexible plans, use of local MobiFone and VinaPhone networks and unlimited plans, which include up to 10GB of high-speed data per day.
If you want to skip ahead and shop for your Vietnam eSIM with my 15% discount code, click this link and add the code WANDERLUST15 at the checkout.
I’ve used a variety of eSIMs around the world, from Florida to Sri Lanka, and have always found them affordable and reliable. Our trip to Vietnam was an adventurous one! My husband and I visited with our 8-month-old son. Being new parents, travelling to the other side of the world felt daunting. We didn’t speak the language or know how a lot of things worked, so it was somewhere we needed internet at all times.
We used our data for so many things on the go, including finding routes with Google Maps, restaurant research, booking transport, translating menus, finding out where to buy nappies and sending lots of photos to friends and family back home. They were spammed with photos of our little boy playing in the sand, exploring caves and taking in the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
I set up my eSIM before I left home and it worked the moment we landed in Ho Chi Minh. It was such a relief to be connected instantly, and without expensive data roaming charges.
If you’re not familiar with eSIMs, don’t worry, they’re really simple to use! Even my 80-year-old mum has used one! In this guide I’ll explain what an eSIM is, how they work, which are the best eSIMs for Vietnam and why Sim Local eSIM is my favourite brand.
What are the best eSIMs for Vietnam?
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, works just like a physical SIM, but it’s a digital version. You simply install it, like you would with an app. Once you’ve downloaded the eSIM directly onto your device, it’ll connect to a local mobile network. I really like them because you can get it organised before you travel, rather than going to a shop to buy a physical SIM card when you land.
How does an eSIM work?
An eSIM connects your phone to a local mobile network. With Sim Local, you can download your plan and follow the guided installation process before your trip. Here’s how to do it:
- Purchase your eSIM via the Sim Local website.
- Scan the QR code on the email confirmation to install the eSIM (or install via the Sim Local app).
- Leave the eSIM turned off until you land in your destination.
- Turn on your eSIM once you arrive and enable data roaming. It’ll automatically connect to a local provider.
The eSIM won’t activate until it connects to the local network after you land, so you can have it installed and ready to use well in advance of your trip.
One of the biggest advantages is that you can keep your normal physical SIM in your phone, so you’ll still have your phone number while you’re travelling if you need it.
If you’re new to eSIMs, this step-by-step guide shows you how to install your eSIM.
Best Vietnam eSIM: Why I Recommend Sim Local
Sim Local offers eSIMs in more than 220 destinations. Its Vietnam plans are particularly appealing because you can choose between a fixed amount of data or an unlimited plan, depending on how you travel. I’ve used their eSIMs for so many trips now, including to Sri Lanka, Thailand, the USA, Canada and the UAE. My Sim Local eSIM for Vietnam offered brilliant coverage, even in some of the remote areas I thought it might struggle with.
Who needs an eSIM in Vietnam?
I wouldn’t travel to Vietnam without an eSIM. They’re essential for finding your way from the moment you arrive. Think how often you use your phone at home… well you’ll use it even more abroad! An eSIM is great for:
First-time eSIM users – It’s super simple to get connected and you don’t need to buy a physical SIM card when you arrive.
Travellers exploring Vietnam – You can stay connected with reliable mobile data for so you can navigate cities and towns, translate on the go, plan your next travels and research your trip.
Solo travellers on a budget – You’ll save money as you avoid expensive roaming fees with your regular mobile provider.
Social media users – You’ll be able to upload plenty of photos and videos each day.
Remote workers – Vietnam has some popular areas for remote working, so an eSIM is a great way to stay connected on your phone and laptop, making video calls and taking care of emails. You can even use it as a hotspot.
What are the best Vietnam eSIM plans?
I’ve had a look at the best Sim Local Vietnam plans available right now, and here are the options I’d choose between.
If you’re a fairly light data user, this could be all you need. This will cover things like Google Maps, WhatsApp, checking emails, travel research and a bit of social media. If you’re booking a short break or you’ll be on Wi-Fi a lot, this plan should be fine.
I usually opt for a minimum of 10GB as I use a lot of data. This Vietnam eSIM is valid for 30 days, so it’s great for a longer trip if you want to stay connected but don’t need unlimited data.
This is one of the best plans right now, and what I chose for my trip. With superfast 4G and 5G speeds on the reliable MobiFone network, this 180GB eSIM lasts for 30 days and offers a huge amount of data – more than you’d ever need. The first 6GB each day is offered at really fast speeds. It’s perfect for really high data users.
Even better, this one includes unlimited Facebook and YouTube access, meaning they don’t count against the data allowance. If 180GB is a little high, there’s also a 75GB plan for 15 days.
Looking for unlimited data at high speeds? This eSIM lasts for 15 days and is ideal for heavy data users. If you’re looking to stream videos, upload large files, video call and perhaps share as a hotspot, this is the eSIM for you.
