Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic) – known for its waterfalls, nature & temples.
It is also the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, but the country still has a lot to offer.
Such as the famous Kuang Si Waterfall or Tad Yuang Waterfall – must see.
But if you do not want to deal with too many other people and tourists, consider going to Bolaven Plateau or Khon Phapheng Falls.
Landmarks like the Patuxay Monument, Pha That Luang Vientiane, Phoisi Hill & Wat Xiengthong can also not be missed.
Oh, and of course the night market in Vientiane.
Being bored in Laos? No way! No reason to be.
Another thing you should not do when in Laos is roam internationally – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards or eSIM and even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Fortunately, mobile data rates are low in Laos – one of the lowest in the region, for that matter.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Laos?
You can get a Lao SIM card for 10 000 LAK (0.50 USD) from Unitel, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline) & ETL in their stores. Lao Telecom has tourist SIM cards for 15 000 LAK (0.80 USD) and 25 000 LAK (1.30 USD). SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
Those prices are low, indeed – just wait until you find out that the cost of mobile data is low too.
Especially for those coming from Europe and North America.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Laos. Let's go.
Original publication: 21st of November 2019. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Laos?
Anyone living in or visiting Laos can buy a Lao SIM card from the mobile network operators (Unitel, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline) & ETL) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations (new since 2021 and enforced from 2022).
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Laos).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Laos?
You can get a Laos SIM card in Unitel, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline) & ETL stores. SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
You can expect to pay the following for Lao SIM cards:
- Unitel Laos: 10 000 LAK
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel): 10 000 LAK
- TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos): 10 000 LAK
- ETL Laos: 10 000 LAK
The following Lao mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Unitel Laos: N/A – but SIM cards are sold at airports
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel): 15 000 LAK & 25 000 LAK
- TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos): N/A – but SIM cards are sold at airports
- ETL Laos: N/A – but SIM cards are sold at airports
For up-to-date LAK:your currency (let's say THB) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Honestly, getting a Lao SIM card through Internet in Laos will be cheaper than most options for data for Laos (travel SIM cards and eSIMs, let alone roaming) while competitively priced.
Depending on your needs and travel plans, Internet in Laos will send you a Lao SIM card with the best performance in the areas you plan to visit.
Moreover, if you are already in Laos but have yet to get a Lao SIM card, Internet in Laos can deliver it quickly to you (the current record is two hours, but I have been told this is not a standard… so pre-order your SIM card before arrival!) without you having to deal with the Lao bureaucracy.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Laos?
Laos uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Laos. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Laos, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Laos.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Laos or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Laos (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE (and soon 5G NR).
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Laos
Laos has four mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Unitel Laos
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
- TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
- ETL Laos
The following frequencies are used in Laos:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Laos, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Laos
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) are available in Laos. However, not all mobile operators offer both services.
This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Laos (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in Laos:
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
I am not sure whether Unitel, TPlus (formerly Beeline Laos) & ETL offer VoLTE or VoWiFi.
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Laos
Commercial 5G NR has been available in Laos since September 2020. It is available on the Lao Telecom (LaoTel) network. Unitel has been holding trials. Lao Telecom offers 5G NR to prepaid customers (although its coverage is limited).
Best SIM Card in Laos
If you want to get the best SIM card in Laos, I recommend going with Unitel. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds.
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Honestly, getting a Lao SIM card through Internet in Laos will be cheaper than most options for data for Laos (travel SIM cards and eSIMs, let alone roaming) while competitively priced.
Depending on your needs and travel plans, Internet in Laos will send you a Lao SIM card with the best performance in the areas you plan to visit.
Moreover, if you are already in Laos but have yet to get a Lao SIM card, Internet in Laos can deliver it quickly to you (the current record is two hours, but I have been told this is not a standard… so pre-order your SIM card before arrival!) without you having to deal with the Lao bureaucracy.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
Best eSIM in Laos
Unitel and Lao Telecom (LaoTel) offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.
TPlus (formerly Beeline Laos) and ETL do not have eSIMs at all – not even for postpaid customers.
