Sim Local Review 2026: Best eSIM for Vietnam Travel & International eSIM Guide

Hey friends 👋, we're Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

Since moving to Vietnam in 2023, we've been constantly exploring every corner of the country. From the northern mountain rice terraces all the way to the crystal clear waters of the southern islands, reliable internet is always a top priority for us. We've tried a bunch of eSIM providers throughout our journey (you can find our favorites here), but we keep coming back to Sim Local. Here's our full review of Sim Local and why it works so well for us while constantly moving around Vietnam.

What is an eSIM and how does it work in Vietnam?

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you download and activate a mobile plan directly on your device via a QR code. No need for a physical card and no swapping out your physical SIM card. You can install it in advance and you'll be automatically connected when you land.

Which phones support eSIM?

Most phones released since 2018 support eSIMs: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, even recent Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi phones. Sim Local have a compatibility check here if you're unsure.

Why choose a travel eSIM over roaming or airport SIMs?

Instant activation when you land, no need to visit a physical store, easy plan switching, dual-SIM capability (keep your home number active), and it's a LOT cheaper than international roaming charges.

Why choose Sim Local for travel in Vietnam?

Sim Local partners directly with Vietnam's strongest networks (Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone), which means consistent 4G/5G even in more rural and mountainous areas. They also offer a 100% refund policy if anything goes wrong.

And if you need voice minutes for calls or SMS, they have plans for that too, so you're not stuck relying only on WhatsApp for communication.

What eSIM plans does Sim Local offer for Vietnam in 2026?

Sim Local offers a huge range of plans tailored to your exact trip requirements. From a 1GB starter plan at only $4 USD all the way up to unlimited data options.

All plans include hotspot/tethering with no extra or hidden fees, so you can easily share data with your group, laptops, or other devices if needed.

• Limited data plans: Start from 1GB and scale up to 20GB. Perfect for light to moderate users or short trips.
• Unlimited data plans: Come with a generous 10GB full-speed daily allowance (plenty for heavy video streaming, video calls, and remote work) before any throttling kicks in (most other eSIM providers throttle after just 2–3GB daily).

If you're not sure which plan fits, their "Find My Plan" tool asks quick questions about trip length and usage to recommend the best fit instantly.

Example scenarios

• Short city break (Hanoi + Sapa + Halong Bay, 7–10 days, light user): A 5–10GB plan covers maps, social media, and Grab rides easily.
• North-to-south adventure (2–3 weeks, moderate user): A 10–20GB plan keeps you sharing photos, streaming music/podcasts on trains, and uploading videos.
• Digital nomad or remote worker (month+, heavy use): An unlimited plan + free hotspot lets you connect a laptop for Zoom calls from co-working cafes and workspaces.

How do I buy, install and activate a Sim Local eSIM?

1. Head to Sim Local's Vietnam plans page or use their Find My Plan tool for a personalised recommendation.
2. Pick your plan, apply discount code LIAMSARAH5 at checkout for money off.
3. Instructions arrive instantly by email. Installing takes less than a minute by scanning the QR code.
4. Install before you fly. It won't activate until you land in Vietnam. Once you arrive, it'll automatically connect to a local network, so your plan only starts when you arrive ensuring no wasted days in your plan.

Pre-installing means you're connected the second you land. No need to queue for questionable airport SIMs.

How well does Sim Local actually perform across Vietnam?

We've lost count of how many times we've been to Ha Giang, but we just went back again in December 2025 and used Sim Local the whole loop. It connected to the local Viettel network (the fastest network in Vietnam), 4G held strong throughout the remote mountain passes. Live Google Maps worked flawlessly which helped us explore some of the more rural villages. We also made the most of our plan using the included hotspot for our laptops so we could keep uploading our daily videos without issues.

Northern mountains (Sapa & Ha Giang)

4G stayed reliable even on remote, rural mountain roads. No dead zones we noticed, which was huge for us exploring the less-touristy areas.

Central coast (Hoi An & Da Nang)

As big digital expat hubs, we've used Sim Local multiple times here. They consistently provide incredible 5G speeds (60-100 Mbps in Da Nang), perfect for working from cafes and co-working spaces. Never any issues.

Southern islands & Mekong Delta (Phu Quoc & Ho Chi Minh City)

Right now we're writing this review from Phu Quoc island, using Sim Local as our maps guide while trekking through the dense rainforest national park area. Coverage stayed solid even in more dense local spots, speeds consistent (40-60 Mbps), and it made live Google Translate conversations with locals easy (most don't speak English here). In HCMC, high speeds and no dead zones, perfect for booking Grab rides around the city.

Overall, we've experienced zero major dead zones, consistent high speeds, and the included hotspot has been a lifesaver for when we need to use our laptop while in a remote area.

Common eSIM questions for Vietnam travelers

• Is an eSIM cheaper than airport SIMs? Usually yes, pre-buying avoids the crazy tourist prices and the risk of getting a faulty SIM at the airport.
• What if I run out of data? You can top-up instantly via the Sim Local app, no need to visit a store.
• Will it work with Vietnam's networks? Yes, they partner with the best local providers for great coverage nationwide.
• Can I keep my WhatsApp number? Absolutely, the eSIM handles data without changing your WhatsApp number.

What key features make Sim Local a strong choice?

• Generous unlimited data: 10GB full-speed daily, far more flexible than the 2–3GB caps most alternatives enforce.
• Hotspot always included: Share across devices with no extra or hidden fees.
• Top-rated support: Strong Trustpilot/Google reviews and risk-free with their full refund policy.

Final thoughts & recommendation

After years of use thoughout the whole of Vietnam, from Ha Giang loops to Phu Quoc's remote beaches, Sim Local consistently stands out as a reliable travel eSIM. Great coverage, solid support, and real value.

Ready to stay connected on your Vietnam trip? Grab your Sim Local eSIM here and use code LIAMSARAH5 for a discount.