Introduction
As a true office worker, I understand the feeling of needing email, Zoom meetings, and Google Maps to work smoothly when traveling abroad. After several times buying physical SIM cards and missing important calls due to weak signal, I switched entirely to eSIM. Below are the 5 carriers I trust the most, based on real experiences in over 10 countries.
Quick Info
- Best time: Year-round, but avoid holiday seasons if you need to focus on work.
- Suggested duration: 3-7 days for short business trips.
- Budget: Around 200,000 – 500,000 VND for a 1GB/day eSIM package.
- Transport: Taxi, Grab, or public transport depending on the city.
- Connectivity: Don't forget to buy an eSIM before your trip – I use SimNha to compare and buy a suitable package.
Airalo – Stable for Short Business Trips
Airalo is the first name I think of when I need a quick, easy-to-install eSIM. Their app is extremely user-friendly, and you can get connected in just a few minutes.
Real Experience
I used Airalo in Thailand for 4 days, with a 1GB/day package costing around 120,000 VND. The 4G/5G speed was stable, enough for email, Google Maps, and light video calls. However, if you need a lot of data for downloading heavy files, this package might struggle.
💡 Tip: Choose a regional package (e.g., Asia) if you're visiting multiple countries – it's cheaper than buying per country.
Holafly – Unlimited Data for Heavy Users
Holafly stands out with its unlimited data packages, perfect for those who watch videos or have online meetings for hours.
Strengths
I tried Holafly in Japan for 7 days, with an unlimited package costing 450,000 VND. The speed drops after 500MB/day but is still usable for social media and email. The downside is no phone number, so you can't make calls.
⚠️ Note: Read the "fair use" policy carefully – if you use too much, the speed may slow down significantly.
SimLocal – Cheap Local Packages
SimLocal is a budget-friendly choice when you stay in one country for a few days.
Experience
I used SimLocal in South Korea, with a 5GB/7-day package costing 180,000 VND. The speed was very fast and stable even in the subway. Customer support is good, but the web interface is a bit cluttered.
💡 Tip: Compare prices on SimNha before buying – sometimes there are discount codes.
eSIM Plus – For Long Business Trips
eSIM Plus offers many flexible packages, from 1GB to 20GB, suitable for weeks or months.
Experience
I used a 10GB/30-day package in Europe for 350,000 VND. The speed was stable, but initial setup took a bit longer due to verification. Multilingual support includes Vietnamese.
Ubigi – Specialist for Business Travelers
Ubigi targets office workers with business packages, prioritizing speed and reliability.
Highlights
I used Ubigi in the US for 2 weeks, with a 5GB package costing 400,000 VND. The speed was very high, suitable for Zoom meetings and large file downloads. The app allows managing multiple eSIMs simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: Check the list of supported countries – Ubigi is strong in the US and Europe but weak in Asia.
Conclusion
Each carrier has its strengths: Airalo for short trips, Holafly for unlimited data, SimLocal for low cost, eSIM Plus for flexibility, and Ubigi for business travelers. Personally, I often combine Airalo for quick trips and Holafly when I need plenty of data. Don't forget to buy an eSIM before your trip – I always check on SimNha to choose the right package, as it offers comparisons and real reviews.
