Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission and you support our blog to write more helpful articles – at no extra cost to you.
This is the only SIM Card Guide for Laos you will ever need! Why? Simply because I live in Laos and actually know which SIM cards work best in the country and which ones don’t. I’m also a digital nomad based in Laos, so I rely on a stable internet connection every single day to work online. There is a big difference between getting information from someone who actually lives here, compared to most generic travel blogs written by people who passed through Laos for 2-3 weeks during their typical Southeast Asia backpacking trip. That doesn’t mean their content is bad, but they simply can’t provide the level of detail first hand experience that I can offer to the readers of my blog.
The digital infrastructure in Laos has changed a lot over the past few years. Laos is still one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia, which means things evolve quickly. Internet speed in Laos, mobile coverage and the main carriers have all improved at a rapid pace. It’s now easier than ever to get mobile data in Laos and stay connected throughout your entire trip. In some areas, you’ll even find 5G, though most regions still use 4G or 4G+. Still, overall internet speed and reliability are now quite good.
In this Laos SIM Card Guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the (e)SIM situation in Laos, including: the best SIM cards, coverage, where to buy SIM cards, how to get an eSIM, prices and data packages, topping up, mobile internet speed, and the best options for tourists, expats, and digital nomads. Let’s go!
If you want to have internet connection during traveling around in Laos, then yes you will definitely need a sim card or eSim. Many hotels in Laos have WiFi, but the connection is not always reliable. Getting a sim card in Laos is super easy and doesn’t cost much. It’s better to get yourself a local sim. Don’t make the mistake and try to use roaming service from your home country. This will be very expensive or maybe wouldn’t even work (depends on your home country’s provider). So it’s a no-brainer to set yourself up with a local lao sim card. You basically have 2 options.
An eSIM is very convenient. You can activate it before landing and get instant internet at the airport or when you cross into Laos at any land border. However, eSIM data plans for Laos are typically noticeably more expensive. The big advantage with an eSim is, that you can get a regional data plan. So you can use one single eSim for many different countries.
Still, an eSIM is perfect if you:
If you want the best and most reliable mobile data in Laos, go with Unitel. They offer the strongest nationwide coverage, the most stable 4G/4G+/5G speeds, and the best performance outside major cities. For most travelers, whether you’re visiting Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Pakse, or smaller towns, Unitel is the most dependable physical SIM / eSim in Laos.
If you prefer an eSIM instead of a physical SIM, the best options for Laos are services called Internet in Laos eSim and Trip.com eSIM. Both allow you to activate mobile data before you even arrive in the country, making them extremely convenient for short trips. Airalo can also be an alternative, but only if you choose a regional plan, such as the Airalo Asialink Plan, where you have an eSim for over 18 countries in the region. The local Laos plan from Airalo is not reliable because it uses a different network provider (ETL).
If you want the best local signal from Unitel and get internet right before you land, then either the eSim from Trip.com or Internet in Laos eSim are the way to go. both offer a Unitel eSim for Laos. That means you will get the best local mobile provider for a very cheap (almost local) price!
➡️ Short trips (1-2 weeks):
Use an eSIM (Internet in Laos or Trip.com) to stay connected immediately upon arrival.
➡️ Longer stays, long-term backpackers, digital nomads and remote workers:
Get a Unitel physical SIM card or eSim once you arrive in Laos for the fastest speeds and best value.
This combination gives you the perfect balance between convenience, price, and performance.
The best eSim in Laos is definitely from Unitel. You can either get it from a Unitel shop once you arrive in Laos or online from Trip.com or Internet in Laos. Most people don’t know that Trip.com also offers eSim plans and they definitely have some of the best, cheapest local eSim plan for Laos, alongside with InternetLaos.com. You can choose between 5 to 15 days and 10-30GB.
The best physical sim card in Laos is also from Unitel. Unitel is the largest and mobile carrier in Laos with the best overall coverage. You can buy a physical sim card at the airport, phone shops or directly at any Unitel shop for the best deals. A Unitel sim card is cheap and if you buy it directly from them, you will get the best local prices and data packages. It also comes with a local phone number and you can call other local numbers.
While I am not the biggest fan from all the eSim providers like Airalo or Holafly out there, it can be a convenient option because you have an internet connection right away when you arrive in a country. If you really want to pick a provider such as Airalo, I would choose the regional Asialink Plan from Airalo. This plan includes over 18 countries, so it’s perfect if you come over from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia. The prices are much more expensive than local sim options, but you pay for convenience. The local Laos plan has not a good coverage and is not recommended by Laos Insider! We would only recommend the Asialink Plan instead.
