Best eSIMs for Vietnam for Australians (2026)

On my recent 2025 visit, I enjoyed great mobile internet almost everywhere I went, despite venturing well off the well-trodden tourist path. But it pays to pay attention to your provider. 

In this post, we’re comparing the leading Vietnam eSIMs so you can snag a great deal for your upcoming trip. 

WHAT IS AN ESIM

In case you missed the memo, an eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is a digital SIM profile stored directly on your device. Forget tiny plastic cards. You simply download an eSIM straight onto your phone, and it automatically springs into action upon touchdown in Vietnam.

Most modern smartphones support eSIMs; it’s likely yours will too. Check out our eSIM compatibility checker to confirm. 

WHY USE AN ESIM?

Ever come home after an epic holiday and copped an eye-watering roaming bill? I have  – and I’ll never let that happen again. Travel eSIMs are just as easy to set up as roaming, with the whole thing taking about five minutes from start to finish. 

Despite being so convenient, eSIM prices blow roaming out of the park. ZenSim Vietnam plans start at just A$16 (USD $11) per 30-day period, less than a Banh Mi at a pretentious Sydney bakery. 

As for local SIMs? Sure, they can be cheaper. But eSIMs save you a heck of a lot of hassle. I made the mistake of getting a Vietnamese SIM on my latest trip, and I can assure you it’s not worth the stuff around. 

First up, airport SIM kiosks are an outrageous rip-off, so you must buy from a local SIM vendor to save. But in every Vietnamese tourist destination, dodgy third-party retailers masquerade as official mobile network shopfronts to fool tourists into buying grossly overpriced plans.  

If you’re cunning enough to find a real official shopfront, you’ll need to queue for ages, then battle the language barrier and hand over your passport while a scowling attendant registers your plan. Including travel time, the whole ordeal took me a couple of hours to save a few bucks – the juice ain’t worth the squeeze. 

With an eSIM, you can compare prices online, install your plan in minutes, and enjoy a speedy connection upon touchdown. No haggling with scammers, stuffing around with SIM cards, or struggling to open those irritating SIM trays. 

THE BEST VIETNAM ESIMS FOR AUSSIES IN 2026

Savvy Aussie travellers know eSIMs are the way to go. But which brands offer the best value in 2026?

We’re comparing leading eSIMs at 10GB, 20GB and Unlimited on a 30-day plan to see how they stack up.

ZenSim

ZenSim is a small Aussie underdog taking on the big multinational eSIM brands. In Vietnam, we partner with Viettel and Mobifone. Remember I said I had mobile coverage pretty much everywhere? That was with Viettel, a state-owned operator and the country’s largest network. ZenSim does even better by offering a dual-network eSIM to optimise coverage and speed nationwide.

Unlike some competitors, ZenSim doesn’t limit hotspotting and is transparent about the daily use cap on our unlimited plans. Customers can top up days, data, or countries on our user-friendly mobile app, and we offer a wide range of plans. But don’t take our word for it. Read our feedback on Productreview.com.au, where we have an industry-leading average score of 4.9/5.

• 30-day 10GB – A$25 ($17 USD) 
• 30-day 20GB – A$40 ($28 USD)
• 30-day Unlimited (3GB/day before throttling to 1 Mbps) – A$99 ($66 USD)

Airalo

Airalo is a large Singaporean eSIM brand that partners with Vinaphone in Vietnam. While Vinaphone offers decent speeds in high-density cities, it doesn’t have anywhere near the same coverage as Viettel in rural areas. The Airalo QR code setup is simple enough, and its app accommodates top-ups in 53 different languages.

Airalo has a good variety of plans for different durations and data requirements. However, the company currently has a 3.9/5 score on TrustPilot, with most negative reviews complaining about lacklustre connections. 

• 30-day 10GB – A$26 ($18 USD)
• 30-day 20GB – A$41.50 ($29 USD)
• 30-day Unlimited – A$102.50 ($72 USD)

Jetpac Global

Another Singapore-based brand, Jetpac Global invests heavily in social media marketing – you’ve probably seen its reels. Jetpac also engages in price anchoring, a marketing trick where you start with super high prices and offer steep discounts to create the perception of value. Even the biggest 66% “discounted” rates are comparable to many competitors. 

Jetpac offers free access to apps like Grab (a must in Vietnam), WhatsApp, and Google Maps after your data runs out. The brand also spruiks a free airport lounge pass for delayed flights. But what they don’t tell you is that you must register your flight in advance, and many lounges aren’t covered anyway. 

Despite claiming otherwise, Jetpac Global doesn’t disclose its Vietnam network on the sales page. Digging deep into the support pages, I can see they use a combo of Hanoi Telecom Joint and Mobifone, which isn’t ideal outside major cities. The brand has a Trustpilot score of 4.7/5.