Note that the Lao mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Laos.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the nine best eSIMs for Laos:
- Lao mobile operators (two offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Laos SIM card buying guide)
- Airalo Pak Ou Mobile eSIM with one 1 GB option (best value for money)
- Alosim Laos eSIM with one 1 GB option (priced roughly the same as Airalo – use code PTW for 5% off)
- Holafly Laos eSIM with six options between 2.5 and 15 GB (generous data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- Airalo Asialink eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money for 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
- AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
- Holafly Asia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 30 days (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
- AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Laos, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Laos, you better check out my Laos eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Laos
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Laos since 2021 (enforced from January 2022). It will be done at the point of sale.
Laos Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Laos is one of the cheaper travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
Another thing that is (incredibly) cheap is mobile data rates in the country.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Laos is 15 000 LAK (0.99 USD), around the Asian average of 1.47 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.
While this average is indeed low, more than 15 Asian countries (excluding the Middle East) have a lower average cost for 1 GB of data.
Yeah, the cost of mobile data is really low in (Southeast) Asia.
As mentioned in the introduction, one mobile operator offers 150 GB of data for just 200 000 LAK (a bit more than 13 USD), so the data allowances are generous in Laos.
The only Southeast Asian countries with a higher average cost of mobile data are Brunei (2.40 BND/1.70 USD) and Myanmar (2078 MMK/1.11 USD).
So you pay almost nothing for mobile data in Laos, but will your speeds be nothing too?
Not really – but they are not fast either.
Laos' median mobile download speed is around 26 Mbps.
For reference, the global median download speed is around 31 Mbps at the moment.
Laos' neighbors China (89.32 Mbps), Thailand (34.63 Mbps) & Vietnam (38.23 Mbps) have faster median download speeds than itself.
Cambodia (17.01 Mbps) and Myanmar (25.67 Mbps) are slower.
Even then, Laos' mobile download speeds have basically stayed the same year on year (25 Mbps in 2021 vs. 26 Mbps in 2022).
Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Laos.
That would be Unitel, hands down, followed by Lao Telecom (LaoTel).
ETL and TPlus (formerly Beeline Laos) are on the slower end, especially outside urban areas.
Although they have improved in recent years.
In terms of coverage, Unitel wins again, followed by Lao Telecom.
You certainly want to avoid ETL and TPlus if you plan on visiting rural areas.
Also, do not expect any reception high in the mountains – not even with Unitel 😜.
With incredibly low SIM card prices, great nationwide coverage, decent download speeds, and incredibly low mobile data rates, you should have a good network experience in Laos.
Currency in Laos
Laos uses the Lao Kip with the symbol LAK (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as ₭ or ₭N. For example, 25 LAK = ₭/₭N 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between LAK and USD (US Dollars):
- 1000 LAK = 0.50 USD
- 10 000 LAK = 0.50 USD
- 100 000 LAK = 5.10 USD
- 1 000 000 LAK = 50.60 USD
For up-to-date LAK:your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Lao Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Unitel Laos, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline Laos) & ETL Laos, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Laos has to offer to us.
Unitel Laos
Unitel Laos, just Unitel, and not to be confused with Unitel in Angola, Cape Verde, or Mongolia, is the largest mobile operator in Laos.
It also has the best overall network.
Unitel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about Unitel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Unitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Unitel Laos
Unitel has the best coverage in Laos.
Below is Unitel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Unitel Laos
You can get a Unitel SIM card for 10 000 LAK with 5000 LAK credit in Unitel stores. The data-only SIM card, called Net-SIM, also costs 10 000 LAK (without credit). Unitel SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Unitel eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Lao mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Laos (Pak Ou Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Or get the Laos eSIMs from Holafly (8 GB/30 days).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly eSIM reviews
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Laos and 13 other Asian countries:
With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping initial SIM card and eSIM costs per country you visit.
You can read about my experiences with the Asialink eSIM in all the supported countries (it will take until 2024 until I have tried the eSIM in all eligible countries, so check back often for updates!).
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Unitel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Unitel Laos
Unitel top-up vouchers are sold in Unitel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Laos.
To top up your Unitel SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123456#.
Dial *122# to check your Unitel balance.
You can top up your Unitel SIM card on the MyUnitel (Laos) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Unitel Laos
Unitel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile-3G/4G (combo) & NET Sim -3G/4G (data).
The NET Sim -3G/4G plans are for the Unitel data SIM cards.
However, you can purchase these plans with a regular Unitel SIM card (for now).