Below you’ll find a comparison about the best options you have to get a sim card or eSim in Laos. The chart lists Unitel & Lao Telecom as the best local providers and Airalo as an alternative eSim provider. Apart from Unitel and Lao Telecom, there are other mobile carriers, such as Beeline, ETL and TPlus – but they are not very common anymore and coverage throughout Laos isn’t the best. Therefore we will not recommend ETL, TPlus or Beeline as a sim card in Laos. Better get yourself Unitel or Lao Telecom if you choose a local provider. For me, someone who is relying on a stable internet connection, I even use two sim cards in Laos (Unitel & LTC). Both are cheap and guarantee that I have connection almost everywhere I go.
| Provider | Type | Price | Data Volume | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitel Laos | Physical or eSim | 3.000–300.000 LAK | 1–140 GB | 2–30 days | Best overall coverage & fastest speeds in Laos, cheap data packages, local eSIMs available in Unitel shops, best and cheapest option for most travelers |
| Lao Telecom | Physical or eSim | 10.000–200.000 LAK | 3–95 GB | 3–30 days | Second-best mobile internet provider in Laos, works well in cities, useful as a backup SIM, local eSIMs available in shops |
| Trip.com eSIM (Unitel) | eSim only | 4–8 USD | 10–30 GB | 5–15 days (extendable) | Unitel network, fast setup before arrival, ideal for short trips and travelers who want local network without buying a physical SIM |
| Internet in Laos eSIM (Unitel) | eSim only | 4–10 USD | 10–30 GB | 5–15 days (extendable) | Best overall eSIM option for Laos using the Unitel network, local pricing, instant activation, suitable for almost all travelers |
| Airalo Local Plan | eSim only | 6–49 USD | 1–20 GB | 3–30 days | Uses ETL network with weaker coverage and much higher prices than local SIMs, not recommended by Laos Insider! |
| Airalo Asialink Plan | eSim only | 5–185 USD | 1–100 GB | 1–180 days | Most expensive option, but covers multiple Asian countries, ideal for long multi-country trips; uses Unitel and Lao Telecom networks in Laos, better than the Airalo Local Laos Plan |
Laos has a few mobile providers beyond the main players Unitel and Lao Telecom, but not all of them offer the same level of coverage, data speed, or package flexibility. Here’s a quick overview of all the mobile networks you might hear about in Laos:
Unitel (Star Telecom) – The largest and most reliable network in Laos, with the widest coverage, fastest speeds, and the best support for both physical SIM cards and eSIMs. This is the primary choice for most travelers and nomads.
Lao Telecom (LTC / LAOTel) – The second biggest provider. Coverage is generally good in cities and many towns, though sometimes weaker than Unitel in rural areas. Offers both physical SIM and eSIM options.
ETL (E-Mobile / ETL-Telecom) – A smaller provider with more limited coverage and fewer data plan options. ETL used to be more common, but its network quality and nationwide reach are significantly behind Unitel and Lao Telecom. It’s still available in some areas, but not recommended as a primary SIM for most travelers.
TPlus (formerly Beeline) – A joint venture between Taiwanese and Lao partners, previously known as Beeline. It has limited coverage and most of its customer base has migrated to Unitel or Lao Telecom due to price and network quality. TPlus SIMs are still technically available, but data packages and customer support are limited.
Unitel is by far the most popular provider right now in Laos. They have good coverage and a good choice of data packages available. You can get anything from 24 hours to one month or even one year. See some of the most popular data plans below. Unitel offers a lot more than the packages shown here. All the available data packages from Unitel Laos are listet on their website.
The second best provider, Lao Telecom, also offers a wide range of data packages for your needs. You can choose between plans starting from 3 GB for 7 days to 95 GB with unlimited social media usage for 30 days. I would still opt for Unitel as a primary sim card in Laos and use Lao Telecom as a backup sim. For long-term travelers, digital nomads or expats, an LTC sim can be the perfect backup in case you don’t get signal with Unitel. Internet speeds are usually a bit faster with Lao Telecom. You can find all data plans from Lao Telecom on their website.
