Vietnam eSIM vs Local SIM – Which One Is Better?

Compare Vietnam eSIM vs local SIM to find out which offers better coverage, convenience, and value for your trip. Make the smart choice!

A trip to Vietnam is an adventurous journey with its urban life, beautiful nature, and rich culture. However, before you can dive into the busy streets of Hanoi or relax by the calm waters of Ha Long Bay, you have to figure out how to keep in touch with the rest of the world. Reliable mobile connectivity is a must-have for navigation, connecting with the family, booking your stay, and posting your travel experience.

When talking about mobile connectivity in Vietnam, travelers to the country can opt for either physical SIM cards or eSIMs. Each option has its plus and minus depending on your travel mode, the gadget you use, and the period you stay. In this article, we will compare both options in terms of important aspects such as price, convenience, and flexibility, thus enabling you to make the right choice for your trip.

Comparing Vietnam eSIM and local SIM options for travelers - convenience vs. cost. Freepik.com

1. What Are Your Options for Staying Connected in Vietnam?

Option 1: Physical SIM Card

The traditional method of accessing the mobile networks is through a physical SIM card. Once you have put a small card into your phone, then you can make calls, send messages and use the internet using mobile data.

Advantages of Physical SIMs:

• Accessibility: SIM cards are readily available at the airport and some convenience stores around Vietnam.
• Cost-effective for long-term stays: If you plan to stay in Vietnam for several weeks or months, physical SIMs often offer the best value for heavy data usage.
• Compatibility: Works with all phones, regardless of brand or model, as long as they have SIM slots and are not mobile-locked.

Disadvantages of Physical SIMs:

• Requires swapping SIMs: If your device has only one SIM slot, you will have to manually remove your home SIM, which might be a hassle.
• Setting up takes time: Due to registration, activation, and language issues, it takes longer to set up.
• Potential scams: Sometimes you can get over-charged or get a bad service if you buy in the tourist area.
• Risk of loss or damage: Physical SIMs can be misplaced, broken, or stolen.

Option 2: eSIM

An eSIM is a virtual SIM that is built into your phone. You can set it up from any location via the internet without getting a physical card. Hence, it is the best option for modern travelers.

Advantages of eSIMs:

• Easy to activate: The eSIM can be set up before the trip via the Internet and there is no need to visit a store.
• No need to change SIM: Your home SIM is still active for calls and SMS.
• Great for short trips and digital nomads: Best for travelers who stay for under 30 days or are moving from one country to another.
• Good for the environment: There is no plastic waste from cards and packaging.

2. Detailed Comparison Between Physical SIM and eSIM in Vietnam

Here's a side-by-side look at how physical SIMs and eSIMs stack up on key criteria:

3. Cost Comparison

Physical SIM

Four major carriers in Vietnam, Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile, offer a variety of physical SIMs. The price is usually between $8 and $20, depending on the amount of data and the validity period.

• The most frequently sold packages are those with 5GB-20GB data and local calls included for 7 or 30 days.
• While airport shops may set prices somewhat higher, the advantage of immediate activation usually offsets this.

eSIM

With eSIMs, prices are more flexible but the price per GB is usually a bit higher. The price can vary between $3 and $25, depending on the provider and the amount of data.

• The range is from 500MB per day to 30GB per month.

• There is no physical handling required, thus the process is more convenient and there is no risk of loss.

eSIMs can be a great choice in terms of price and convenience for travelers who are staying less than a month. On the other hand, travelers with long stays and heavy data usage may find a physical SIM more cost-efficient.

4. Convenience of Setup

Physical SIM

• Requires visiting an airport kiosk, mobile shop, or convenience store.
• SIM registration is a must; some providers ask for an ID or passport for activation.
• One may also need to insert the SIM card manually and configure the APN settings.
• The staff can help with the installation, but sometimes there may be a language barrier.

eSIM

• You can purchase and activate an eSIM online even before arriving in Vietnam.
• A user just needs to scan a QR code or utilize a mobile app, and no physical interchange is required.
• In most cases, there is no registration or KYC verification.
• You can use eSIM as soon as you land, thus it is a perfect solution for modern travelers.

