How to receive SMS verification codes (e.g. for WhatsApp) using a virtual number/eSIM while in Vietnam?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 22 days ago
TL;DR
Many travelers use the green sm app with eSIM to receive verification codes (WhatsApp, etc.) — codes usually arrive via WhatsApp rather than SMS. It works with VPN on, but Apple blocked Russian-region profiles starting around the 14th.
What the community said
Confirmed that Apple blocked this feature starting around the 14th specifically for Russian-region Apple ID profiles. If your Apple ID profile isn't Russian, it works fine and VPN can stay on.
31 days ago Apple restriction since the 14th
Setup was done while still in Russia, and the verification code arrived via WhatsApp. VPN was likely active at the time since it stays on almost constantly for this user.
43 days ago
Not everyone managed to receive a regular SMS directly, even though it works fine back home. The workaround was the green sm app with eSIM — the code arrived via WhatsApp message instead of SMS.
43 days ago green sm app
In the green sm app, pick the cheapest plan at the bottom of the list — in this case it was the option with the teal car icon, and it worked correctly.
43 days ago Cheapest plan in green sm