If your plan for Vietnam is to grab a ride, drop a pin, and message your hotel within ten minutes of landing, you need connectivity that disappears into the background. This article is the practical version—what to do before you fly, what actually matters outside big cities, and the tiny habits that stop airport stress before it starts.
Decide once: data-only or local number
Most trips are fine on data-only: maps, messaging, ride-hailing, tickets, hotel emails. It’s fast to set up and covers typical travel tasks. If you truly need a Vietnamese mobile number that receives SMS (e.g., to share a reachable local number), GoVnSIM has non-Viettel eSIM SKUs that include a phone number (voice/SMS). Viettel eSIM sold by GoVnSIM is data-only (no number/OTP). If you specifically need a number on the Viettel network, plan an in-person, ID-verified registration at a Viettel store with your passport.
“The best compliment for a connectivity plan is that you forget it exists. Scan, toggle, ride.”
Install before you fly (two minutes)
1) Save the QR to Photos/Files (screenshot as backup).
2) Add eSIM
• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR
• Android: Settings → Connections/Network → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
3) Set the new line as Default for Data.
4) Toggle Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line (helps with handoff).
5) Restart the phone.
6) Open Maps (request a small route) and send yourself a short message. If both work, you’re good.
Outside the big cities (what actually matters)
Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are forgiving on almost any plan. The test is ferries, islands,
mountain passes, and long coastal roads. If your route includes Sapa, the Ha Giang Loop, Ninh Binh,
the Mekong, or Phu Quoc, consistency beats peak speed. A network with a broad footprint will save
more time than a tiny price gap.
Daily-reset plans: Some Vietnam plans refresh a high-speed bucket at midnight. Use mornings for
heavier tasks (photo backups, app updates) and keep data free for navigation during transfers.
Hotspot & top-ups (keep it boring)
- Hotspot: Most mainstream Vietnam eSIM plans allow tethering. Use in bursts for laptop uploads, then turn it off to save battery.
- Top-ups: Clear balance/expiry, international cards accepted, no weird app lock-outs.
- Battery reality: Bring a slim power bank; navigation + hotspot can drain faster than you expect.
Fast fixes when things feel “sticky”
- Toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds.
- Re-confirm the active data line is the eSIM.
- Restart once.
- Move a few meters or closer to a window; let the phone re-attach to local bands.
These solve most “I have bars but no data” moments without contacting support.
Two-minute checklist (copy to Notes)
- Save QR + plan details (and a screenshot).
- Add eSIM on strong Wi-Fi; set Default for Data.
- Turn Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line; restart.
- Open Maps and send a short message to confirm.
- Download offline maps for your first city.
Where to buy (one link, then move on)
If you want the pre-flight setup exactly like this—QR by email, install at home, arrive connected—consider GoVnSIM. One contextual link is enough; editors prefer it clean and useful.
Compliance note (plain and clear)
- Viettel eSIM by GoVnSIM: data-only (no mobile number/OTP).
- Other GoVnSIM eSIMs: may include a Vietnamese phone number (voice/SMS)