What is an eSIM? Pros and cons compared to a physical SIM for travelers

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a type of electronic SIM that is pre-embedded inside the phone, instead of having to insert a physical SIM card from the outside. You activate the eSIM by scanning the QR code provided by the carrier — it only takes 2-3 minutes to get a phone number and 4G/5G data ready to use right away — no need to go to a store, no need to wait for a SIM to be shipped, no need to swap the SIM tray.

Outstanding advantages of eSIM: Absolute convenience — buy online 24/7, receive the QR code via email, and activate at home before your trip. International visitors arriving in Da Nang have data as soon as the plane lands, no need to queue to buy a SIM card at the airport. Save on roaming costs — Vietnam travel eSIM packages are just 4-8 USD for 3-7 days, much cheaper than international roaming (usually 5-15 USD/day). Most modern smartphones still support both eSIM and physical SIM simultaneously, helping you keep your Vietnam number or home number while still having data from your travel eSIM.

Drawback to know: eSIM only works on newer phones (iPhone XS 2018 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+). If your device doesn't support it, you'll need to use a physical SIM. Also, if you change phones, you have to ask your carrier to transfer the eSIM to the new phone — it's not as easy as pulling out a SIM card and plugging it into another phone.

For tourists visiting Da Nang, Hoi An, or Hue, an eSIM is the best choice for convenience and cost. All you need is an eSIM-supported phone, and you can fly to Vietnam with a data plan ready to go — just land at the airport, turn on your phone, and head out.

👉 Buy eSIM Vietnam now: Check out the complete price list of Vietnam travel eSIM packages and order directly at VietSpots eSIM Vietnam — activate before your trip, arrive in Da Nang and have 4G ready.

eSIM — technology that simplifies connectivity for every trip.