Holafly Review | My eSIM Test in Vietnam (2025)
If you travel often or are just tired of chasing down a local SIM card every time you arrive in a new country, you’ve probably heard of eSIMs. They’re supposed to be simpler, faster, and above all, hassle-free.
So I decided to try Holafly, an eSIM service that keeps popping up in ads and travel recommendations. Does it really work? Is the coverage reliable? Is it worth the price? I installed everything myself and here’s what went smoothly… and what didn’t.
Why I Chose Holafly
I needed a simple solution to have internet as soon as I landed in Hanoi, without wasting an hour looking for a counter or an open shop. So I went with Holafly, mainly because everything is done online. No physical card, no waiting in line.
The website is clear and easy to use, you choose the country, the duration, pay, and you immediately receive a QR code to scan. In 5 minutes, it was installed. No tech skills needed. I did everything from my phone, and it worked on the first try.
What I also liked is that Holafly offers unlimited data in many countries, so you don’t get stuck after a couple of Instagram videos or a video call.
Compatibility: Does Your Phone Support eSIM?
Before ordering an eSIM from Holafly (or anywhere else), make sure your phone is compatible. Not all models are, especially older ones. On iPhones, you’ll need at least an iPhone XR, XS, or SE 2020. From there, all newer models (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16…) are compatible.
On Android, the list is longer and a bit less clear. Recent Samsung models like Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Note 20, Galaxy Z, or Google Pixels from Pixel 3a onwards are usually compatible. Same goes for some Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, Sony, and Motorola models.
To be sure, go to your phone settings > Cellular Data > “Add eSIM” If you see something like “eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”, that’s a good sign.
If you bought your phone in Europe or internationally, there’s a high chance it supports eSIM. But if it’s from China or some Asian countries, be careful, eSIM might be disabled on some models.
Installing the Holafly eSIM
The setup was super easy. Once I received the QR code by email, I scanned it from the “Cellular Data” > “Add eSIM” section of my iPhone settings. In under 2 minutes, the eSIM was added to my phone.
Before leaving Hoi An, I disabled my primary SIM and set Holafly as the default line for mobile data. No need to restart, everything worked smoothly. The connection started automatically as soon as I landed in Hanoi.
Since I live in Vietnam, I could have kept my main SIM active, but I wanted to test it like a tourist.
If you feel unsure, don’t worry, Holafly sends you a step-by-step guide by email. It’s clear, has illustrations, and is easy to follow even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Connection and Speed: Does It Hold Up?
Honestly, nothing to complain about. As soon as I got out of the airport, I already had full-speed 5G. I was able to open Google Maps, book a private driver, send WhatsApp messages… no lag, no dropouts.
During my 4-day stay in Hanoi, Sapa, and surrounding areas, the connection was stable and fast, even in more remote zones. I watched YouTube videos, used WhatsApp, replied to work emails, and even made a few video calls. Everything went smoothly.
- In Hanoi, it switched between 4G and 5G.
- In Sapa, I only had 4G.
- In Ha Giang, I was on 4G/3G, with some signal drops.
Speed obviously depends on the local network, but Holafly uses the top mobile providers in the country.
Unfortunately, in Vietnam, it doesn’t show the name of the carrier, so I never knew which network I was on during my road trip.
I also used Holafly during a trip to Singapore, and I had 5G throughout the entire stay.
Holafly eSIM Vietnam Pricing
I got an eSIM for Vietnam valid for 4 days, just to test the connection.
Holafly plans aren’t the cheapest, but they have the advantage of being clear and straightforward. For Vietnam, you can get an unlimited data plan starting at €5.90 for 1 day, and it goes up to €99 for 90 days.
These are truly unlimited data plans, but be aware: your speed might be reduced after a certain daily usage. No physical SIM card to worry about, no hidden fees, you pay once, and it’s activated instantly.
Example Prices by Travel Duration in Vietnam:
- 5 days: €18.90
- 15 days: €46.90
- 30 days: €68.90
- 45 days: €83.90
- 90 days: €99
Personally, I find the prices a bit high beyond 15 days. What I recommend is getting the 5-day plan to be stress-free when you land in Vietnam, and then switching to a local SIM card.
They also offer regional eSIM packages for several Asian countries, which is useful if you’re traveling through Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, or elsewhere. Again, it’s more expensive than local SIMs, but you gain comfort and simplicity.
Pros / Cons
✅ What I liked:
- Super easy activation, especially right after landing at the airport
- No need for a passport or local number, everything is ready before departure
- Good connection in big cities, worked perfectly with WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Instagram
- Responsive customer service, available in French, via email or live chat
❌ What I liked less:
- Phone battery drains faster, probably due to the constant eSIM connection
- No local phone number, which can be inconvenient for deliveries or certain services in Vietnam
- No info about which operator you’re connected to in Vietnam
- High prices if you’re staying longer than two weeks, a local SIM card is way cheaper
My Opinion
If you’re traveling for just a few days or one to two weeks, Holafly is super convenient. No need to rush around looking for a SIM card on arrival, everything works as soon as you land. It’s smooth, fast, and perfect if you want to stay connected without any stress.
But if you’re planning to stay longer or if you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend going for a local SIM card. It’s much cheaper, and you’ll have a Vietnamese phone number for local services.
To sum up: Holafly is perfect for short trips and for those who want to avoid technical hassles, but it’s not the most cost-effective option if you’re staying for several weeks.
