Getting a local eSIM in Vietnam: How and where

Are you preparing to head home for the Tet holidays, and looking for eSIMs to help you stay connected back home in Vietnam? Or simply heading to Vietnam for a vacation, and looking for options to staying connected? Let's take a look at what your options are!

Major Telcos in Vietnam

Like with most countries, the telco space in Vietnam is made up of three major mobile networks and many smaller MVNOs.

The three main mobile networks in Vietnam are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. All three major telcos offer eSIM options.

However, the process of getting an eSIM from the telcos are rather cumbersome - you will need to provide quite a bit of personal details and information; and many users who have tried getting an eSIM online from these providers directly haven't been able to successfully submit their details.

Can you get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport in Vietnam?

Like most places, there are shops selling SIM cards and eSIMs at major international airports in Vietnam.

However, it is important to note that most of these shops in the Vietnam airports are resellers and not the actual telco, and the SIM cards are often sold at a much higher price.

Prices aside, the reliability of the SIM cards sold here are not always guaranteed - it is possible that your line or connectivity gets terminated or throttled halfway through your trip.

If you want to get a local SIM card from the airport, it is recommended that you do some research online to find the store that is the most reliable. It is also recommended that upon arrival, do a survey of the prices offered by the different stores.

Furthermore, not all the stores will sell eSIMs. So, if you are using an eSIM only phone, or if you want to do away with the hassle of having to change out your SIM card, then getting a local SIM or eSIM at the airport might not be the best choice.

P.S. If you will be landing at Saigon, we recommend that you head to the shop at the extreme left in the arrival hall.

Getting a local eSIM at telcos' shops in town

Instead of getting a local SIM card at the airport, if you want to get an eSIM directly from the local telcos, it is recommended to go to the telcos' shops in town.

The telcos have many shops all over town, so chances are that you will be able to find one pretty easily.

But, keep in mind that heading to the shops could also mean longer waits as they would be serving a larger customer base.

To get a local SIM or eSIM from any of the telco, you will also need to prepare your identity documents to get a local SIM or eSIM.

While it is definitely much more trouble than getting a SIM card at the airport, going to the telcos' shops will give you much more assurance on the reliability of the services.

Get a Nomad travel eSIM for Vietnam ahead of your trip instead

Instead of going through the hassle of visiting a shop in town, we recommend that you get a Nomad travel eSIM for Vietnam instead.

Do away with the hassle of visiting a physical shop or submitting any identity documents. You also do not need to worry about your service being terminated halfway.

Simply visit the Nomad web store, choose a plan for Vietnam that is suitable for your travel needs, and check out! You will receive an installation kit in your email within minutes of your successful purchase. Install your eSIM before your trip, and you will get connected once you arrive in Vietnam.

Nomad offers various plans in Vietnam from rates as low as $1.50/GB. Nomad's eSIMs work with Mobifone and Viettel, and you can easily switch to your preferred network from your device settings.

Nomad also has a 24/7 customer service, so in case you face any difficulties with your eSIM, you can be sure to get the required support in a timely manner.