How To Stay Connected in Vietnam: Airalo Xin Chao eSIM Review

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of arriving in a new country, with the air filled with unfamiliar scents and the promise of adventure ahead. However, in today’s world, there’s also the persistent question: “How will I stay online?”

During my recent trip to Vietnam, a nation known for its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, I decided to put the Airalo Xin Chao eSIM to the test. This is my in-depth review of the experience, aimed at helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your Vietnamese adventure.

Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase a service, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep the blog running.

I chose Airalo’s eSIM over local SIM cards or pocket Wi-Fi rentals. I’ll cover Airalo’s reliable 4G LTE coverage and provide tips for managing your data. Whether you’re new to eSIMs or a seasoned traveller, this post will help you stay connected in Vietnam.

My ranking

Ready for the full story? Let’s dive in.

Why I Chose Airalo Xin Chao eSIM

As a seasoned traveller, I have encountered a variety of situations while searching for a local SIM card while abroad. From the hassle of trying to find a local mobile operator at the airport, ordering a SIM card online and anxiously waiting for its delivery, to the exorbitant roaming charges from my home mobile operator, I’ve experienced it all.

For my upcoming trip to Vietnam, I was determined to find a solution that was both convenient and cost-effective. And the solution was an eSIM.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to stay online while travelling without a physical SIM card. You can find out more about eSIM in this article. It’s a game-changer for travellers, and Airalo is one of the leading names in the eSIM market.

The Airalo Xin Chao eSIM for Vietnam stood out to me for several key reasons:

• Convenience: The ability to set up my data plan before I even left home was incredibly appealing.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The Airalo plans appeared to be remarkably reasonable compared to the staggering roaming charges from my home provider.
• Positive Reviews: While I couldn’t find a specific, detailed review of the Airalo Xin Chao eSIM for Vietnam, the brand has a solid reputation among travellers, and I had a lot of good experiences in other countries.

Savvy’s Tip: Airalo Xin Chao is excellent if you plan to visit only Vietnam.

Airalo Xin Chao eSIM Plan Options

Airalo makes it easy to find a data plan that fits everyone. The Xin Chao eSIM for Vietnam comes in multiple sizes and durations:

The Xin Chao eSIM connects to Viettel and VNPT (Vinaphone) networks in Vietnam. Viettel, in particular, offers 4G/LTE coverage across the country – from big cities to smaller towns. In my case, the eSIM automatically connected to Viettel everywhere (Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi), which was great because Viettel’s coverage and speeds are arguably the best in Vietnam.

As Airalo was not the only eSIM I wanted to try out while in Vietnam, I bought a 1 GB plan for £3.50 ( $4.50). If you use my code (for the very first purchase) or the 10% discount link (see all offers below), you can get it cheaper. It was sufficient to cover the basic tests – maps, browsing and social media.

Savvy’s Tip: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with eSIMs before making a purchase. While most newer smartphones support eSIM functionality, you can check Airalo’s compatibility list if you’re unsure.

How I Tested Airalo Xin Chao eSIM

A lot of travellers visit the capital city, Hanoi, Ho Chi Min City, Da Nang and Hoi An. To give you the most accurate and helpful review possible, I tested the Airalo Xin Chao eSIM in all of them. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:

Setup and installation

The setup process was incredibly straightforward. Before my trip, I bought my desired Xin Chao plan on their website (to get a 10% discount). Once the payment was successful, I received an email with instructions.

I decided to use the app to install the eSIM. It guided me through the installation process, which involved just hitting one button. After a few minutes, the Airalo Xin Chao eSIM was successfully installed.

The entire process took less than 5 minutes, and I had my Vietnam eSIM installed and ready to go before I even packed my bags. This pre-trip setup is a massive advantage, as it means you can have data from the moment you land.

Savvy’s Tip: Install the eSIM before travelling in a location with good Wi-Fi, and ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. The app includes a compatibility checklist.

Network registration in Vietnam

After a short flight from Singapore, I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Before leaving Singapore, I had switched my eSIM to Airalo Xin Chao, disabled mobile data, and set my phone to flight mode.

As we were taxiing to the terminal, I turned off flight mode. My Airalo eSIM automatically connected to the local Viettel mobile network without the need for any manual configuration or restarting my phone. The process was seamless and incredibly fast.

Once I noticed that the signal bar was full with the “R” symbol next to it, I enabled mobile data. Soon after, another icon appeared – indicating 4G connectivity, with arrows pointing up and down.

Savvy’s Tip: Always check if you can see these arrows going both directions. It means your phone is sending (arrow up) and also receiving (arrow down) data.

Throughout my trip, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming lanterns of Hoi An and the ancient temples of Hanoi, the eSIM connected to the Viettel network without any issues. Viettel is one of Vietnam’s largest and most reliable mobile networks, so I wasn’t very surprised.

Reliability and User Experience

I had an excellent and stable connection to the internet across all the cities I visited. I used my phone for a wide range of applications, including:

• Navigation: Google Maps was my daily companion, and the eSIM provided a flawless connection, ensuring I never got lost and always found the place I was looking for, whether it was the War Remnant Museum in HCMC or in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
• Ride-sharing: I used Grab (Asian Uber/Lyft/Bolt version) a lot. The app worked perfectly, allowing me to book cars with ease and when I needed them.
• Communication: I stayed in touch with family and friends back home through Signal, and the connection was crystal clear for a video call while on the beach in Da Nang.
• Social Media: I shared my adventures on Instagram, and the eSIM handled a mix of photo and video uploads without a hitch.
• Tethering: I always travel with my Nintendo Switch. To play games online, I connect it to my phone’s hotspot. The Airalo Xin Chao eSIM handled it perfectly! The gaming session was lag-free.

