Vietnam eSIM picks

At a glance

• Best value for 1–2 week trips: Nomad Vietnam plans
• Best for nomads basing in HCMC or Hanoi: Dracotel
• Best for unlimited streaming: Holafly Vietnam
• Best for a SE Asia multi-country trip: Airalo Asialink

Network notes

Viettel is the dominant carrier and has the best rural coverage, including Sapa, Ha Giang loop, the Central Highlands and Phu Quoc. Vinaphone (VNPT) and Mobifone are competitive in cities. Most travel eSIMs resell Viettel or Vinaphone — both are fine in tourist areas.

Practical connectivity tips

• Install before landing. Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) and Noi Bai (Hanoi) airport Wi-Fi is OK but slow at peak arrival times. Grab is the default airport ride and wants active data.
• Apps you’ll want online: Grab (rides, food, payments), Be (local Grab alternative), Google Maps, Google Translate (camera mode is essential for menus), VietnamGo for trains.
• Motorbike taxis (XanhSM, Be Bike) are routed via app — having data from arrival matters.
• Ha Giang loop and Sapa: signal drops to 3G or none in mountain passes. Download offline maps and any audio you’ll want.
• Sleeper buses and trains: patchy signal at night. Download entertainment.

Watch out for

• Banking 2FA from Vietnamese fintechs (MoMo, ZaloPay) requires a Vietnamese number — travel eSIMs don’t help. Use cash or international cards.
• Some hotel Wi-Fi captive portals require a Vietnamese phone number to verify. Your eSIM bypasses that.
• Phu Quoc and remote islands: coverage is fine in town but degrades on jungle treks and remote beaches. Plan accordingly.