How to Use eSIM for Vietnam Travel 2024: Best Plans + Cost Compared

All about eSIM for Vietnam travel, cost, best service provide recommended, prepaid eSIM data plans, and step-by-step guide on how to use, etc.

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam thanks to its great convenience and flexibility for travelers and locals alike. In this guide, we will introduce all about eSIM for Vietnam, is it reliable to use Vietnam eSIM, how to use, how much it costs, which best service providers are, which prepaid eSIM plans to choose for tourists.

I. Is eSIM Available in Vietnam?

YES, the major mobile network operators Viettel, Mobilefone and Vinaphone currently offer eSIM service for compatible devices. You can download eSIM only to a eSIM- supported smartphone device. eSIM works everywhere in Vietnam.

Most popular phone brands like Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Google, Huawei and Motorola support eSIM functionality within Vietnam for now.There are some Vietnam eSIM providers on the market, but Gigago has the best packages on offer. We will explain in detail below.

II. What is an eSIM for Vietnam? Easy Explanation for Beginners

Let’s dig into the basic definition of eSIM and how it is in Vietnam.

What is eSIM for Vietnam?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card embedded directly into a mobile device like a smartphone. Using eSIM does not require you to swap out a SIM card and insert a new one into the SIM card tray. Instead, you can install and activate it remotely.

How Vietnam eSIM works: To access local cellular and data networks with a Vietnam eSIM, you just need to buy a Vietnam eSIM plan online, install it by scanning a QR code sent from the eSIM provider, and access the Internet as soon as arriving in Vietnam.

Requirements: If using a Vietnam SIM card just requires a carrier-unlocked phone, using an eSIM requires more: a carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone. Check out our updated list of eSIM-compatible devices.

Which Type of Vietnam eSIM are Best for Travelers?

There are 02 common types of Vietnam eSIM plans for travelers: 

• data only eSIM plans and 
• data, voice and text eSIM plans. 

The data-only plans are more preferred by tourists because they are convenient and cheaper than the later ones. You can still get access to the Internet while staying in touch with family and friends back home by using apps like WhatsApp, Viber, etc.

Our recommendation: if you do not need to make analog calls when traveling in Vietnam, choose an eSIM plan with data only for cost saving. 

III. Why Get an eSIM for Vietnam Travel?

Vietnam eSIM allows you to get instant travel data right after landing in Vietnam. 

In fact, there are many connectivity options available for tourists to Vietnam, namely free public WiFi, pocket WiFi, roaming, local SIM card, and eSIM cards. However, eSIMs offer more benefits in terms of convenience, cost savings, security, flexibility, and reliability than the others. 

Here are the most appreciated advantage of an international eSIM for Vietnam:

• More convenient than buying a local Vietnamese SIM card on arrival. No need to locate and visit a shop to buy a SIM card.
• Cheaper than international roaming through your home network carrier
• More secure and reliable than using free public WiFi in Vietnam
• Easily switch between eSIM plans and top up data allowance anytime
• Reliability – eSIMs connect you to robust cellular networks rather than unpredictable public WiFi.

Therefore, due to the reasons above, more and more travelers choose eSIM for Internet connection while traveling in Vietnam.

IV. Where to Buy eSIM for Vietnam?

There are a few ways to buy eSIM for Vietnam, but the best way is buying online, one day before departure, and from a prestigious eSIM provider.

Here we explain why.

Buying online: eSIM plans do not require you to insert any SIM card into your phone, so you can buy it online, from anywhere, at any time. 

Buying one day before departure: this will ensure you can maintain the longest validity for your plan and ensure extended Internet access.

Buying from a prestigious eSIM provider: there are many eSIM providers in the market, but you should choose the one with a harmony of plan options, price, and customer service. We specifically suggest Gigago as a good provider for Vietnam eSIM. Gigago is an eSIM provider with the most packages compared to other providers, the most affordable prices and an enthusiastic 24/7 customer service team supporting 5 languages including Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Chinese.

Next, we will guide you on how to install, activate and use eSIM for Vietnam as a traveler. 

V. Pre-install Checklist for a Vietnam eSIM

• Confirm if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-supported. 
• Prepare a stable WiFi connection for installation
• A QR code printed out or on another device. The code will be sent to your email after payment. 

By doing this quick checklist, you can have a smooth installation.