💡 Laos Insider Pro Tip #1:
This is an option I’ve never seen in any other guides about Laos. Internet in Laos offers official Unitel eSIMs at local prices, with data packages ranging from 10–30 GB and a validity of 5 to 15 days (extendable). If you want the convenience of an eSIM without overpaying for Airalo, this is currently one of the best options available. It’s only slightly more expensive than buying a local SIM after arrival, but you get instant internet access and full Unitel network coverage right away, a great balance between price and convenience.
👉 Local Unitel eSim from InternetLaos.com
👉 Much better prices than Airalo
👉 Using the Unitel network in Laos
👉 Internet right after Arrival in Laos
💡 Laos Insider Pro Tip #2:
Another option I haven’t seen so far while researching for this article. Trip.com also offers local eSims from Unitel for a good price. You can choose between data packages from 10-30 GB with a validity of 5 to 15 days (extendable), similar like Internet in Laos. If you really want the convenience of an eSim, but don’t want to pay the quite pricey Airalo eSim, this is the best alternative out there right now. Just slightly more expensive than getting a local sim card after arrival, but much cheaper than Airalo and you still have the convenience of being connected right away.
👉 Local Unitel eSim via Trip.com
👉 Also much better prices than Airalo
👉 Using the Unitel network in Laos
👉 Internet right after Arrival in Laos
Note: Due to recent government regulations, local Unitel eSIM availability may temporarily depend on KYC requirements. This also applies to Trip.com & Internet in Laos eSims. Laos Insider will update regularly.
This is the most expensive option, if you want to get data in Laos, but for sure a convenient one as well. So you pay for convenience having an internet connection right after landing or arriving without needing to look for a local sim card. Airalo has a local plan for Laos or a regional Asia plan available. I tried both for my readers and found out, that the regional Asia plan from Airalo is better because they use Unitel (Star Telecom) & LTC as providers, while the local plan uses ETL – a provider not so common anymore. Prices from both plans are similar.
The regional Airalo Asialink plan includes 18 countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Getting a SIM card in Laos is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes. You can buy a SIM card at airports, in cities, or even at some land borders. However, prices, package options, and availability can vary depending on where you get it. Based on my own experience living in Laos, here’s what you need to know.
Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport is the easiest place to get connected right after landing. You’ll usually find Unitel and Lao Telecom booths in the arrival hall, directly after immigration.
Shops: Official Unitel and Lao Telecom counters (physical sim cards an eSims available)
Prices: Slightly more expensive than in the city
Opening hours: Usually aligned with flight arrivals (but not 24/7)
Airport SIMs are convenient, especially if you want internet immediately for ride hailing apps, maps or your hotel contact. That said, the packages offered at the airport are often limited and not the cheapest. If you’re staying longer than a few days, I usually recommend buying a basic SIM at the airport (or using an eSIM) and switching to a better plan in the city later. Once you have an activated sim, you can always choose the package yourself later.
Luang Prabang International Airport also offers SIM cards, though the setup is smaller and sometimes more limited than in Vientiane.
Usually one or two counters, most often Unitel
Prices are higher than in town
Not all data packages are available
At Luang Prabang Airport SIM cards are usually available. Late arrivals or off-season travelers may find the counters closed. If that’s the case, you can easily buy a SIM card in town the next day.
Buying a SIM card in the city is the best option overall. Prices are cheaper, package options are better, and staff usually take more time to explain the plans.
Unitel Shops 👉 Best Option overall
Unitel shops are easy to find in all major cities and towns in Laos. They offer the widest selection of data packages, including long-term and high-volume plans. If you want the best coverage and speed, this is my first choice. In the Unitel flagship stores, you can choose between eSim or physical sim card.
Lao Telecom Shops
Lao Telecom (LTC) shops are not as common as Unitel shops. They are a solid alternative and can work well as a backup SIM, especially if you travel to different regions. Also LTC offers physical sims and eSims in their flagship stores.
Phone Shops & Mini Marts
Small phone shops and mini marts often sell SIM cards as well. While this can be convenient, package options may be limited and staff sometimes speak very little or no English. Still, it works if you just need basic data quickly. No eSims available, only physical sim cards.
SIM card registration in Laos is mandatory for everyone since October 2024, including tourists, and applies to both physical SIM cards and local eSIMs. When buying a SIM card from official providers like Unitel or Lao Telecom, the registration process is usually handled entirely by the shop staff and only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to present your original passport, which will be scanned or photographed and the staff will also take a quick face photo as part of the registration process. Once completed, the SIM card is activated immediately, and mobile data is typically tested before you leave the shop. In the unlikely case that your sim card is not activated or registered, you can do so using apps called “LaoApp” and “LaoKYC“.
