Best eSIM for Vietnam Tourists – Data Plans, Prices & Reviews

When I first landed in Vietnam, the last thing I wanted was to waste time searching for a SIM card counter.

After a long flight, you just want to get online fast, message family, order a Grab ride, or open Google Maps without stress. That’s where an eSIM makes life simple.

If you’re a tourist visiting Vietnam in 2025, having a reliable eSIM plan can save you time and money.

I’ve tested options in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and even smaller towns like Da Nang.

In this guide, I’ll share the best eSIM for Vietnam tourists, compare data plans, talk about coverage, and give you honest reviews so you know what really works here.

Why Choose an eSIM in Vietnam?

Buying a local SIM card used to be the first step at the airport. But with eSIM, you no longer need to stand in line or show your passport. You scan a QR code, and within minutes, your phone is connected.

For tourists, an eSIM is perfect because:

No paperwork or ID needed.
Works right after landing.
Easy top-up or switching providers.
No risk of losing your physical SIM.

This is especially useful in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where traffic and airport lines can be chaotic. With an eSIM, you can be online before leaving baggage claim.

Best eSIM Providers in Vietnam

After testing several services, these are the most popular choices for travelers:

Airalo Vietnam eSIM Review

Airalo is a global eSIM provider that works very well in Vietnam. I used it in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and never had major issues.

Plans: Starts from 1GB up to 20GB.
Prices: Around $5 for 1GB, $18 for 10GB.
Coverage: Uses Viettel and Mobifone networks.
Good for: Tourists who want flexibility and cheap data.

Airalo is simple to set up and shows good Vietnam eSIM coverage even in smaller cities.

Holafly Vietnam eSIM Comparison

Holafly is another big name, known for unlimited data plans.

Plans: Unlimited data from 5 to 30 days.
Prices: Around $19 for 5 days, $64 for 30 days.
Coverage: Strong in urban areas, weaker in some rural regions.
Good for: Travelers who stream, use maps, and stay active online daily.

If you don’t want to count gigabytes, Holafly is great. But remember, it’s data-only, so you won’t get a local Vietnam phone number.

Viettel eSIM Vietnam

Viettel is the biggest local network in Vietnam. If you want the best coverage, especially outside big cities, Viettel is unbeatable.

Plans: Local tourist eSIM with data packages from 7 days to 30 days.
Prices: Around $8–$10 for 5GB.
Coverage: Excellent nationwide.
Good for: Tourists traveling to rural areas like Ha Giang or Sapa.

Mobifone and Vinaphone eSIM Vietnam

Mobifone and Vinaphone are also local carriers. Both are reliable, but Viettel still wins in terms of rural coverage.

Mobifone: Strong in Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam.
Vinaphone: Better in Hanoi and northern regions.

If you plan to stay mostly in cities, either Mobifone or Vinaphone eSIM is fine.

Best eSIM Plans and Prices for Tourists

Here’s what I found after comparing the Vietnam eSIM plans in 2025:

Airalo: $18 for 10GB (best budget option).
Holafly: $64 for 30 days unlimited data (best for heavy users).
Viettel: $8–$10 for 5GB (best for local coverage).
Mobifone: $12 for 5GB (city travelers).
Vinaphone: $11 for 5GB (northern cities).

For most US travelers, Airalo or Holafly is easiest because you can buy before flying.

eSIM vs SIM Card in Vietnam

Many tourists still ask if they should buy a physical SIM card. Here’s my honest take:

eSIM: Fast, no paperwork, great for short trips.
Physical SIM: Cheaper for long stays but takes time to buy and register.

For a two-week Vietnam trip, eSIM wins. For a six-month stay, a local SIM may be better.

How to Set Up eSIM in Vietnam

It’s simple:

Buy an eSIM online (Airalo, Holafly, etc.) or from a local provider.
Receive a QR code.
Open settings on iPhone or Android and scan the code.
Your phone connects instantly.

I’ve tried this with an iPhone and also tested Android eSIM setup. Both work fine in Vietnam.

Where to Buy eSIM for Vietnam

You can buy an eSIM before you fly from providers like Airalo or Holafly. If you’re already in Vietnam, you can buy directly from Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone.

At airports like Hanoi Noi Bai or Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat, kiosks also sell tourist eSIMs. But honestly, buying online is easier and avoids confusion with language.

My Experience Using eSIM in Vietnam

In Hanoi, Airalo worked smoothly even while walking around the Old Quarter. In Ho Chi Minh City, Holafly gave me unlimited data which helped with maps and Grab rides.

When I traveled to Ha Giang, only Viettel had strong coverage. That’s why I recommend it if you’re planning road trips into the mountains.

The good part? Switching between providers is easy with eSIM. You don’t need to change SIM cards physically—just swap profiles on your phone.

Tips for Tourists Using eSIM in Vietnam

Always download the QR code before you travel.
If you use Airalo, check your data balance often.
Holafly is good for heavy users, but not for calling.
For rural travel, always choose Viettel.

FAQ

What is the best eSIM for Vietnam in 2025?
Airalo is the best for budget and convenience, Holafly is best for unlimited data, and Viettel is best for local coverage.

Does eSIM work at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh airports?
Yes, you can activate your eSIM right after landing, even before leaving the airport.

Which network has the best coverage in Vietnam?
Viettel has the widest coverage, especially outside big cities.

Can I use eSIM in Vietnam with my iPhone?
Yes, most iPhones from XR and newer support eSIM. Just scan the QR code and it works.

Is eSIM better than SIM card in Vietnam?
For short trips, eSIM is faster and easier. For long stays, a physical SIM might be cheaper.

Can US travelers buy Vietnam eSIM before flying?
Yes, you can buy from Airalo or Holafly online and activate upon arrival.

Conclusion

Traveling in Vietnam is exciting, and staying connected should be simple. After testing many options, I can say the best eSIM for Vietnam tourists in 2025 depends on your travel style. Airalo is cheap, Holafly is unlimited, and Viettel is strongest in rural areas.