All Unitel plans can be activated by dialing *121.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Mobile-3G/4G – Unitel Laos
The Mobile-3G/4G are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Mobile-3G/4G:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 000 LAK | CN25 | 7 GB | Unlimited 3 | N/A | 7 days | *209*21# |
| 25 000 LAK | 25K | 15 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 10 days | *209*106# |
| 35 000 LAK | CN35 | 10 GB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | 10 days | *208*22# |
| 40 000 LAK | 40K | 30 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 15 days | *209*107# |
| 50 000 LAK | 50K | 30 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*123# |
| 63 000 LAK | MI 79 | 35 000 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
| 65 000 LAK | 65K | 40 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*07# |
| 80 000 LAK | 80K | 60 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*100# |
| 95 000 LAK | CN95 | 30 GB | Unlimited 2 | N/A | 30 days | *209*23# |
| 99 000 LAK | 99K | 90 000 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | *209*113# |
| 99 000 LAK | 99K | 80 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*113# |
| 150 000 LAK | 50K3M | 35 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*124# |
| 195 000 LAK | 65K3M | 45 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*120# |
| 240 000 LAK | 80K3M | 70 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*117# |
| 297 000 LAK | 99K3M | 90 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*114# |
| 300 000 LAK | 50K6M | 37.5 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*125# |
| 390 000 LAK | 65K6M | 50 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*121# |
| 480 000 LAK | 80K6M | 75 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*118# |
| 594 000 LAK | 99K6M | 100 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*115# |
| 600 000 LAK | 50K12M | 40 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*126# |
| 780 000 LAK | 65K12M | 55 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*122# |
| 960 000 LAK | 80K12M | 80 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*119# |
| 1 188 000 LAK | 99K12M | 110 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*116# |
1 for Facebook & WeChat
2 for WeChat & YouTube
3 for WeChat only
NET Sim -3G/4G – Unitel Laos
The NET Sim -3G/4G are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Officially, the NET Sim -3G/4G are exclusive to the Unitel data SIM cards.
However, regular Unitel SIM cards can enable these plans too (which can be more affordable than the Mobile Plans).
Until Unitel someday decided to enforce this restriction 🗿.
Dial the Activation Code to activate NET Sim -3G/4G:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 LAK | LTU5 | 1024 MB | 24 hours | *209*21# |
| 10 000 LAK | CHAIDEE | 1500 MB | 7 days | *209*23# |
| 10 000 LAK | HOIYIM | 2000 MB | 5 days | *209*22# |
| 10 000 LAK | LT2 | 6000 MB | 2 days | *209*30# |
| 50 000 LAK | LT50 | 5120 MB | 30 days | *209*24# |
| 55 000 LAK | LT55 | 8000 MB | 30 days | *209*58# |
| 63 000 LAK | MI79 | 35 000 MB | 30 days | N/A |
| 120 000 LAK | LTU120 | 12 288 MB | 30 days | *209*25# |
| 150 000 LAK | LTU150 | 25 000 MB | 30 days | *209*59# |
| 200 000 LAK | LT30 | 30 000 MB | 30 days | *209*32# |
| 300 000 LAK | 4GU30 | 70 000 MB | 30 days | *209*28# |
APN/Internet Settings – Unitel Laos
- Name: Unitel
- APN: unitel3g
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom, also referred to as LaoTel, is the second-largest mobile operator in Laos.
It can sometimes be better than Unitel Laos while being slightly cheaper and offering more data.
Lao Telecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Lao Telecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Lao Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom has extensive coverage throughout Laos.
Below is Lao Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
You can get a Lao Telecom SIM card for 10 000 LAK in Lao Telecom stores. Lao Telecom SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Lao Telecom Tourist SIM card.
The following two Lao Telecom Tourist SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 15 000 LAK | 5 GB | 3 days |
| 25 000 LAK | 7 GB | 7 days |
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Lao Telecom eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Lao mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Laos (Pak Ou Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Or get the Laos eSIMs from Holafly (8 GB/30 days).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly eSIM reviews
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Laos and 13 other Asian countries:
With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping initial SIM card and eSIM costs per country you visit.
You can read about my experiences with the Asialink eSIM in all the supported countries (it will take until 2024 until I have tried the eSIM in all eligible countries, so check back often for updates!).
