Why an eSIM is Recommended for Vietnam
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Vietnam does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is indeed widespread in Vietnam (hotels, cafes, shopping malls), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
- Internet censorship: Facebook may be limited or slowed down, a VPN is useful
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas. Some providers like Saily even include a VPN to bypass restrictions.
Network Coverage in Vietnam
Vietnam has excellent 4G coverage (98%) and 5G is being deployed in major cities thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Viettel |
98% |
Yes (major cities) |
50% (leader) |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Vinaphone |
97% |
Yes (major cities) |
30% |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Mobifone |
96% |
In deployment |
20% |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Hanoi: perfect 4G/5G throughout the capital
- Ho Chi Minh City: excellent coverage in the city with 5G in central districts
- Ha Long Bay: excellent on cruise boats and tourist islands
- Hoi An: excellent in the old town and surrounding beaches
- Da Nang: excellent urban coverage
- Sapa: good coverage in town and tourist villages, variable during treks
- Mekong Delta: good coverage along main canals
- Phu Quoc: very good island coverage
How to Install Your Vietnam eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Vietnam (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Vietnam eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Vietnam eSIM 2026"
countryCode="VN"
countrySlug="vietnam"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Viettel network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Viettel network (leader 50%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure connections and bypass censorship (Facebook sometimes limited)
Conclusion
For all travelers to Vietnam, an eSIM is highly recommended as French roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 10 GB at $4.50 remains very economical.
Need VPN: Saily 3 GB at $6.20 with included VPN is ideal if you use Facebook or other services sometimes limited.
Vietnam eSIM FAQ