The only reason I’m not giving a perfect 5/5 is that Airalo’s Xin Chao plans for Vietnam don’t offer unlimited data. While the data packages are generous, heavy data users should be mindful of their consumption.

If you plan going outside the bigger cities, check the coverage on nperf website.

Connectivity and Speed

I was incredibly impressed with the speeds I experienced with the Airalo Xin Chao eSIM. In Da Nang, I ran a speed test and was blown away by the results: 107 Mbps for download and 31.5 Mbps for upload. These are fantastic speeds, even by home broadband standards!

While I didn’t run formal speed tests in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the subjective experience was just as impressive. Websites loaded instantly, videos streamed without buffering, and I was even able to make a high-quality video call from the beach in Da Nang. I also used my phone as a hotspot to play online games on my Nintendo Switch, and the connection was more than up to the task.

Top-up

Topping up your data with Airalo is a simple process that can be done directly through the app. You’ll receive a notification when you’re running low on data, and you can purchase a new plan with just a few taps.

The only minor drawback is that you have to purchase a new plan rather than simply adding data to your existing one. However, the process is so quick and easy that this is hardly a significant issue.

The app shows each plan’s expiration date, making topping up easy and convenient.

Savvy’s tip: Adding a new plan does not extend the validity of your original plan. For instance, if your initial eSIM plan is valid for 30 days and you buy and activate a 7-day plan, the new plan will only last for 7 days. It is treated as a new eSIM plan.

Airalo Discount Codes

Who doesn’t love a discount? 😃 Use my Airalo code for $3 off or 15% off your first eSIM purchase. If you have an account, enjoy 10% off your next purchase. Here are your links:

These discounts help save a bit on your purchase. For instance, with the $3 off code, the 1 GB/7-day plan is only $1.50. A remarkable deal for the internet in Vietnam. Remember, you can use only one code per account, but feel free to share it with friends who are trying Airalo for the first time.

Airalo App (Android & iOS)

Airalo offers a free mobile app for both Android and iOS, which I highly recommend. It makes it easy to purchase eSIMs, manage plans, and top up your account.

The app’s dashboard conveniently tracks data usage and displays the number of days remaining on your plan. You can also receive push notifications for alerts, such as low data, if you enable them.

Download the Airalo app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by clicking on the icons or the official Airalo links above. Create a free account, browse eSIM packages, and purchase eSIMs directly in the app. The app simplifies eSIM installation, allowing you to install the eSIM without a QR code.

Tips for Using eSIM Data in Vietnam

Every country has its quirks when it comes to mobile data, and Vietnam is no exception. Here are some quick tips for using your eSIM effectively:

1. Download your eSIM before flying: Set up your eSIM at home while on a reliable, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection. Download essential apps, like translators and maps, in advance.
2. Monitor your data usage: Use the Airalo app to track your data usage. I typically used between 500 MB and 700 MB daily. If you plan to stream or video call frequently, consider opting for a larger data plan.
3. Have a backup for remote areas: While cities generally have good signal coverage, remote areas may experience issues. Download offline maps from Google Maps and keep your hotel Wi-Fi information handy.
4. Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS: The Airalo Xin Chao eSIM is data-only, so make sure to keep your regular SIM active for SMS and calls. Just remember to set your data connection to the eSIM.
5. Use free Wi-Fi when convenient: Most of hotels in Vietnam offer reliable free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of it to save your mobile data for when it is truly needed. To protect yourself, consider using a VPN.

Following these tips will help ensure a smooth connectivity experience while you are in Vietnam!

Maximise Your Trip (Now Your Internet is Sorted!)

With a reliable internet connection in your pocket, you have the freedom to be spontaneous. If you are wondering what to see in Vietnam, check these article about HCMC, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi. If you prefer having a tour guide, explore available tours on GetYourGuide, Viator or Tripadvisor.

Price Comparison: Airalo vs. Competitors

To give you a better idea of how Airalo stacks up against the competition, here’s a price comparison for a 1GB eSIM plan for Vietnam from some of the top providers. Please note that these prices are based on the latest information available and may be subject to change.

eSIM provider	1 GB plan price (in USD)
Airalo (Xin Chao)	$4.50
Nomad	$6.00
Saily	$3.99
EtravelSIM	$4.00
Esimatic	$4.79

As you can see, Airalo is very competitively priced, and considering the reliability and performance I experienced, it offers excellent value for money.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of my experience with Airalo Xin Chao eSIM:

Pros	Cons
Easy purchase and setup: Buy online and activate instantly	No unlimited data option: Heavy data users may need to buy larger plans or top up.
Multi-network coverage: Roams on both Viettel and VNTP (Vinaphone)	Data-only plans: No voice calls or SMS; use apps for communication.
Fast 4G speeds: Achieved 107 Mbps download in Da Nang	4G/LTE only: Currently no 5G access but 4G speeds were fast.
Affordable pricing: Starting at £3.50/$4.50	eSIM-compatible phone required: Works for most modern devices, but not all older or carrier-locked ones.
Flexible plans: Options for 7, 15, or 30 days, with easy data top-ups.

Overall, the advantages far outweighed the downsides in my experience.

Conclusion – Is Airalo Moshi Moshi Worth It for Japan?

The Airalo Xin Chao eSIM is an excellent choice for travelling in Vietnam. It offers easy setup, reliable service, and reasonable pricing. After using it in major cities, I was always connected, which was crucial for ordering rides and staying in touch with my friends and family.

While budget travellers may consider other options, Airalo’s Xin Chao eSIM is ideal for most tourists and digital nomads. It simplifies staying connected, letting you focus on enjoying the rich culture and beauty of Vietnam. Highly recommended for a hassle-free experience! Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)