eSIM for Vietnam 2 weeks — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Traveling to Vietnam is an incredible experience, but arriving without data can ruin the first moments: no Google Maps to get out of the airport, no way to find your hotel, no way to contact the person waiting for you. The solution is simple and has been the standard among experienced travelers for years: an eSIM for Vietnam.

In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know before traveling to Vietnam: what coverage you can expect in Hanoi, Hạ Long, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh, how many GB you really need, how to activate your eSIM, and the best connectivity tips from those who have already traveled there.

Spoiler: with PuraSim, you'll have local data from the moment your plane lands, with no contracts, no physical SIM, and no surprise bills.

Why do you need an eSIM to travel to Vietnam?

International roaming from European and Latin American operators can cost you between 10 and 30 euros or dollars per day in Vietnam. A local eSIM gives you data at local prices, with no absurd daily limits and with 4G or 5G speeds where the network allows.

The difference between going with roaming and with a PuraSim eSIM is huge:

• Traditional roaming: fixed daily rate even if you barely use data, speed often limited to 3G, surprise bills when you return.
• PuraSim eSIM for Vietnam: you only pay for what you contract, full local data at maximum available speed, activation in 5 minutes from anywhere.

In addition, with an eSIM, you can keep your original phone number active to receive calls and SMS, as the eSIM operates in a separate virtual slot. You don't have to choose between local connectivity and your usual number.

For Vietnam, where the reunification express trains have acceptable coverage; cruises on Hạ Long Bay have on-board Wi-Fi, having stable data is especially important. Coverage in Hanoi, Hạ Long, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh is generally good, but there are areas where, without a well-configured local eSIM, you would be blind.

Data coverage in Vietnam: what to expect

Coverage in Vietnam varies quite a bit depending on the area. In major urban and tourist areas (Hanoi, Hạ Long, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh), you will find 4G and in some cases 5G networks. The experience is comparable to what you would have at home.

However, as in any destination, there are areas where the signal is more limited:

• Main cities: stable 4G/5G, perfect for streaming, browsing, and video calls.
• Rural and nature areas: coverage may drop to 3G or even lose signal in remote areas.
• Transportation: trains, ferries, and intercity buses have variable coverage; generally good in cities.

Key tip: Reunification Express trains have acceptable coverage; cruises on Hạ Long Bay have on-board Wi-Fi.

To maximize coverage in Vietnam, PuraSim uses the local networks with the best available infrastructure through local roaming agreements. This means your eSIM automatically connects to the network with the best signal at any given time.

How many GB do you need to travel to Vietnam?

This is the million-dollar question. The short answer: 15-20 GB for 14 days. The long answer depends on how you use your phone during the trip.

Here is a guide to actual consumption by daily use type:

• Basic use (maps, messages, occasional searches): 300-500 MB/day
• Moderate use (social media, photos, continuous browsing): 800 MB-1.5 GB/day
• Intensive use (remote work, streaming, video calls): 2-4 GB/day

For a 14-day trip to Vietnam, our recommendation is to contract 15-20 GB for 14 days. This is enough for most travelers with normal use: Google Maps running constantly, Instagram, WhatsApp, and some occasional searches.

If you're going to work remotely or plan to make frequent video calls, upgrade to the next plan. PuraSim plans allow you to top up data if you run out, so it's not a problem if you fall short: you won't suddenly lose coverage.

PuraSim offers specific plans for Vietnam with different data and duration options. Check out the complete collection in our plans for Vietnam.

How to activate your eSIM for Vietnam step by step

Activating a PuraSim eSIM is as simple as scanning a QR code. There's no need to go to a store, no need to wait for any shipment. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes:

1. Purchase your plan on purasim.com for Vietnam. You will receive an email with the QR code.
2. Install the eSIM: go to Settings → Mobile data → Add data plan (on iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on Android).
3. Scan the QR code or manually enter the activation data.
4. Configure mobile data: make sure to select the PuraSim eSIM as the default data line.
5. Activate data roaming in the PuraSim eSIM settings (necessary for it to work on local networks).

You can install the eSIM before leaving home and configure it to activate automatically when you arrive in Vietnam, or activate it manually when you land.

Important: verify that your phone is eSIM compatible before purchasing. Most iPhones from XS, Samsung Galaxy from S20, and Google Pixel from 3 are compatible. Check the complete list on purasim.com.

Local connectivity tips for Vietnam

Beyond getting the right eSIM, there are some tricks that make a difference in staying connected throughout your trip to Vietnam:

• Download offline maps before you leave. Google Maps and Maps.me allow you to download maps of all of Vietnam or specific cities. This way, you can navigate without using data when you're in areas with a weak signal.
• Use airplane mode strategically. On long flights, trains, or ferries, activating airplane mode saves battery and data. Connect to available Wi-Fi if there is any.
• WhatsApp and Telegram over data. Calls through these apps consume much less data than an international call. Configure them for high-quality calls only when you're on Wi-Fi.
• Share connection carefully. Hotspot consumes data quickly, especially if other devices are connected (laptop, tablet). Use it only when necessary.

And the most important tip: Reunification Express trains have acceptable coverage; cruises on Hạ Long Bay have on-board Wi-Fi.

With these tricks and a good PuraSim data plan, your trip to Vietnam will have the connectivity you need without unnecessary expenses.

Frequently asked questions

Escrito por Marc González Sáez Fundador de PuraSim y especialista en eSIM y conectividad para viajeros. Lleva años ayudando a viajar conectado por todo el mundo sin pagar de más por el roaming, y prueba personalmente las eSIM en cada destino antes de recomendarlas.