5. Reliability of Connection

Physical SIM

The four Vietnamese networks, Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone and Vietnamobile are able to offer great services anywhere from the city to the mountain. This is done via a physically installed SIM card on the stated networks.

eSIM

Coverage varies by the eSIM brand. An eSIM with a local carrier such as Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone or Vietnamobile is no different than a regular SIM. A roaming eSIM links through the partner network; however, speed and reliability in most urban and tourist areas are almost the same as with local SIMs.

6. Flexibility for Multi-Country Trips

• Physical SIM: Most of the time, it is only usable in Vietnam. When going to another country, one needs to buy a new SIM.
• eSIM: Many carriers offer regional or global plans. It is easy to switch to the next country, and at the same time, you can manage several plans digitally. This way is very suitable for multi-destination trips in Southeast Asia.

7. Security & Privacy

Physical SIM

• It can be lost, stolen, or swapped without your knowledge.
• If purchased from unauthorized vendors, the risk of scams is higher.

eSIM

• Kept digitally, thereby making it less susceptible to interference.
• Lower chances of physical loss or theft.
• More secure for long-term digital nomads, business travelers, and those who have sensitive info on them.

8. Who Should Choose What?

Pick up a Physical SIM if:

• Your stay in Vietnam is going to be for a few months.
• Your phone does not have an eSIM feature.
• You require local calling and SMS.
• If you like buying with a face-to-face interaction and talking to the store staff.

Opt for an eSIM if:

• Your device supports eSIM.
• Your visit to Vietnam is under 30 days.
• You want to have everything done before you land.
• You are traveling to multiple countries.

9. Tips Before You Decide

Deciding between Vietnam eSIM and a physical SIM is not an easy task but taking a few simple steps will make your decision easier.

• Make sure your phone is compatible: Your phone should be unlocked and if you are considering an eSIM, make sure that the phone is eSIM-compatible. Not all phones have eSIM functionality and that is why this should be your first step.

• Check prices and data plans: The price and data allowance of a physical SIM and eSIM could be different. Just look for a local SIM option from Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone and compare it with the eSIM providers. Think over the amount of data that you are going to need.

• Get it from a good source: Nice and easy physical SIMs can be gotten at the airport or in an official carrier store. Don't buy from street vending sellers or the un-official ones, in order to avoid being scammed or getting poor service. A trustworthy eSIM may only be purchased from the provider's website or a reliable app.

• Make sure you secure your eSIM: In case you choose eSIM, have a copy of your QR code by saving it to the cloud or taking a screenshot. It will be difficult to activate your eSIM if you lose this info.

• Plan according to your trip style: Think over your trip duration, whether you will need local calls or just data, and if you plan to visit multiple countries. In the case of short trips and multi-country itineraries, eSIMs are often the most convenient, while physical SIMs are suitable for longer stays and heavy local usage.

• If you can, do a test before your trip: Some travelers opt to activate a trial eSIM plan or test a local SIM at the airport to make sure that there is good coverage and the speed is satisfactory. This step helps not to be surprised when you are in remote areas of Vietnam.

If you are mindful of these tips, then you will be able to confidently select the best connectivity solution for your Vietnam trip.

Final Thoughts

Both Vietnam eSIMs and physical SIM cards are good options for travelers who want to stay connected during their trip. The deciding factors are your device compatibility, trip duration, data needs, and comfort level with technology.

An Teloka eSIM is ideal for short-term travelers and tech-savvy digital nomads because it is convenient, eco-friendly, and allows easy multi-country connectivity.

A physical SIM can be more reliable and cost-effective for long-term stays, heavy data usage, or if your phone doesn't support eSIM.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each option, you can confidently choose the connection method that best suits your journey in Vietnam.