The first 10GB each day will be at the fastest speeds, and then it’s still usable after, but at a slightly lower speed. If this sounds like too much data, take a look at the regular Unlimited plan, which offers the first 5GB at high speeds.
Ready to buy your eSIM for Vietnam? For a limited time I’m offering a huge 15% off all Sim Local eSIMs with my discount code WANDERLUST15. Click this link and add the code at the checkout.
Vietnam eSIM Comparison: Sim Local vs Airalo vs Saily vs Holafly
There are plenty of companies offering Vietnam eSIMs, so how does Sim Local compare?
| Provider | Vietnam data options | Unlimited option | High-speed allowance | Hotspot |
| Sim Local | Fixed GB + unlimited | Yes | Up to 10GB/day | Yes |
| Airalo | Fixed GB + unlimited | Yes | 3GB/day on its 30-day unlimited plan | Available depending on plan |
| Saily | 1GB–20GB + unlimited | Yes | Plan-dependent | No restrictions |
| Holafly | Unlimited | Yes | Plan-dependent | Plan-dependent |
Airalo currently offers Vietnam plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB, as well as unlimited packages. However, it’s worth noting the 30-day unlimited plan slows to 1Mbps after 3GB of usage per day.
Saily offers fixed plans from 1GB through 20GB, plus an unlimited option. Holafly also offers unlimited Vietnam data, with coverage using the VinaPhone network, but things like Hotspot use depend on the plan.
Personally, Sim Local stands out because its unlimited plans are really generous for travellers (like me) who use a lot of data. You can choose between 5GB or 10GB of full-speed data each day, and you’ll still be connected after that allowance is used. It gives you total peace of mind that you won’t run out or find your data is throttled after a few simple tasks.
FAQs
Is Sim Local’s Vietnam eSIM really unlimited?
As mentioned there are Unlimited and Unlimited Pro plans on offer. It’s worth noting that Sim Local’s Unlimited plans give you a daily allowance of full-speed data rather than simply stopping your connection when that allowance is reached. The standard Unlimited plan gives you 5GB of high-speed data per day, while Unlimited PRO gives you 10GB per day.
After that, you’ll continue to have a data connection at reduced speeds of up to 1Mbps until your allowance resets 24 hours later.
Some networks will simply stop your connection once you reach the allowance, which makes me not want to recommend them. Imagine being stranded with no data?!
Which Sim Local Unlimited plan should I choose?
If I was choosing for my next trip, I’d pick an Unlimited plan. The 5GB per day of high-speed data is plenty for my type of travel, where I’d use my phone for navigating, travel planning, social media and communication.
What’s the difference between the Sim Local Unlimited plan and the Unlimited PRO plan?
Unlimited = 5GB/day high-speed
Unlimited PRO = 10GB/day high-speed
After that, data continues at up to 1Mbps
The high-speed allowance resets every 24 hours from first use.
What network does Sim Local use in Vietnam?
Sim Local’s Vietnam eSIM plans use MobiFone or VinaPhone, two of Vietnam’s major mobile networks. We visited a lot of destinations on our trip and I found the connection was really strong in major cities and tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hoi An. As with any mobile network, coverage can be more limited in remote or mountainous areas, such as Sapa, Ha Giang and Phu Quoc.
You might find yourself on a boat in the middle of Ha Long Bay without much signal, but hey, it’s better to take time away from your phone when you’re somewhere as amazing as that!
Is it easy to set up a Sim Local eSIM for Vietnam?
One of the things I like about eSIMs is that you can get everything ready before your trip. I always buy my Sim Local eSIM a day or two before I travel. Once you’ve purchased your plan, you’ll receive instructions on how to install it. It’s really quick and simple. Then you can turn it on once you arrive in Vietnam.
Are Sim Local eSIMs good value for money?
You don’t have to buy an expensive unlimited package if you only need a few GB of data. At the same time, you have the option of going unlimited if you know you’ll be using your phone heavily. The prices are affordable and generally beat the competition. If you have any problems, they also offer a really generous refund policy. If your travel plans change or your eSIM doesn’t work, you have 14 days to request a full refund with no questions asked.
Why choose a Vietnam eSIM instead of roaming?
Have you seen the cost of roaming? It’s often £5 or more per day! Getting an eSIM for Vietnam is a really simple way to avoid expensive international roaming charges.
Is there anyone to help me with my eSIM?
One thing that sets Sim Local apart from some competitors is its WhatsApp support. It’s run by real people rather than a Chatbot, so you can always contact someone if you’re struggling to setup or use your eSIM.
Sim Local Discount
This guide has given you all the info you need, now it’s time to shop! For a limited time I’m offering a huge 15% off all Sim Local eSIMs with my discount code WANDERLUST15. Click this link and add the code at the checkout.