6 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT ESIM VIETNAM FOR A HASSLE-FREE AND COMPLETE TRIP
Using a Vietnamese eSIM with a prepaid data plan is an excellent option for tourists visiting Vietnam, providing convenient internet access for information searching anytime, anywhere. Here are 6 essential things to know about Vietnamese eSIMs for a seamless and fulfilling travel experience.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DELVING INTO THE WORLD OF VIETNAMESE ESIMS
eSIM: A Digital Transformation
eSIM, or embedded SIM, revolutionizes the telecommunications landscape by replacing traditional physical SIM cards. Integrated directly into the device’s circuit board during manufacturing, eSIMs offer the same functionalities as their physical counterparts.
Benefits of Embracing eSIMs:
For mobile users, eSIMs present a plethora of advantages, particularly in facilitating easy and swift network connectivity:
- No more Wi-Fi hunting: Forget searching for Wi-Fi passwords in cafes, hotels, or even remote areas. eSIMs give you internet access wherever you go, perfect for exploring or staying on the move.
- Skip the lines: No need to wait in stores to buy a SIM card. eSIMs activate right away with a simple email and a scan, saving you time and hassle.
- Instant connection: Once you get the activation email, you’re online in seconds. No waiting around to start using your phone.
Extra security: Since eSIMs are built into your phone, they’re less likely to get lost or stolen compared to regular SIM cards.
2. CATEGORIZING VIETNAMESE ESIMS
Currently, Vietnamese eSIMs fall into two categories: data eSIMs and voice, SMS, and data eSIMs.
- Data eSIM: Perfect for travelers! This lets you use the internet right away when you land in Vietnam, without needing to swap your SIM card. Plus, you can keep your original SIM card for regular calls if you need to.
- Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM: This option gives you everything the data eSIM does, plus the ability to make calls and send texts with a Vietnamese phone number.
Here’s why data eSIMs are so popular with tourists:
- Keep your home SIM: No need to take out your regular SIM card.
- Instant internet: Get online as soon as you land!
- Save on roaming: Avoid expensive international roaming charges.
Stay connected on WhatsApp: Use your regular WhatsApp number for calls and messages, just like at home.
3. IS MY PHONE COMPATIBLE WITH ESIM?
eSIMs, first introduced to the wider public in 2017 with the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, initially experienced a gradual adoption rate. However, a pivotal moment arrived with Apple’s announcement of eSIM support in the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR models. This marked a turning point, paving the way for the widespread adoption of eSIM technology in the future.
Today, eSIM functionality has become increasingly prevalent in newer smartphone models across various brands. Specifically:
| Brand | Support Models |
| Apple | iPhone XR (A2105); iPhone XS (model A2097); iPhone XS Max (model A2101) iPhone 11 (model A2221), iPhone 11 Pro (model A2215); iPad Air (model A2123); iPad (model A2198); iPad Mini (model A2124) iPhone SE 2; iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max; iPad Pro 11” (model A2068); iPad Pro 12.9” (model A2069) – iPhone 13; iPhone 13 mini ; iPhone 13 Pro ; iPhone 13 Pro Max – iPhone 14; iPhone 14 Pro; iPhone 14 Pro Max – iPhone 15; iPhone 15 Pro; iPhone 15 Pro Max Note: iPhones purchased in China or Hong Kong are equipped with dual physical SIM slots and do not support eSIM functionality. |
| Samsung | Mobile Samsung Galaxy S20* Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Watch Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application) Tablet Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Note: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G models are not compatible with eSIM |
| Huawei | Huawei P40 Huawei P50 Pro Huawei Mate 40 Pro |
| Google Pixel 2 (only phones purchased through Google Fi service), Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel 3 (excluding phones purchased in Australia, Taiwan, or Japan. Phones purchased from US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi do not work with eSIM), Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL (purchased in Southeast Asia), Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Oppo | Oppo Find X3 Pro Oppo Reno 5A Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G |
| HP | HP Elitebook G5 HP Probook G5 HP Zbook G5 HP Specter Folio 13 |
| Asus | Asus Mini Transformer Asus NovaGo Asus VivoBook Flip 14 |
| Acer | Acer Swift 3, 7 |
| Lenovo | Lenovo Yoga C630, 520 Lenovo Miix 630 Lenovo Flex 5G |
| Others | Motorola Razr 2019 Nuu Mobile X5 Gemini PDA Rakuten Mini Microsoft Surface Pro X, Go 2, Pro LTE Advanced |
4. BEST ESIM PLAN SUITABLE WITH THE TOURIST
With extensive customer feedback, TrustVisa has curated the perfect package for foreign tourists visiting Vietnam, yielding excellent reviews. If you register for the Vietnam eSim package offered by TrustVisa, you will receive 4GB of data per day, valid for up to 30 days (phone number not included) with only 29USD
5. A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO UTILIZING VIETNAMESE ESIMS
Navigating eSIM Usage Across Apple and Android Devices
The activation and usage procedures for Vietnamese eSIMs vary depending on the device type. In this guide, Trust Visa will walk you through the process of using eSIMs on the two most prevalent platforms: Apple and Android.
5.1. Esim Usage On Apple Devices (Ios Operating System)
Activating and utilizing a Vietnamese data eSIM on an Apple device (iPhone) involves a two-step process:
Step 1: Installing eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
- Add the data plan to your phone and label the eSIM.
- Disable the eSIM.
Step 2: eSIM Activation
- Access the Vietnamese eSIM app and enable “Data Roaming” for the eSIM.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Select the Vietnamese eSIM.
- Enable and then disable Airplane Mode.
- Enable cellular data to start using the internet in Vietnam.
Important Note:
Ensure “Allow Data Roaming” is enabled to avoid roaming charges on your primary number.
5.2. eSIM Usage on Android Devices
The process for using eSIMs on Android devices also involves two steps:
Step 1: Installing eSIM on Android Devices
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Tap on Network & Internet.
- Select “+” under Mobile Networks.
- Choose “Don’t have a SIM?” (if there’s no other SIM card on your phone) or “Download replacement SIM?” (if you have an existing SIM card).
- Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider and tap “Continue” to add the data plan.
- Disable the eSIM.
Step 2: eSIM Activation
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select your eSIM and enable it.
- Activate the eSIM package according to the instructions provided.
- Enable and then disable Airplane Mode.
- Enable cellular data to access the internet in Vietnam.
Important Note:
eSIM validity begins from the moment of activation. Therefore, it is recommended to activate your eSIM only upon arrival in Vietnam.
These simple steps will guide you through activating your Vietnamese eSIM. Once activated, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted internet access and easy communication throughout your trip. No more worries about switching SIM cards or expensive roaming charges. Explore Vietnam with confidence, knowing you can stay connected with friends and family back home, thanks to the convenience of eSIM technology!