Which eSIM works best in Ha Giang and rural Vietnam?

Airalo's Xin Chao plan, because it primarily uses Viettel, which dominates coverage in rural areas like Ha Giang, Sapa, and Phong Nha. Providers that exclude Viettel, such as Roamless and Nomad, are likely to have poor or no service there.

Can I use an eSIM in Vietnam without passport registration?

Yes. International eSIM providers like Airalo and Saily do not require passport registration because your account is with an overseas company. This sidesteps Vietnam's local KYC laws, but it works in practice today on a legal basis that is uncodified, and the April 2026 circular leaves room for tightening.

Is Holafly a good eSIM for a 60-day stay in Vietnam?

No. It has a 1GB-per-day hotspot limit that is too small for laptop work, and you cannot top up an existing plan, so you must buy and install a new eSIM each time it expires.

How do I get a local Viettel SIM as a foreigner?

Visit any official Viettel store with your physical passport. Staff photograph you and your passport to register the SIM, and from April 2026 this includes mandatory facial biometric verification.

Does Vietnam require biometric verification for SIM cards?

Yes. From 15 April 2026, Vietnam requires facial biometric verification to activate all local SIM cards, including tourist SIMs. This does not currently apply to international roaming eSIMs.

Best eSIM for Vietnam Long-Stay (2026): Viettel & Hybrid