• 30-day 10GB – A$39.50 ($25 USD)
• 30-day 20GB – A$63 ($40 USD)
• 30-day Unlimited – A$235.50 or A$104 on 66% off sale ($150 USD or $66 USD on 66% off sale)

Saily 

Saily comes from Nord Security, the developers of Nord VPN. Its unique selling point is beefed-up cybersecurity with a built-in adblocker, browsing protection, and a virtual location tool. Security-conscious users can also get a bundled VPN for a fee. Nice to have. But the everyday Aussie tourist in Vietnam might not need all this extra security. 

Saily claims to partner with great networks but doesn’t disclose its Vietnamese partners anywhere on its website. That seems like a bit of a red flag to me. Customers should note Saily has a 30-day activation period, so don’t buy one months in advance. The brand has a TrustPilot score of 4.7/5. 

• 30-day 10GB – A$27 ($18 USD)
• 30-day 20GB – A$43.50 ($29 USD)
• 30-day Unlimited – A$108 ($72 USD)

Simify 

Simify is one of the select few Aussie-owned eSIMs. At present, it's only offering unlimited eSIMs for Vietnam, with a daily use cap hidden behind a “fair use” policy. You can switch to its 10-country Asia plan if you want a data-capped eSIM. However, this option does work out quite a bit more expensive. 

Simify has a generous 6-month activation window, a decent mobile app, and claims to offer around-the-clock support. One interesting benefit is that they offer big-data (up to 100GB), multi-month plans for longer stays in Asia. The brand has a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating. 

• 30-day 10GB – A$49 ($23 USD) – 10-country Asia plan, no capped-data Vietnam plan exists
• 30-day 20GB – A$75 ($45 USD) – 10-country Asia plan, no capped-data Vietnam plan exists
• 30-day Unlimited – A$113 ($83 USD) – Vietnam only

WHAT ABOUT ASIA ESIMS?

Many Aussies check out Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asian adventure. If that’s you, you’ll get much better value with a ZenSim Asia plan, which covers 17 nations across the continent. 

ZenSim Asia (17 countries)

Learn more about why ZenSim offers the best Asia eSIM for Australians

GETTING STARTED WITH A VIETNAM ESIM

Vietnam can be a chaotic, confusing place. But at least getting data is easy. We're covering the entire eSIM set-up process so you can get connected with minimal fuss.

DOUBLE-CHECK COMPATIBILITY

Don't waste your hard-earned Dong on an eSIM you can't use. Our eSIM compatibility checker will confirm whether your smartphone supports the tech. Also, ensure your phone isn't carrier-locked.

FINDING THE RIGHT ESIM BRAND

Some big players charge huge premiums to cover flashy international marketing campaigns. A little local underdog like ZenSim will offer better rates in budget-friendly destinations like Vietnam.

ANALYSING DATA REQUIREMENTS

How much data do you normally use each month? Add about 30% to that for travel-related stuff, like uploading reels at crazy Train Street cafes. The unlimited data eSIM is a tempting option for heavy users — just pay attention to the use cap.

INSTALLING AN ESIM

"Installing an eSIM" sounds like a daunting, complex chore. But it's actually surprisingly simple. ZenSim offers three easy installation choices, which we recommend trying in the following order.

• Direct: Download the ZenSim app, log into your account, and tap 'Install eSIM.'
• QR code: Load the QR code from your confirmation email on another device, then scan it with your travel phone, and follow the prompts.
• Manual: Copy-paste the activation code from your confirmation email into your phone's eSIM settings.

Each option takes under 5 minutes. We've got detailed walkthroughs covering all major device types in our Help Centre.

WHEN SHOULD YOU INSTALL YOUR ESIM?

I recommend installing your eSIM before leaving home. You don't want to arrive at an ungodly hour and haggle with a ruthless Ho Chi Minh City taxi driver — ask me how I know. An eSIM lets you summon a hassle-free Grab (Southeast Asian Uber) and cruise smoothly to your Airbnb for a well-earned snooze.

I usually install my eSIM when I buy it, often the night before departure while packing my bags. Sometimes I'll install one using the airport WiFi while waiting at the departure gate.

If you've forgotten or procrastinated (we've all been there), you can easily buy an eSIM after arriving in Vietnam. It's just more convenient to get one in advance and have internet from the get-go.

ACTIVATING AND INSTALLING AN ESIM: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

Installing an eSIM means downloading the embedded SIM and setting it up on your phone, as we've covered above. Activation is when the eSIM kicks into gear — and when the clock starts ticking on its validity.

With ZenSim, your eSIM activates when you arrive in a destination country and start downloading data. Not all eSIMs work this way. We've seen some that activate as soon as you install them, or on a specific, pre-selected date. Auto-activation is the best solution as it adapts to date changes and doesn't require any manual input or planning.

