What works in Vietnam

Vietnam⚠️ Some limits

In Vietnam the services tourists are used to work: WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google. Telegram was blocked for a month and a half in 2025; the internet sometimes slows down because of damaged undersea cables.

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  Messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) WhatsApp and Viber work; Telegram was blocked in 2025 on the telecom authority's order (letter of 21.05.2025), according to OONI the block was lifted on 10.07.2025.Source: explorer.ooni.org, 13.06.2025 · according to explorer.ooni.org, 13.06.2025
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  Telegram calls Telegram was blocked on Viettel, VNPT and FPT from 25.05 to 10.07.2025 (OONI); later status is unclear, check before your trip.Source: explorer.ooni.org, 13.06.2025 · according to explorer.ooni.org, 13.06.2025
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  VPN Using a VPN is not explicitly banned; since 2026 (Decree 330/2026) there is a fine of up to 20 million dong for instructions on bypassing blocks.Source: thevietnamese.org, 27.08.2026 · according to thevietnamese.org, 27.08.2026
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  Other Some opposition websites are blocked (FOTN 2025: 22/100, Not Free). Frequent slowdowns due to damaged undersea cables.Source: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025

Getting round via a roaming eSIM: We found no specific data on blocking from test trips with a roaming eSIM; a study of the Airalo ecosystem shows that traffic from such eSIMs usually reaches the internet abroad (home routing / IPX hub), but nobody has checked local blocks for this particular country.

What to do

• During protests, elections or exams the internet or some services have been cut here (25.05.2025). It usually affects a tourist for a day or two.
• Install and sign in to the apps you need at home: WhatsApp, Telegram, Privat24, monobank, Diia, Maps. Some app stores and sites may not open in the country.
• Keep your Ukrainian SIM in the phone with roaming on: bank SMS come to it. Switch data to the eSIM and turn off «Data roaming» on the Ukrainian SIM.
• About Tutu eSIM, honestly: Tutu eSIM is data only, without a number. Normal calls and SMS go through your Ukrainian SIM at roaming rates. So where calls in messengers are blocked, the eSIM alone won't open them.