Viettel Tourist eSIM Plans: Prices, Data, Coverage

Viettel is the dominant telecom in Vietnam, with roughly 50% of the mobile market. Its 4G/LTE network covers all major cities — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang — as well as popular tourist areas such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. Whether you're navigating streets or streaming video in a remote cafe, you'll have a reliable connection.

Our eSIM plans connect directly to Viettel's infrastructure — no roaming partner or middleman. That means the speed and latency you get are exactly what Viettel provides. All our Viettel plans are data-only; they do not include a phone number, voice calls, or SMS. If you need a Vietnamese number for receiving calls and texts (e.g., from Grab drivers or hotel bookings), consider our Vinaphone plans instead.

We offer three Viettel eSIM plans: a 7-day plan at $9.9 USD (5GB per day, total 35GB), a 15-day plan at $12.9 USD (5GB per day, total 75GB), and a 30-day plan at $18.9 USD (5GB per day, total 150GB). Each day's 5GB resets at midnight Vietnam time (GMT+7). Prices are final — no activation fee, no tax added at checkout.

All plans use Viettel's network with full 4G/LTE speeds. The daily data cap is per calendar day, so if you activate in the evening you still get the full 5GB for that partial day. Once you exceed 5GB in a day, speeds may be throttled to around 128kbps until the next reset. For typical use — maps, messaging, social media, and video calls — 5GB per day is more than enough.

After purchase, you receive an email with a QR code within 60 seconds. You can install the eSIM before your trip or after landing in Vietnam — activation happens automatically when your device first connects to Viettel's network. No need to upload a passport or register in advance.

Compatible devices include iPhone XS and newer (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Mac models), Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. To install, go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan, scan the QR code, and label the eSIM as 'Secondary' if using dual-SIM. Then set the eSIM as your data line while keeping your home SIM active for calls and SMS. No APN configuration is needed — it's automatic.

Compared to a physical SIM, the eSIM is simpler: no swapping cards, no risk of losing the nano-SIM, and you can set it up before arrival. Global resellers like Airalo sell data plans that run on Viettel too, but their prices are typically $1–3 higher for similar data amounts. More importantly, by buying directly from a local dealer you get native speeds without throttling from an intermediate platform.

Vinaphone eSIM plans (starting at $11.9 for 10 days) include a real Vietnamese phone number that can receive incoming calls and SMS — useful for OTPs and local callbacks. Viettel is strictly data-only, so choose Vinaphone if you need a number. Skyfi (Mobifone) offers 7GB/day (higher data cap) but Viettel has more extensive coverage in rural and mountainous areas. For travelers sticking to cities, either works fine, but Viettel’s broader reach gives peace of mind if you venture off the beaten path.

Keep your Russian home SIM (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) active in slot 1 for receiving SMS — especially for banking OTPs from apps supporting MIR, SBP, or international cards. Set the Viettel eSIM as the data line in slot 2. Apps like Google Maps, Yandex Maps, WhatsApp, Telegram, and VK work seamlessly over the eSIM data. For voice calls, use VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime) since Viettel does not include outbound call capabilities.

If you need a Vietnamese number for local callbacks — for example, if a Grab driver or hotel needs to contact you — our Vinaphone plan includes one. The Viettel eSIM is data-only, so you won't receive SMS or calls on it. For most travelers who rely on messaging apps, that's fine. Just be aware of the limitation: no OTPs sent to a Viettel number (there is no number at all).

If the eSIM doesn't activate after scanning, first confirm your device is in Vietnam and manually select the Viettel network (go to Settings → Cellular → Network Selection). No APN changes are needed — it configures automatically. If data stops working mid-day, check your usage: once you've used 5GB in a single day, speeds are throttled until midnight. The plan does not stop, just slows.

For any issues, our support team is available via Telegram or WhatsApp (link in your confirmation email), with a typical response within one hour, 24/7. Tourist eSIMs cannot be topped up or extended; to get more data, simply purchase a new plan. If you bought the 7-day plan and need more time, you can buy the 15-day or 30-day plan for the remaining days.