ACTIVATING YOUR ESIM BEFORE ARRIVAL

For your eSIM to activate automatically upon arrival, you need to have configured two settings on your phone:

1. Your eSIM is the active mobile data line
2. Your eSIM has data roaming switched on

I recommend toggling on these settings and activating your eSIM just before arrival, ideally during the flight. That way, you get instant data the second you set foot on Vietnamese soil.

Note the eSIM uses the same tech as roaming, just at a way lower price, so it's crucial to have roaming on for that data line. Just be careful not to leave roaming/mobile data on for your Aussie SIM, as you could cop a nasty post-holiday surprise.

HOW TO USE AN E-SIM IN VIETNAM LIKE A BOSS

We've whipped up a list of nifty tips to help you make the most of your eSIM while travelling around Vietnam.

• Double-check compatibility: Don't buy an eSIM you can't use.
• Shop around: Some eSIMs charge a fortune for no good reason.
• Learn the app: Monitor consumption and top-up data on the go.
• Install ahead: Set up your eSIM before you arrive for a seamless connection.
• **Activate mid-flight: **Don't forget to enable mobile data and roaming.
• Dual SIM it: Keep your Aussie SIM active so you can receive voice and text from home (some carriers charge for this).
• Double-check roaming: Ensure roaming is off on your Aussie SIM.
• Renaming your eSIM: Call your eSIM something more recognisable.
• Consider regional: Country hopping? An Asia regional eSIM might be better value.

REDUCING DATA USE ON THE ROAD

Follow these tips if you're on a data-capped plan and need to keep daily consumption low.

• Save most of your heavy downloads for the hotel WiFi.
• Switch off video autoplay when using mobile data on your favourite social media apps.
• Toggle off photo autosync with mobile data on iCloud Drive and Google Photos.
• Download offline maps (type "Ok Google" in Google Maps) using WiFi for highly urbanised areas like HCMC and Hanoi.
• Keep an eye on your consumption through the ZenSim app.
• Choose a low-cost provider like ZenSim to get more data for less dong.

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR ESIM IN VIETNAM

By a long shot, the most common issue we encounter is incorrect smartphone configuration.

If you can't connect, the first thing you should do is make sure your eSIM is the active mobile data line and has roaming switched on. Next, pop your phone into aeroplane mode and back, and/or reset it.

Our Help Centre has a huge collection of device-specific walkthroughs for almost any conceivable connection issue. Feel free to connect with us via WhatsApp if needed. Our all-Aussie team work around the clock and will respond ASAP.

ZENSIM MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

We've got one of the most generous refund policies in the eSIM business. If you decide to cancel for any reason before departure, we promise you'll get a full refund, provided your eSIM was purchased within the last 6 months.

After departure, we'll do our best to provide a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. Rest assured, customer satisfaction is a core priority here at ZenSim.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN GETTING A VIETNAM ESIM?

• Partner networks: Viettel has the best coverage, and Mobifone offers fast speed in urban areas.
• Unlimited hotspotting: Crucial when working online from a laptop.
• Transparency: The best eSIMs disclose the daily use cap before throttling and have no hidden fees.
• Local support: Responsive, Australia-based support will help you resolve connection issues quickly. 
• Mobile app: A user-friendly app is great for monitoring usage and topping up on the go. 
• Feedback: Top eSIMs receive consistently high ratings on Trustpilot and Productreview.com.au.
• Price: How does the eSIM compare with the competition?

WHY CHOOSE ZENSIM FOR YOUR VIETNAM ESIM

Here’s why you should give ZenSim a crack during your upcoming Vietnam trip. 

• Best networks – Dual-network Viettel and Mobifone
• Easy setups – Download and install in 5 minutes
• Aussie support – Responsive support from a local 
• Flexible top-ups – Add data, days, or destinations
• Unlimited hotspotting – Tether forever
• Australian-owned – Support local startups
• Transparent fees – No hidden surprises
• Low prices – Better value than the competition

THE BEST TRAVEL ESIMS FOR VIETNAM

Whether you’re sticking to Vietnam or embarking on an epic cross-Asia adventure, you won’t find a better deal than ZenSim. Top-tier networks and a plethora of benefits make us the best value eSIM on the market. 

Download your affordable Vietnam eSIM in just 5 minutes and get more đồng to blow on phở.

VIETNAM TRAVEL ESIM FAQs

WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST VIETNAM ESIM?

Starting at just A$16, ZenSim offers one of the cheapest eSIMs for Aussies travelling in Vietnam. 

WHICH NETWORK IS THE BEST FOR VIETNAM?

Viettel has the widest network in Vietnam, while Mobifone is super fast in urban areas. 

DOES AN ESIM INCLUDE VOICE AND TEXT?

Generally not. Most eSIMs, including ZenSim, are data-only. 

CAN I USE MY ESIM AND MY AUSSIE SIM AT THE SAME TIME?

Probably. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM technology.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I RUN OUT OF DATA?

Don’t stress. You can add new data using the ZenSim app.