SIM card and internet in Vietnam: eSIM, carriers, prices

Which SIM or eSIM to buy in Vietnam in 2026, the face-verification rules, home internet and what to do about Russian bank SMS and VPN.

The full guide is available in Russian for now. The key points:

• Since 15 April 2026 SIMs are verified against ID data including a face scan: buy in a carrier store with your original passport, not from a street seller.
• Any of Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone works in Nha Trang city; Viettel has the widest coverage on islands and in the mountains.
• A month of mobile data is roughly 90,000-250,000 VND; home fibre starts around 190,000-195,000 VND a month (October 2026, verify with the carrier).
• Changing phones can block outgoing calls until face verification; keep a Vietnamese number active, and check Telegram yourself after arrival.