Whether you’re exploring ancient history, breathtaking nature, or vibrant cities, you want to be online when you travel. Then you have two choices. Sift through the clutter of local operators. Or buy an Vietnam eSIM in minutes from the comfort of your own home. On the following lines, we’ll show you the benefits and prices of both options to make your decision easier.
Vietnam eSIM: How to choose the best option?
Data volume and validity are important criteria for selecting an eSIM. Going on a ten-day vacation to a hotel with Wi-Fi, but still want a backup plan? A 1GB package that only lasts for 7 days won’t be enough. If you’re traveling more and spending less time in a hotel, packages with more data will come in handy. Wi-Fi shouldn’t be bad in Vietnam, but we recommend reading hotel reviews carefully, it might be worth having some backup.
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For Vietnam, it takes a good choice of operator. There can be a big difference between their coverage. Some of the smaller operators such as Vietmobile basically only operate in the larger cities and may have a problem in buildings. You’ll be fine with the big three of MobiFone, Vinaphone and Viettel, with the latter having the best coverage and coming in handy for bigger trips out of town.
The best data eSIM for Vietnam
You can find the best prices with local operators. If you don’t want to wade through the offers, wait at a kiosk and show your passport, Vietnam eSIM may be a good option thanks to its affordable prices.
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The cheapest offers
If you’re only traveling for a while, just need Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, etc., and just need a data eSIM as a backup, 1GB is a good option for you. The cheapest option is currently offered by RedteaGO for $2.69 (this is a discount and the price is subject to change). It is valid for 30 days.
Nomad 1 GB sells for an affordable $4 and the popular Airalo for $4.50. Both are valid for 7 days.
Average data usage (5 GB)
For classic data usage, Maya Mobile may be right for you. It offers 5 GB from 7 to 30 days, so it depends on how long you want to use the data. The optimal 15 days comes out to $11.
Airalo and Nomad are identical at $13 and 30 days. Mobimatter is half a dollar cheaper and also works in 9 other Asian countries.
Big data usage (10 GB)
If you want to stay in touch and follow a lot of social networks, you need a little more data. Again, Maya Mobile does quite well, offering 10 GB for 5 to 30 days. For 15 days costs $17.
Airalo jumps up to $21 and Nomad wants a dollar more.
Unlimited data
Only Holafly offers really unlimited data. It depends on the number of days you have. If you’re going for two weeks, a 15-day package for $47 will do. 30 days for $64 isn’t bad either.
Overview of the best Vietnam eSIM packages
Provider | GB | Price | Validity |
RedteaGO | 1 GB | $2.69 | 30 days |
Maya Mobile | 5 GB | $11 | 15 days |
Maya Mobile | 10 GB | $16 | 15 days |
Holafly | unlimited | $47 | 15 days |
Local SIM card in Vietnam
You will need your passport to get a SIM card in Vietnam. Also remember that you can only have three active SIM cards per person at any one time. This applies to both tourists and locals.
As I wrote earlier, an important part of the purchase is the choice of operator. Outside of the big cities, it’s definitely not worth taking the smallest ones like Vietnamobile. Mobifone and Vinaphone are among those with better coverage. However, if you’re going on a trip, be sure to take Viettel, which has the absolute best coverage.
Prices are very similar from one operator to another. You may find the offers a bit confusing (different validity periods, data only, even by phone number for calls, data limits per day and number of GB). You can buy a SIM card right at the airport. You’ll be sure the staff speaks English and you’ll be online sooner. But be sure you aproach official seller from operator. Also it is good to be prepared and know what you want to buy. Unfortunately, it’s no exception that they’re trying to scam you. If you want to be more safe, wait to the city and go to the official operator store.
There’s a lot on offer, but for me I’d go for the 60 GB package for 30 days (maximum usage of 2GB per day, which is fine) for 120,000 VND (about $5.2). Plus, you get calls included.
Summary
If you’re going to Vietnam, it definitely pays to be online. You’ll appreciate it for booking transportation, maps, travel tips, etc. If you’re going for 14 days, Vietnam eSIM is definitely worth considering. Providers offer relatively good prices and you can have everything done in a minute. Plus, you’ll be connected as soon as you land.
Buying a local SIM card can be a bit of a challenge, as there are a lot of choices and local vendors will try to push what’s best for them. However, given the cheap prices, it can really pay off. Especially if you want to travel around Vietnam for more than 14 days. Plus, if you prepare a bit, you can buy a really cheap and good SIM card right at the airport.
If you’re planning to work, Holafly’s unlimited data might be worth it.