eSIM Vietnam | Holafly, Ubigi, or Gigago ?
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, the question of mobile internet will inevitably arise. Whether it’s for long bus rides, finding a good restaurant on Google Maps, or calling a Grab, having a reliable connection is essential.
Physical SIM cards are an option, but they require you to find a vendor upon arrival, switch SIM cards, and risk losing your home country’s SIM. This is where eSIMs become the perfect solution: instant activation, no need to handle a physical SIM, and connectivity as soon as you land.
But which provider should you choose? I’ve compared Holafly, Ubigi, and Gigago, three of the main eSIM options for Vietnam. Pricing, network quality, ease of installation… Here’s a complete guide to help you make the right choice.
Key Criteria for Choosing an eSIM in Vietnam
Not all eSIMs are created equal. Before selecting a provider, here are the essential criteria to consider:
- • Network Coverage: In Vietnam, three major operators dominate the market: Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. Some eSIM providers connect directly to these networks, while others rely on international roaming agreements, which can affect connection quality.
- • Data Allowance: Some plans offer unlimited data, while others have a fixed quota (5GB, 10GB, etc.). If you frequently use Google Maps, YouTube, or social media, your choice of data plan can make a big difference.
- • Pricing: Costs vary depending on the number of days, data volume, and ease of activation.
- • Ease of Purchase and Activation: Some providers offer an ultra-simple process (just scan a QR code, and you’re set), while others require manual configuration.
- • Availability of a Local Number: Useful if you need to receive calls or SMS from Vietnamese services like Grab, local banks, or deliveries.
- • Customer Support: In case of issues, it’s better to have responsive support available in English or French.
Keeping these criteria in mind, let’s now compare Holafly, Ubigi, and Gigago.
Ubigi, Holafly, and Gigago
1. Ubigi
Ubigi is a brand developed by Transatel, a French company specializing in mobile connectivity solutions. Transatel is a subsidiary of the Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Communications.
Ubigi offers international eSIMs, allowing users to access mobile internet in over 200 countries. Its business model is based on prepaid plans at competitive prices, but it requires users to install its dedicated app to activate and manage the eSIM.
Book your eSIM with Ubigi
2. Holafly
Founded in 2017 in Spain, Holafly quickly established itself as a key player in the travel eSIM market. The company emphasizes an ultra-simplified experience, with instant activation via QR Code and unlimited data plans in numerous countries.
Holafly’s main advantage is its multilingual customer support, available in French, English, and Spanish. However, its pricing is higher than that of competitors, and hotspot tethering is limited.
3. Gigago
Gigago is a local Vietnamese company specializing in eSIMs for tourists and expatriates in Vietnam. Unlike Holafly and Ubigi, which rely on international roaming agreements, Gigago works directly with Vietnamese mobile operators (Viettel and Vinaphone).
Thanks to this approach, Gigago offers plans tailored to the local market, with competitive prices and excellent network coverage. Another key advantage is the possibility of obtaining a local phone number with certain Vinaphone plans, which is useful for Vietnamese services like Grab, banks, and local deliveries.
Book your Vietnam eSIM via Gigago
Detailed Comparison of eSIMs in Vietnam: Holafly vs. Ubigi vs. Gigago
Choosing the right eSIM for Vietnam depends on several factors: price, data volume, network coverage, ease of activation, hotspot tethering, local number availability, and customer service quality.
Here is a detailed analysis of the three main options: Holafly, Ubigi, and Gigago.
1. Network Quality and Coverage
Network coverage is a key factor, especially if you plan to travel outside major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
| Provider | Networks Used | Quality in Cities | Quality in Rural Areas | 5G Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | Vinaphone / Mobifone / Viettel (via international agreements) | Excellent | Good – Excellent depending on the network | Yes |
| Ubigi | VNPT (Vinaphone) / Vietnamobile | Good | Good (via VNPT), Poor with Vietnamobile | Yes (with VNPT – Vinaphone) |
| Gigago (Viettel) | Viettel (Vietnam’s best operator) | Excellent | Excellent | Yes |
| Gigago (Vinaphone) | Vinaphone | Good | Good | Yes |
My Opinion on Network Quality
- Holafly automatically connects to the best available network, without the option to choose a specific one. It’s a great option for seamless connectivity.
- Gigago (Viettel) is also an excellent choice, as Viettel offers the best coverage nationwide.
A Fun Fact About Ubigi
Ubigi claims to use VNPT, but VNPT is actually only a fixed-line infrastructure provider. In reality, Ubigi operates on the mobile network of Vinaphone, which is owned by VNPT, its parent company.