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Note that Lao Telecom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ/Standard Package (data)
- ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ/Continuous Play Package (data)
- ແພັກເກັດ/Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package (data)
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ (Standard Packages) – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 LAK | Package 5 | 25 MB | 24 hours |
| 5000 LAK | Package 1 | 125 MB | 24 hours |
| 10 000 LAK | Package 2 | 250 MB | 30 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Package 10 | 1.5 GB | 5 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Package 57 | 5 GB | 3 days |
| 25 000 LAK | Package 58 | 7 GB | 7 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Package 3 | 1.25 GB | 30 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Package 6 | 7 GB | 30 days |
| 100 000 LAK | Package 4 | 2.5 GB | 30 days |
ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 000 LAK | Package 566 | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 65 000 LAK | Package 565 | 35 GB | 30 days |
| 100 000 LAK | Package 567 | 55 GB | 30 days |
| 150 000 LAK | Package 568 | 90 GB | 30 days |
| 200 000 LAK | Package 569 | 150 GB | 30 days |
ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 000 LAK | Package 515 | 3 GB | 5 days |
| 20 000 LAK | Package 516 | 5 GB | 10 days |
| 55 000 LAK | Package 517 | 15 GB | 20 days |
| 100 000 LAK | Package 518 | 30 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
- Name: LaoTel
- APN: ltcnet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus Laos, just TPlus and formerly Beeline Laos, is the third-largest mobile operator in Laos.
It used to be owned by VEON, which is a company with a portfolio of mobile brands around the globe.
It sold TPlus to the Lao government, which is still the sole shareholder.
Fun fact: The Lao government is the majority owner of almost all Lao mobile operators.
TPlus uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about TPlus:
* Coverage
* How to Get a TPlus SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus has decent coverage throughout Laos.
Below is TPlus' coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
You can get a TPlus SIM card for 10 000 LAK (with 5000 LAK credit during promotions) in TPlus stores. TPlus SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE)
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
TPlus has no eSIMs.
Note that the Lao mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Laos (Pak Ou Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Or get the Laos eSIMs from Holafly (8 GB/30 days).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly eSIM reviews
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Laos and 13 other Asian countries:
With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping initial SIM card and eSIM costs per country you visit.
You can read about my experiences with the Asialink eSIM in all the supported countries (it will take until 2024 until I have tried the eSIM in all eligible countries, so check back often for updates!).
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with ETL.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus has only one data-featured prepaid plan: TPLUS Prepaid Packages. It is a data plan (without 5G NR access).
Packages can be activated on the MY TPLUS app.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 LAK | Daily Happy Hour | 2 GB | 1 hour |
| 2500 LAK | Daily TikTok | 4 GB | 1 day |
| 3000 LAK | Daily Youtube+Tiktok | 4 GB | 1 day |
| 5000 LAK | Daily Non-Stop | 2 GB | 1 day |
| 5000 LAK | Daily Special 2 | 5 GB | 3 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Monthly Package 1 | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Weekly Special 3 | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Daily Hot | 5 GB | 3 days |
| 10 000 LAK | Weekly Special 2 | 10 GB | 6 days |
| 15 000 LAK | Weekly TikTok | 15 GB | 7 days |
| 20 000 LAK | Daily Non-Stop 2 | 5 GB | 4 days |
| 20 000 LAK | Daily Youtube+Facebook+Tiktok | 7 GB | 5 days |
| 20 000 LAK | Weekly YouTube + TikTok | 7 GB | 7 days |
| 25 000 LAK | Weekly Special Day | 25 GB | 7 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Monthly Package 2 | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Monthly Non-Stop | 10 GB | 10 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Monthly TikTok | 30 GB | 30 days |
| 50 000 LAK | Monthly Super Hot | 40 GB | 30 days |
| 55 000 LAK | Weekly YouTube + Facebook + TikTok | 20 GB | 15 days |
| 65 000 LAK | Monthly Youtube+Tiktok | 25 GB | 30 days |
| 100 000 LAK | Monthly Youtube+Facebook+Tiktok | 45 GB | 30days |
| 250 000 LAK | Monthly Premium | 60 GB 1 | 30 days |
1 +250 local minutes
APN/Internet Settings – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
- Name: TPlus
- APN: beelinenet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) Laos
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) Laos, just ELT, is the smallest mobile operator in Laos.
It is one of the cheaper options in the country, but you will sacrifice on performance.
ETL uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about ETL:
* Coverage
* How to Get an ETL SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – ETL Laos
ETL has decent coverage throughout Laos.
Below is ETL's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – ETL Laos
You can get an ETL SIM card for 10 000 LAK in ETL stores. ETL SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
ETL has no eSIMs.