VI. How to Install and Activate your eSIM for Vietnam

There are 02 ways to install eSIM for Vietnam: scanning a QR code or manual installing. 

We will introduce how to install eSIM on iOS and Android devices by each way.

1. How to install eSIM Vietnam on iPhone:

Option 1: Install by scanning a QR Code:

• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile
• Select Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan
• On the screen displayed Set up Cellular, select Use QR code
• Scan QR code with your phone’s camera
• When the Activate eSIM display appears, select Continue
• Select Done at the bottom of the screen for Cellular Setup Complete
• Choose a label for your new eSIM, such as Gigago Vietnam, select Continue
• Under the Default Line page, select your eSIM for cellular data only, select Continue

• On the iMessage & FaceTime page, select Primary to use your main line for iMessage and FaceTime, select Continue
• On the page Cellular Data, Select the new eSIM, let Allow Mobile Data Switching turned off, select Continue
• When you want to use your eSIM for Internet connectivity, go to Settings > Mobile Data
• Select your newly installed eSIM, scroll down and turn on Data Roaming
• Done, your eSIM is installed and activated

Option 2: Install manually

• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile
• Select Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan
• Select Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen,
• Enter SM-DP+ Address, Activation code and Confirmation code listed in the mail receive from eSIM provider
• Select Continue to Activate eSIM
• Select Done for Cellular Setup Complete
• Choose a label or customized label for your eSIM
• Under the Default Line page, select your newly named eSIM for cellular data only

• When you want to use your eSIM for Internet connectivity, go to Settings > Mobile Data
• Select your newly installed eSIM, scroll down and turn on Data Roaming
• Done, your eSIM is installed and activated

Note: the steps to set up eSIM may vary between regions.

2. How to install eSIM Vietnam on Android

Here we give a guide to install eSIM Vietnam on Samsung devices.

Option 1: Scan QR code

• On your phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager
• Tap “+ Add eSIM” under the “eSIMs” field
• Choose Scan QR from service provider
• Scan the QR code and wait for a few seconds before your new eSIM plan is identified
• Select Add to add the plan to your device

• Select your new eSIM > Name to label the name of your eSIM
• Turn back to the screen displaying SIM Card Manager
• Select Mobile data under “Preferred SIMs” > select your new eSIM
• Turn back to Connections > Mobile networks > turn on Data roaming
• Done, your eSIM is installed and activated

Option 2: Install Manually

• On your phone, go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager
• Tap “+ Add eSIM” under the “eSIMs” field
• Choose Scan QR from service provider
• Choose Enter activation code below the box
• Import the manual installation code for Android received in your email
• Choose Continue and wait for a while
• In the Add eSIM page, choose Add
• On the main Settings menu, choose the eSIM newly installed > Name
• Label the eSIM for easy recognition, such as Gigago Vietnam
• Turn back to the screen displaying SIM Card Manager
• Select Mobile data under “Preferred SIMs” > select your new eSIM
• Turn back to Connections > Mobile networks > turn on Data roaming
• Done, your eSIM is installed and activated

VII. How Much Does an eSIM for Vietnam Cost?

The cost of an eSIM for Vietnam varies by plan features, data volume, validity, and provider. Vietnam eSIM plans start from $8.9 for 7GB used in 8 days and can be charged up to $18.9 for Unlimited data used in 30 days. 

VIII. Which is The Best eSIM Plans for Vietnam?

As mentioned earlier, there are many eSIM providers on the market. You can choose to buy eSIM plans from either Vietnam mobile network carriers (Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone) or eSIM providers like Gigago. 

In fact, you should buy eSIM plans from eSIM providers like Gigago because they often offer plenty of data plans that are covered by different network carriers in Vietnam. So, there will be more options to choose from instead of going with one network carrier. 

Below are eSIM plans of Gigago, you can choose one of them for your upcoming trip in Vietnam:

IX. FAQs about Using eSIM for Vietnam Travel

X. Conclusion

Using an eSIM is a convenient and cost-effective way for travelers to stay connected across Vietnam. With this guide, you can easily purchase, install, and activate an eSIM plan before your trip. Choosing a provider like Gigago with wide coverage and reliable 4G speeds will keep you connected throughout your travels. Just remember to download the eSIM profile before departure and follow the correct setup process for your device. With a properly configured eSIM, you can avoid roaming charges, skip buying local SIMs, and enjoy reliable connectivity during your Vietnam visit!