Best Choice for Network Coverage
- Holafly – Automatically connects to the best available network.
- Gigago (Viettel) – Best option for nationwide coverage, including rural areas.
2. Price and Data Volume
The price mainly depends on the amount of data you need.
| Provider | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days | Data Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | 26.90 € | 46.90 € | 68.90 € | Unlimited (*speed reduction after a certain threshold*) |
| Ubigi | 10 € (10 GB) | 6 € (3 GB) | 12 € (10 GB) | 3 GB to 10 GB max |
| Gigago (Viettel) | 13.90 $ | 19.90 $ | – | 5 GB/day |
| Gigago (Vinaphone) | 14.90 $ | – | – | 2 GB to 5 GB/day + Local Number |
My Opinion on Price and Data Volume
In Vietnam, Wi-Fi is widely available, so even with a small data plan like Ubigi or Gigago, you won’t be at a disadvantage.
However, if you’re working online as a YouTuber or remote worker, you may need unlimited data. For regular travelers, 3 GB or 5 GB per day is more than enough for emails, navigation, and social media.
Best Choice for Price and Data
- Ubigi : Best for budget-conscious travelers.
- Gigago (Viettel) : Best for long stays and heavy data users, with no speed throttling.
3. Ease of Installation and Activation
If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free solution, the ease of installation is a key factor.
| Provider | Activation Method | Installation Time | Ease for Beginners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | QR Code | 2 minutes | Very Easy |
| Ubigi | QR Code + Account via App | 5-10 minutes | A bit more complex |
| Gigago (Viettel & Vinaphone) | QR Code | 2 minutes | Very Easy |
My Opinion on Installation and Activation
I don’t understand why Ubigi requires users to install an app just to activate an eSIM.
It feels unnecessary and inconvenient compared to other providers, which allow a simple QR code activation in just a few seconds.
Best Choice for a Quick Installation
- Holafly : Super fast activation via QR Code.
- Gigago : Also easy to install with a simple QR Code.
4. Local Number and Calls/SMS
Having a local Vietnamese number can be useful if you need to receive calls or SMS, for example, for bank account verifications, Grab rides, or restaurant reservations.
| Provider | Local Number | Incoming Calls | Outgoing Calls | Incoming SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | No | No | No | No |
| Ubigi | No | No | No | No |
| Gigago (Viettel) | No | No | No | No |
| Gigago (Vinaphone) | Yes | Yes | 10 minutes free per Vinaphone call | Yes |
My Opinion on Local Number Availability
Only Gigago (Vinaphone) provides a local Vietnamese number, which makes sense since it is a Vietnamese company that collaborates directly with local operators.
For travelers who need to receive SMS or calls from local services, this is a significant advantage.
Best Choice If You Need a Local Number
- Gigago (Vinaphone) → The only provider offering a local number, including free call minutes and SMS reception.
Customer Service
A reliable customer support can make a difference, especially if you encounter issues with activation or connectivity during your trip.
| Provider | Support Language | Contact Methods | Availability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | French, English, Spanish | Live Chat, Email, WhatsApp | 24/7 | Very Responsive |
| Ubigi | English | Chat via App, Email | Business Hours | Medium (Sometimes Slow Responses) |
| Gigago | English | WhatsApp, Email | 24/7 | Variable (Can Be Slow at Certain Hours) |
Best Customer Support Choice
- Holafly : Offers the best customer service, with 24/7 availability and support in French, English, and Spanish.
Which eSIM to Choose Based on Your Profile?
Your choice of eSIM depends on your travel style, budget, and data needs. Here’s a breakdown of the best option for each type of traveler.
Best eSIM Based on Traveler Profile
| Traveler Profile | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Short stay (less than 10 days) with unlimited data | Holafly – Easy setup, unlimited data, but speed reduction after a certain threshold. |
| Limited budget, low data usage | Ubigi – Low cost, good for light users, but limited network coverage. |
| Long-term traveler (15+ days) with high data needs | Gigago (Viettel) – 5GB/day, excellent 4G/5G coverage, ideal for navigation and remote work. |
| Need a local number for calls/SMS | Gigago (Vinaphone) – Provides a local number, allows calls and SMS in Vietnam, but has moderate rural coverage. |
| Digital nomad or remote worker | Holafly – Reliable and nearly unlimited connection, with access to three different networks. |
My Opinion
• Ubigi is an affordable solution, but having to download an extra app just to use an eSIM is a drawback.
• Holafly is a good option, but its pricing is excessive compared to local Vietnamese rates.
• Gigago, which I discovered while researching this article, offers the best value for money without a doubt.
Choose the best eSIM based on your travel needs!
