6 Best eSIMs for Vietnam [2024 Picks]

Vietnam, with its rich culture and stunning landscapes, is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. Staying connected is essential for a seamless travel experience, and hence you need an eSIM. What is an eSIM? A virtual SIM that doesn't need a physical card to let you access the data plan. Here are the 6 best eSIMs for Vietnam in 2024 to keep you online throughout your journey. Read on to get more information.

No.1 MicroEsim

MicroEsim is a reputable eSIM provider that offers flexible eSIM Vietnam plans, from 1 day up to 30 days, at the cheapest price starting at $1.50. You may select daily or total data options, as well as the unlimited data plan (once high-speed data is exhausted, you'll still have unlimited data at reduced speeds of 128kbps). Also, Partners with Vietnam's local telecom company, Mobifone, MicroEsim guarantees a solid and fast 4G/LTE connection. If you visit more than Vietnam, it even provides you with a combination plan for eSIM Southeast Asia in 5 countries, which will benefit you more and make your trip more comfortable.

The eSIM is easy to acquire from an online website and activated through a QR code, which is convenient to use and has no requirement for eKYC. Also, it can act as a hotspot to save you on roaming costs encountered in the case of using multiple devices. Generally speaking, it is one of the best eSIMs for Asia, so you can feel confident using it.

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Here are the price packages of MicroEsim for Vietnam:

No.2 Airalo

Airalo is the world's first and largest eSIM marketplace, offering a good service of eSIM for international travel with its vast user base. Airalo partnered with two local carriers, Mobifone and Viettel, to provide stable LTE speeds across Vietnam. It offers 6 different Vietnam eSIM plans, ranging from 1GB to 20GB and covering durations from 7 to 30 days, with prices starting from $4.50 to $32.

While Airalo is moderately priced, the case of not having an unlimited data plan may be a drawback for travelers who need large downloads or even more significant amounts of data. Also, activation requires downloading their app, which can be a bit cumbersome.

Here are price packages from Airalo for Vietnam:

No.3 GigSky

Certainly, it would not be a bad choice at all with GigSky—the world's first eSIM-based mobile network operator and holds partnerships with big brands like Apple. Suitable for you to use eSIM on an iPhone. GigSky offers 4 plans for your Vietnam trip. The price starts at $4.49. Of course, these are all depending on whether you visit other countries besides Vietnam:

• Vietnam: 1GB for 7 days to 10GB for 30 days
• Asia Pacific bundle: 1GB for 7 days to 100GB for 180 days
• World Plan: 5GB for 30 days
• Cruise + Asia Pacific plan: 511MB for 1 day to 3GB for 15 days

One of the benefits is 100MB of data for a free trial to check if it works for you. The service supports 5G but falls back to 3G/4G in some areas. Another notable feature is the ability to use it as a hotspot. The downside is that there is no unlimited plan, which is possibly a drawback for travelers only to Vietnam.

Here are the price packages from GigSky for Vietnam:

No.4 Nomad

While not the most recommended, Nomad is still a good choice. It offers plans from 1GB to 20GB, with durations ranging from 7 to 45 days, starting at just $4. The solution cooperates with the local telecom, Mobifone, for 4G network coverage. Like Airalo and GigSky, though, there is no unlimited data plan. It does bring options, but the amount of data might not be enough for the longer stays.

Here price packages from Nomad for Vietnam:

No.5 Holafly

Holafly is a famous eSIM provider and stands out for its unlimited data plans. It offers subscription durations ranging from 1-90 days and the option to buy multiple eSIMs at one time. Holafly provides 3G/4G/LTE/5G coverage by partnering with Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Viettel.

However, Holafly still reserves the right to enforce its fair-use policies, which means your speed may be throttled. Its price starts at $6 for 1 day, and the common choice is $29 for a standard 7-day plan, which isn't that competitive compared to others. It does support a hotspot feature, but it has a cap of 500MB per day, which is not very generous.

Here are price packages from Holafly for Vietnam:

No.6 Jetpac

Jetpac is a new eSIM company with various plans for Vietnam. It works pretty well on any eSIM-enabled device, no matter you use eSIM on an Android or on an iPhone. New users can get 1GB for 4 days at a discounted price of $1. Other options range from 3GB to 40GB for 7 to 30 days. However, it does not offer an unlimited data plan, and 5G is not supported by the price. Relative to other eSIMs available, Jetpac seems to be pretty middle-of-the-road, so it would appear to make for a good backup choice rather than the best one.

Here are the price packages from Jetpac for Vietnam:

Final Verdict

After comparing the six eSIM options, MicroEsin seems to be the best eSIM for Vietnam. Where there's a broad choice of flexible plans and unlimited data options, Airalo, GigSky, and Nomad fall short. Holafly's unlimited plans are very expensive and have a limit of data per day for hotspots. Jetpac fell out of the running order with scarce data options of unlimited and insufficient data. That leaves MicroEsim, with stable speeds and painless activation via QR code, and cost-effective fees, a better choice. Go with MicroEsim for the best value on price, speed, and reliability.

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Things to Consider Before Purchasing an eSIM for Vietnam

There are a few things to consider before buying an eSIM for your trip to Vietnam if you wish to get the most out of it in the most smooth and hassle-free way.

1. Use a eSIM Compatible Phone

First, make sure that your device supports eSIM functionality. In general, if your phone came out after 2018, then basically, most new-model phones do. However, note that this might vary by location and carrier. Here are some commonly supported models:

• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• Google Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G), 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22 series

If you're still unsure, you can check the eSIM compatible devices page or consult your carrier for further assistance.

2. Make Sure Your Phone is Unlocked

First, you will need to check if your phone is unlocked before getting an eSIM for your trip to Vietnam. If it is locked, then your phone will be limited to only one carrier. The restriction is usually set by carriers to make sure customers stay until the end of their contract terms or device payment plans.

Now, to know if your phone is unlocked or not, then you have to contact your mobile provider. They will let you know whether it's unlockable or how to do it. Sometimes, unlocking a phone can be very straightforward, but some carriers may charge for that due to their policies and the terms of your contract with them.

3. How to Use eSIM in Vietnam

So, how to set up eSIM cards for Vietnam? It's a virtual program that enables your data access. Unlike the traditional SIM card, they do not require an actual implementation in your device. For instance, with MicroEsim, after ordering from the website, you will get a QR code via email from customer service. You only need to scan it with your phone and follow the onscreen instructions, and your eSIM will be ready. No cards are needed, and it is easy to set up right from your smartphone, making it very convenient to stay connected while traveling to Vietnam.