Note that the Lao mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Laos (Pak Ou Mobile) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Or get the Laos eSIMs from Holafly (8 GB/30 days).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly eSIM reviews
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
Airalo recently heavily improved its Asia eSIM, following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, with six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers, 10 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days to be used in Laos and 13 other Asian countries:
With the Asialink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping initial SIM card and eSIM costs per country you visit.
You can read about my experiences with the Asialink eSIM in all the supported countries (it will take until 2024 until I have tried the eSIM in all eligible countries, so check back often for updates!).
TIP: Check out my Best Laos eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Laos (including ones not mentioned above).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with ETL.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – ETL Laos
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – ETL Laos
ETL has eight data-featured prepaid plans:
- Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G (data)
- Pack Brighter Future (data)
- Torch Net SIM (data)
- NET SIM 4.5G (data)
- Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups (data add-ons)
- Hot Packages (data)
- Play Facebook without Data
- Service for YouTube
ETL plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G – ETL Laos
The Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 LAK | ET 7 | 25 MB | 1 day | *228*67# |
| 5000 LAK | ET 8 | 250 MB | 1 day | *228*68# |
| 10 000 LAK | ET 9 | 500 MB | 30 days | *228*69# |
| 50 000 LAK | ET 10 | 2.5 GB | 30 days | *228*70# |
| 100 000 LAK | ET 11 | 5 GB | 30 days | *228*71# |
| 150 000 LAK | ET 12 | 8 GB | 30 days | *228*72# |
Pack Brighter Future Plans – ETL Laos
The Pack Brighter Future plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Pack Brighter Future plans are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 LAK | 2 GB | 1 day | *228*59# |
| 15 000 LAK | 10 GB | 5 days | *228*14# |
Torch Net SIM Plans – ETL Laos
The Torch Net SIM plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Torch Net SIM are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 LAK | 2 GB | Unlimited | 1 day | *228*23# |
| 12 000 LAK | 6 GB | Unlimited | 3 days | *228*24# |
| 100 000 LAK | 70 GB | Unlimited | 30 days | *228*25# |
1 for unlimited Tiktok
Net SIM 4.5G – ETL Laos
The Net SIM 4.5G plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Net SIM 4.5G are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 000 LAK | ET 2 | 2 GB | 7 days | *228*62# |
| 10 000 LAK | ET 1 | 6 GB | 3 days | *228*61# |
| 20 000 LAK | ET 3 | 7 GB | 7 days | *288*63# |
| 50 000 LAK | ET 4 | 10 GB | 30 days | *288*64# |
| 85 000 LAK | ET Play 85 | 75 GB | 30 days | *228*12# |
| 200 000 LAK | ET 5 | 35 GB | 30 days | *288*65# |
| 300 000 LAK | ET 6 | 80 GB | 30 days | *288*66# |
Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups – ETL Laos
The Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups are data add-ons exclusively for the Net SIM 4.5G plans (without 5G NR access). They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 000 LAK | 1.5 GB 1 | 30 days | *288*81# |
| 10 000 LAK | 6 GB | 3 days | *288*83# |
| 50 000 LAK | 10 GB 2 | 30 days | *288*82# |
1 for Net SIM 4.5G 50 000 LAK plan only
2 for Net SIM 4.5G 300 000 LAK plan only
Hot Packages – ETL Laos
The Hot Packages are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Hot Packages are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 000 LAK | 42 GB | 30 days | *228*10# |
| 85 000 LAK | 75 GB | 30 days | *228*12# |
| 100 000 LAK | 100 GB | 30 days | *228*13# |
Play Facebook Without Data Plans – ETL Laos
The Play Facebook Without Data plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Play Facebook Without Data are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Facebook Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 LAK | Unlimited | 2 days | *228*26# |
| 10 000 LAK | Unlimited | 5 days | *228*27# |
Service for YouTube Plans – ETL Laos
The Service for YouTube plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Service for YouTube are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | YouTube Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9000 LAK | Y1 | Unlimited | 1 day | *228*33# |
| 19 000 LAK | Y2 | Unlimited | 7 days | *228*21# |
| 29 000 LAK | Y3 | Unlimited | 30 days | *228*22# |
APN/Internet Settings – ETL Laos
- Name: ETL
- APN: ltcnet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Laos
Getting a SIM card from Unitel would do you well when considering a Laos SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
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