eSIM for Vietnam

Visa-free entry or the e-visa

Not everyone needs a visa. The government waives it for stays of up to 45 days for citizens of listed countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands and Switzerland, if they hold a return or onward ticket. The tourism board adds that flying straight into Phu Quoc from abroad allows up to 30 days on that island without a visa, but continuing to the rest of Vietnam needs a visa or an e-visa.

Since 15 August 2023, citizens of every country and territory have been able to apply for a Vietnamese e-visa, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. The Immigration Department issues it for up to 90 days, with a single entry or multiple entries.

Since 11 November 2024, the department's e-visa portal has run on two addresses, evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn; the tourism board warns against unauthorised agencies that charge inflated fees. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you arrive and have two blank pages.

The approval names the checkpoint you may enter through, so match it to your flight or crossing and keep it where you can open it at the border. On the Cambodian border, the land gates at Moc Bai, Xa Mat and Ha Tien are among the checkpoints open to e-visa holders.

Wi-Fi, SIM counters, cash and an eSIM

Vietnam's tourism board says all international airports in the country have free Wi-Fi, and that free public internet access is available in several tourist hubs as well as major airports. It publishes no sign-in details or time limits, so treat it as a way to send a first message rather than a plan for the transfer into town.

Prepaid local SIM cards are sold at the major airports and in shops, and the tourism board says you need to show your passport to register one. An eSIM is the other route: a profile you add to your phone, which needs a phone that supports eSIM and is not locked to your home network. The compatibility guide explains how to check both.

The tourism board says ATMs that take international cards stand just outside the arrival gates at all major airports, with exchange counters inside before the exit. The đồng is used in notes only, and coins are not in use; cash covers small purchases and street vendors, while hotels, restaurants and shops generally take cards.

Power is 220 V, and most sockets take plugs with two round prongs, so look at your charger's plug before you pack.

Vietnam only, or the wider region

Local plans cover Vietnam on its own and fit a trip that starts and ends in the country.

If your route crosses into Cambodia by bus or boat, regional plans that include Vietnam also cover Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia. Daily plans give you a fixed allowance per day, a fit for travellers who prefer to know what each day of the trip includes.

Check “Plans at a glance” above for how much data each plan offers and for how long; the activation guide covers what to check before you install a plan.