Best eSIMs for Vietnam in 2026: Top Plans Compared for Travellers

If you are travelling from Malaysia to Vietnam, getting an eSIM in advance of departure can be far more convenient than relying on free Wi-Fi or hotspots after arriving in Vietnam. It also means you can book Grab from the airport, open maps, translate menus, and message your hotel before you have to find a SIM counter.

You can choose an eSIM from a global digital provider or a local Vietnamese telco, or you could use your own provider’s roaming package if you prefer. Using an international travel eSIM offers instant activation on arrival - while getting a local telco eSIMs allows you to have a local number in Vietnam, but usually means going in person to a store to register.

This guide covers the best eSIM providers in Vietnam to help you pick.

What is an eSIM and Do You Need One in Vietnam?

An eSIM is a digital SIM which you can buy and activate without switching out your physical SIM card. Getting an eSIM for Vietnam allows you to get instant access to data on arrival, for hopping in a grab from the airport, translating, navigating and keeping up with friends.

Check your device is eSIM compatible by dialing *#06# on your phone - if you see a 32-digit number labeled EID, you can use an eSIM.

Travel eSIM vs. Local Prepaid eSIM in Vietnam

When selecting the best eSIM for Vietnam, you’ve got a few top options - you can get a Vietnam local eSIM from a Vietnamese telco, or you can choose a travel eSIM from a global provider. You could also opt for your own telco’s roaming - we’ll look at that option later, too.

If you want an eSIM for Vietnam with a phone number, a local telco can be a good choice - but it’s not necessarily the most convenient. Here’s a quick comparison:

Best eSIM Vietnam Providers for Tourists

Let’s look more closely at some top picks for a Vietnam eSIM for tourists, from major global eSIM services.

Saily

Saily¹ is the eSIM service from Nord Security - the creators of NordVPN. It’s a secure service with a selection of Saily Vietnam eSIMs, as well as Ultra plans which may suit those visiting Vietnam as part of a broader regional trip. You can also add on a US phone line for an additional monthly fee.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Airalo

Airalo² is famous as the world's first and largest digital eSIM marketplace. Airalo Vietnam eSIM plans are available in fixed and unlimited data packages, with a very broad range of configurations you can use to select the exact details of the plan you need.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Holafly

Holafly³ is a good pick if you want a Vietnam eSIM with unlimited data, with fully customisable plans from 1 - 90 days in length. The per day price gets lower the longer you need, making this an economical option for longer visits - we’ve highlighted some costs for shorter trips, and you can also model your own exact needs on the Holafly website.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Nomad

You can buy a Nomad⁴ eSIM for Vietnam for 3 - 30 day validity, with varying data allowances and unlimited packages which may be better suited to heavy data users. Plans offer easy top ups and instant activation features.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Ubigi

Ubigi⁵ offers its Ubigi eSIM for Vietnam with fixed data packages, as well as a monthly plan you can use on a longer term basis. Monthly plans have a 3 month minimum subscription length.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Gigago

Gigago⁶ eSIMs for Vietnam are split out by network, data and inclusion of talk time and other extras. There’s a large selection of plans you can pick to suit different traveller needs - we’ve included just a few options here to illustrate.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

MobiMatter

The Mobimatter⁷ eSIM for Vietnam is available from 15 days or longer, with high data packages at relatively low costs. This can make it a popular choice with digital nomads and longer term travellers who may have moderate to high data needs.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Best Malaysian Telco Roaming Passes for Vietnam

If you’re not convinced about buying a Vietnam eSIM, your other option is to use roaming from your regular Malaysian telco. Here are some packages to consider.

CelcomDigi

CelcomDigi roaming⁸ is available to prepaid and postpaid customers on a multi-day plan basis, or postpaid customers can also select an ongoing roaming contract which adds in roaming on a long term basis. The plans highlighted below include worldwide coverage.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Maxis / Hotlink

The primary Hotlink roaming⁹ option for Vietnam is the ASEAN roaming add-on, which offers packages of 3 or 7 day lengths. These plans have high data inclusions, but calls are charged separately.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

U Mobile

U Mobile¹⁰ has post and prepaid roaming options, which vary depending on the specific plan you have. For postpaid customers the plans are shown below, with similar options available for prepaid customers based on SIM type.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Best Local Telco eSIMs in Vietnam (For Long Stays & Local Numbers)

Another option which may appeal if you’re looking for the cheapest eSIM for Vietnam is to go with a local Vietnamese provider instead.

Viettel eSIM

You can buy a Viettel tourist SIM¹¹ on arrival in Vietnam, by taking along your passport to a store or SIM kiosk and selecting one of the following passes:

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Vinaphone eSIM

You can buy a Vinaphone eSIM for Vietnam¹² via a reseller like Gigago, which makes the purchase process smooth. Buy your eSIM digitally for convenience.

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

Mobifone eSIM

You can register to get a Mobifone eSIM for Vietnam¹³ for free, and then select a top up package as needed. The free SIM gives you 24 hour access to data, with some limitations. You can then top up your card with the following packages:

*Details correct at time of research - 22nd June 2026

How to Buy, Activate, and Use Your eSIM in Vietnam

While the exact purchase and installation process for a travel eSIM can vary, the set up is generally very easy. Here’s how buying a travel eSIM usually works:

1. Download the provider’s app
2. Purchase the eSIM you prefer
3. Install the eSIM before your flight
4. Activate your new SIM upon landing

Once you have your eSIM up and running you can continue to use your phone as you would at home - including using Wise to scan and pay Alipay+ QR codes. Paying by QR is popular in Vietnam and means you won’t need to worry about carrying too much cash. Plus, with Wise you get the mid-market rate which means you’re not paying unexpected fees on currency conversion.

So, Which Vietnam eSIM Should You Choose?

Getting an eSIM in advance of your trip to Vietnam means one less thing to worry about on arrival. There’s not really one best eSIM for Vietnam as the options depend on your priorities and the length of your visit, but popular providers like Holafly and Saily have flexible packages which can suit many travellers, from long term digital nomads through to that quick weekend break.

While you’re thinking about your trip, why not also sort your travel money by setting up a Wise account, so you can make the most of your time from the very second you land in Vietnam

Travelling to Vietnam? Bring along the Wise card to save your Ringgit from foreign transaction fees

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including CNY, JPY, GBP, and SGD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up MYR to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 13.70 MYR. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as two free ATM withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in MYR and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.71%.

💳 Get your Wise card today

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Sources:

1. Holafly
2. Saily
3. Airalo
4. Nomad
5. Ubigi
6. Gigago
7. MobiMatter
8. CelcomDigi roaming pass
9. Hotlink
10. U Mobile
11. Viettel eSIM guide
12. Vinaphone eSIM
13. Mobifone eSIM