Vietnam eSIM with a local phone number for Grab & OTP

The Vinaphone eSIM is a native Vietnamese eSIM that includes a temporary +84 phone number capable of receiving incoming calls and SMS. Unlike most eSIMs available to travelers, this one gives you a real local number without requiring a passport or ID for activation — a significant advantage over airport physical SIMs that often demand paperwork.

The number is valid for the duration of your data plan (10, 15, or 30 days). This is unique among Vietnamese eSIMs: Viettel and Mobifone eSIMs from our store are data-only and do not include any phone number. If you need a number for receiving calls or SMS, Vinaphone is the only option among the major carriers.

Grab is the default rideshare app in Vietnam, similar to Uber. When you book a ride, the driver often calls the passenger to confirm the pickup location — especially at busy spots like airports or markets. With a data-only eSIM, you cannot receive that call; you must rely on in-app chat, which is less reliable and can cause missed connections. Similarly, food delivery services and local booking platforms often send OTPs only to Vietnamese numbers.

For example, a traveler arriving at Noi Bai Airport may find they cannot complete Grab registration if their eSIM cannot receive the SMS confirmation. Without a local number, signing up for local services becomes difficult. Data-only eSIMs from global providers like Airalo or Holafly, as well as our own Viettel data-only plans, cannot receive calls or SMS, creating a real hurdle for transportation and verification.

The Vinaphone eSIM is fully digital: after purchase you receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone's settings (Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM). Activate the eSIM upon arrival in Vietnam — or earlier if you are roaming on a Vietnamese network. Once the phone connects to Vinaphone’s network, your assigned +84 number arrives via SMS within 1–2 minutes.

The number is receive-only: you cannot make outgoing calls or send SMS. This is by design to prevent misuse and keep the plan simple. You can use the eSIM alongside your home line (dual SIM) — keep your home number for iMessage, WhatsApp, or personal calls, and use the Vinaphone line for local data, receiving Grab driver calls, and OTPs.

Data-only eSIMs like Airalo (reselling Viettel/Mobifone) and Holafly (multiple carriers) offer no phone number — they are strictly for data. Their prices vary by plan and duration. Our own data-only eSIMs (Viettel and Skyfi) are cheaper: for example, a 7-day Viettel plan costs $9.90, and a 10-day Skyfi plan costs $10. But none of these include a local number for calls or SMS.

The Vinaphone eSIM carries a slight premium: $11.90 for 10 days (5GB/day), $13.90 for 15 days, and $18.90 for 30 days. In return you get a functional +84 number. The verdict is straightforward: if you need to receive Grab driver calls, confirm OTPs, or have any local service reach you by phone, choose Vinaphone. If you only need mobile data, our data-only eSIMs are more cost-effective.

This eSIM is ideal for short-term travelers (1–2 weeks) who rely on Grab, food delivery apps like GrabFood or Now, or need to verify accounts with OTPs. It also suits digital nomads who occasionally need to receive business calls — for example, confirming a hotel booking or a tour pickup. For outgoing calls, simply use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Zalo, or Skype over the data connection.

It is not suitable for those who need to make outbound phone calls directly (no minutes included), nor for long-term use — the phone number expires along with the plan and cannot be extended or renewed separately. Once the plan ends, the number is returned to the carrier pool.

If the +84 number does not appear after activation, wait 2–3 minutes and check your SMS inbox. If it's still missing, reload the mobile network or restart the phone. For incoming calls, ensure call forwarding is not active and that your dual SIM settings prioritize the Vinaphone line for voice. Also keep data roaming turned on for the Vinaphone eSIM.

If the eSIM installation fails, confirm your phone is eSIM-compatible: iPhone XS and newer (except models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau which lack eSIM hardware), Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. OTPs may take up to 10 minutes on the first request; try again. Vinaphone’s network covers most urban areas well, but in remote regions like Sapa or Ha Giang, signal strength may be weaker.