Planning a trip to Vietnam takes some time and money but its landmarks, scenery, culture, and cuisine make it all worth it. Naturally, you want to stay connected to your friends and family and share your best memories with them, but how? First, to answer your question, eSIM IS available in Vietnam and it’s the perfect choice for a fast and affordable way to stay in touch with others via the internet.
Although almost all hotels, restaurants, and cafes provide free WiFi, their signal would probably be poor. Not to mention, not every tourist attraction in Vietnam provides free WiFi due to the overflowing number of visitors. Or, if you go to a physical store for a SIM card, chances are you’ll encounter communication difficulties.
An eSIM card is the perfect choice for many reasons, including avoiding this hassle and staying connected everywhere in Vietnam. Even if you don’t understand how an eSIM card works, we’ll explain every question in detail so you’ll have no problem using it.
What Is eSIM?
If you’re one of those people who have never used an eSIM card or have no idea how it works, we’re here to help. An eSIM, or an Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, is a tiny chip inside your device that can’t be removed. Although an eSIM works the same as a usual SIM card, the only difference is that you can’t see it with your eyes or hold it with your hands. Instead, you can activate or download an eSIM profile on your phone and join the network.
However, to activate the card, you must have an eSIM-compatible smartphone. It doesn’t work on any device. Luckily, people nowadays mainly use smartphones, so you’re probably good to go.
Once you understand what an eSIM card is, it’s time to clarify the two types of eSIM:
- Data eSiM
- Voice, Data eSIM, and SMS
As a tourist, you might want to opt for the DATA eSIM because there are many benefits from it, including the following:
- You can keep your original SIM and use it if you need it
- There’s no need to wait in a queue; you get the QR code via email
- It’s affordable and charges at a reasonable price
- You can keep your WhatsApp number and use it anytime
Why Is eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM Card?
eSIM is better than a physical SIM card in many ways, and people constantly rely on it. They’ve become prevalent in all smartphones due to their digital use, and statistics show that the eSIM market is estimated to increase to 16.3 billion USD in the next three years.
That said, an eSIM card is beneficial in many ways besides the most obvious one—being cost-effective. It helps you access your phone as usual with minor requirements that don’t take up too much time.
An eSIM card is initially tiny, providing plenty of room for other phone components, such as a larger battery. Not only that, but an eSIM makes waterproofing smartphones easier because it doesn’t need to be close to the edge of the phone. Additionally, because the card isn’t physical but instead activated in your phone, it can’t be lost or physically damaged. That’s why it’s also safe, as it can’t be duplicated.
Another advantage of an eSIM card is the ability to store multiple cellular profiles, so you can decide which carrier you want to use without switching off your SIM card. Perhaps the best feature of an eSIM card is that it’s easy to locate if you lose your phone or it gets stolen. Instead, your provider can control the eSIM and its location anywhere.
However, we must keep it real: eSIM cards have two minor disadvantages. First, they’re a relatively new concept to people and devices, so they only work with selected and more recent smartphones or carriers. Second, if you want to transfer your card to a different device, you have to download your data for your messages, contacts, and other media.
Is eSIM Available in Vietnam?
The answer to this question is a big fat YES. Luckily, Vietnam’s three leading mobile network operators (Vinaphone, MobiFone, Vietnamobile, and Viettel) provide eSIM cards and services. If you’ve previously visited Vietnam and have a SIM card from one of these operators, you can change it into an eSIM online.
Luckily, you can get an eSIM for Vietnam, as they’re available for all tourists. Check the operators for their eSIM data plans, as their packages might differ. According to many reviews, the best eSIM providers in Vietnam include Airalo, Yesim, GigSky, and Holafly. Any of these operators can help make your Vietnam trip memorable.
Regarding the price, the average eSIM card in Vietnam may range from $4.50 to $32, including 1GB to 20GB of data. However, the providers’ features and high-speed coverage make this a worthy purchase for your trip to Vietnam. They’re also reliable and easy to use, with a QR code sent to your email, allowing you to stay connected effortlessly.
How to Install eSIM in Vietnam?
When you settle on a provider for your eSIM card in Vietnam, it’s also essential to have a pre-install checklist. That means confirming that your phone supports eSIM cards, having a strong WiFi connection to install the eSIM, and printing out a QR code that will be emailed to you.
The actual process of installing and activating your eSIM card includes two main ways: manual installation or scanning a QR code. We’ll go through the steps for each device, whether you have an iOS or Android device.
How to Install eSIM on iOS?
If you want to install eSIM by scanning a QR code, here’s what you should do:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Select Add Cellular Plan, Add eSIM, or Add Mobile Data Plan
- Set up Cellular will display on the screen
- Select Use QR Code and scan the code with your camera
- When Activate eSIM displays on the screen, select Continue
- Label your eSIM, then turn it off
- When Default Line appears, press eSIM for cellular data, then select Continue
- Go to the iMessage & Facetime page, press Primary as your main line, and select Continue
- Select your new eSIM and turn on Data Roaming
How to Install eSIM on Android?
Installing and activating your eSIM on your Samsung device also requires the following steps, such as:
- Go to Settings > Connections >SIM card manager
- Press + Add eSIM
- Press Scan carrier QR code and scan the code from the service provider (or enter the code manually if you can’t scan it)
- Scan the QR code to Identify your new eSIM plan
- Press Add to download and activate your mobile plan on your eSIM
- Go to Settings > Connections> SIM card manager > your eSIM
- Turn eSIM ON and data roaming ON
- Turn the Airplane Mode ON/OFF, and you can now enjoy the internet in Vietnam
Where to Buy eSIM for Vietnam?
There are some ways to buy an eSIM for Vietnam, but if you want to avoid any hassles before departure, the best way is online, and here’s why.
After researching and selecting the best provider for you, buying an eSIM is easy online. The best thing is that eSIM plans aren’t physical but activated.
If you buy your card a day before departure, you’ll save more GB. You can also maintain a longer validity for your plan and have more internet access.
Regardless of the provider, you can easily buy a data tourist eSIM card in Vietnam in the steps below:
- Choose your data plan on the website, place the order, and make the payment
- A QR code will be sent to your email
- Scan the QR code
- Active and get ready for your trip
Although we mentioned the most common eSIM providers in Vietnam, you should choose the one that fits your plan and budget. At the same time, choosing an operator that provides plenty of plan options and excellent customer service is essential. Most eSIM providers in Vietnam offer affordable prices and 24/7 customer service in different languages, including English.
Conclusion on eSIM in Vietnam
Using an eSIM card in Vietnam is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to staying connected to friends and family from a long distance. Following this guide, you can easily buy, install, and activate your eSIM card before departing for your trip.
Choosing a reliable provider with positive reviews, 4G speeds, and comprehensive coverage is always a good idea for a smooth vacation. The best tip is to download the eSIM profile before you arrive in Vietnam and follow the proper phone setup process. That way, you can avoid local SIMs and roaming charges and enjoy strong connectivity during your Vietnam trip.