Comparison tables of SIM providers go out of date quickly. What does not change are the questions that decide which option is right for you. Answer the four questions below and you will know what to buy.
Four questions that decide it
1. Does your phone support eSIM and is it unlocked?
If not, the decision is made: buy a physical local SIM. Check in your phone settings before you travel — and check that your phone is not locked to your home carrier.
2. Do you need a Vietnamese phone number?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only: no local number, no calls, no SMS. That is fine for maps, WhatsApp and most ride apps. But a local number is handy for hotels, drivers and tour guides who prefer to call, and for some local apps that verify by SMS. If that matters to you, get a local SIM.
3. Where are you going?
Coverage is good in all cities and main tourist routes on every network. The difference shows in remote areas. Viettel has the widest coverage in the countryside and the far north — useful for the Hà Giang loop and mountain treks. Many travel eSIMs use the other networks, which can thin out sooner off the beaten track.
4. How long are you staying?
For a short trip, convenience usually wins: an eSIM installed at home means no queue at the airport. For a month or more, a local SIM generally gives more data for less money.
eSIM vs local SIM at a glance
| Travel eSIM | Local SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Works on landing | Yes — install before you fly | After buying at the airport or in town |
| Vietnamese number | Usually no | Yes |
| Typical price | About US$8–18 for 3–10 GB, 7–15 days | About 150,000–350,000₫ (US$6–14) for 15–30 days with lots of data |
| Remote coverage | Depends on the network the eSIM uses | Viettel: the widest |
| What you need | Unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone | Your passport for registration |
Prices checked October 2026 and change often. Confirm before you pay.
Buying a local SIM: what to expect
- Airport counters in Hà Nội, Sài Gòn and Đà Nẵng sell tourist SIMs; you need your passport for registration.
- The staff will usually insert and activate it for you — test that data works before you walk away.
- Shops in town often have more choice. Look for the official store of the network, not a random kiosk.
- Keep your home SIM safe (tape it inside your passport cover) if you swap it out.
Setting up an eSIM: a 5-minute checklist
- Buy and install it at home on Wi-Fi, but switch it on only when you land.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line (this is normal for travel eSIMs and does not mean roaming charges).
- Turn off data on your home line to avoid surprise bills from your own carrier.
- Screenshot the setup instructions in case you need them without internet.
Do you even need mobile data?
Hotels, cafés and restaurants almost all have free Wi-Fi. But data is what makes ride apps, maps and translation work on the street, and it is what gets you out of trouble if you are lost. For the price of two coffees a day, it is worth it.
Need to budget for it? See how much a day in Vietnam costs. Heading to the mountains? Our guide to getting around Vietnam explains your transport options.
ALSO BEFORE YOU FLY
Check your visa
Sort your data and your entry papers at the same time. See what your passport needs for Vietnam.
Read our visa guide →