eSIM, local SIM, or Wi-Fi only - which should you pick?
| Method | Convenience | Cost for 5 days |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM (bought in advance) | Very convenient | $7-14 |
| Local SIM card | A bit more effort | $3-10 |
| Hotel/cafe Wi-Fi only | Convenient but unreliable | $0 |
How to set up an eSIM
Before you leave, buy a Vietnam plan through the eSIM provider's app or website
Scan the QR code you receive from your phone's "Add Mobile Plan" settings
After landing, turn on the new line and you're connected the moment you step off the plane
Voye Global
An international eSIM service covering more than 140 countries including Vietnam. You just pick a plan in the app and buy it - no scanning a QR code, activation completes right there in the app. You can install the app before departure and test the connection with a free 100MB trial, which makes it approachable for first-timers worried about "will this actually work?"
Comparing other eSIM services
Every eSIM provider has a different strength. Here are three worth knowing about, depending on what you need.
Covers 160+ countries with plans from 0.5GB up to unlimited, selectable by the day. Good if you want to keep data use to a minimum on a short trip.
See TORA eSIMCovers 190 regions, run by a Japan-based company. Unlike most competitors, it can also be bought in person at a convenience store if you're not comfortable buying online.
See JAPAN&GLOBAL eSIMCovers 200+ countries and is well suited to multi-country trips or long stays. Flexible enough to double as a secondary line back home too.
See SailyConnection is entirely handled in the app, so you never need to rent a local Wi-Fi router. It's the most-used service in its home market, which makes it an easy pick for first-time eSIM users.
See TrifaFor a short Da Nang-only trip, Voye Global is plenty. If you're touring multiple countries, Saily is worth a look; if you want to pay at a convenience store, JAPAN&GLOBAL eSIM; and if you're new to eSIMs and want a well-established option, Trifa is also a solid choice.
How fast is the connection, really?
In the city and along the beach, speeds were generally comfortable - no trouble loading maps or using ride-hailing apps. Signal did get weaker in a few hillier spots like Ba Na Hills, but never badly enough to actually disrupt getting around.
Is hotel Wi-Fi alone enough?
Da Nang actually has surprisingly good Wi-Fi coverage overall. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants almost all have it, and staff are usually happy to give you the password if you ask.
Because of that, for ordinary use like checking social media, messaging, or looking things up, a few gigabytes of data is plenty. You mainly just need it for maps and ride-hailing apps while moving around, so there's rarely a reason to buy a large-capacity plan.
The one thing to watch for is that you have no Wi-Fi while you're actually out on the street - calling a ride, checking a map when you're lost, that sort of thing needs your own connection. As long as your plan covers that, you're set.
Conclusion: eSIM alone works fine
For a short trip, an eSIM alone is genuinely comfortable enough. Setup takes just a few minutes before you leave, and once you weigh that against hunting for a local SIM or dealing with unreliable Wi-Fi, eSIM is what I always reach for now.