Tourists can legally buy and register a SIM card in Laos without any restrictions. Doesn’t matter if you hold a Lao Tourist Visa in or a Long-Term Visa in Laos, there is no minimum stay requirement, no local address needed and no additional paperwork involved. While SIM registration at airports is fast and convenient, the available packages are often limited and slightly more expensive compared to city shops. Buying a SIM card in town usually gives you better value and more flexibility. Local eSIMs from Unitel or Lao Telecom follow the same registration rules, while international eSIMs such as Airalo or Trip.com are pre-registered and don’t require any local registration at all. As a general rule, avoid buying SIM cards from unofficial street vendors, as improperly registered SIMs may stop working after a short time and can be difficult to reactivate.
Topping up your SIM card in Laos is also easy and very flexible. You can buy top-up scratch cards at phone shops, mini marts, and even small roadside stores. Some providers also offer mobile apps and USSD codes to manage your balance and data. Checking your remaining balance or data depends on the provider, but it usually involves dialing a short USSD code or using the provider’s app. Using your SIM card as a hotspot is generally allowed in Laos and works well for laptops and tablets.
If you have a Unitel or Lao Telecom Sim card (physical or eSim) and running low on data or money, you have 2 options to top up your balance again.
📶 Buy a scratch card from any mini mart, Unitel / LTC shop or phone shop with your preferred amount and follow the instructions on the back of the card. Once you have topped up more money, you can choose a data package yourself and dial the USSD code to activate it. Unitel Data Packages & Lao Telecom Data Packages
📶 Topping up by banking app: If you (or someone else) has a lao bank account, you can easily top up some money using the banking app. Open the banking app, choose “Phone Payment”, enter your phone number and the amount – pay. Easiest options for those with access to a banking app, long-term expats or digital nomads in Laos.
Unitel also has an app called “LaoApp“. Within the app you can choose Unitel packages, check your remaining balance and buy add-ons such as a roaming package if needed.
💡 Laos Insider Pro Tip: Once you have a lao sim card (or eSim), you can also register a roaming package when traveling to another country from Laos. Unitel & Lao Telecom have both data roaming packages for Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan & Singapore.
By registering a roaming package within the LaoApp (Unitel) or dialing a USSD code (Lao Telecom) you can travel to one of the mentioned countries continuing to use your lao sim without buying a local sim card. You will be connected right away. The roaming packages are more expensive than local plans, so for a longer stay abroad, I would still consider buying a local sim card. But it’s a great option if you are traveling around Asia and want a cheaper multi-country option than Airalo.
What are USSD codes? USSD codes are short commands you dial directly on your phone (for example *122*#) to interact with your mobile provider without needing an app or internet connection. In Laos, USSD codes are commonly used to check your remaining credit or data balance, recharge your SIM card, activate or manage data packages, and contact customer support. They work on any phone, even basic models and are especially useful when mobile data is not working yet or when WiFi isn’t available. Using USSD codes is free, fast, and an easy way to manage your SIM card while traveling in Laos.
| USSD Function | Unitel | Lao Telecom (LTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Check Balance / Remaining Credit | *122# | *122*# |
| Check Phone Number | *110# | *110# |
| Check Data Balance | *123*VOUCHER# | *123*# |
| Customer Service / Help Desk | 109 | 101 |
To use an eSIM in Laos, your smartphone must support eSIM technology and be carrier-unlocked. Most newer phones do, but not all models are compatible. eSIMs work on many recent iPhones (XS and newer), Google Pixel devices, and selected Samsung Galaxy models. Some phones sold in certain regions (especially China) may not support eSIM at all. Before buying an eSIM, always check your device’s compatibility with the provider. Without eSIM support, you’ll need a physical SIM card instead. Make sure to check your phone model before traveling to Laos.
Unitel is the best SIM card in Laos overall. It offers the widest nationwide coverage, the most stable 4G/4G+/5G speeds, and excellent value for money. Data packages are cheap, flexible, and available everywhere. If you plan to travel beyond major cities or stay longer in Laos, Unitel is the clear winner. Best for: anyone, but also long stays, digital nomads, remote workers, travelers going off the beaten path.
If you want the convenience of an eSIM but still want local-level performance, the Trip.com eSIM using the Unitel network is the best choice. It offers generous data packages for a reasonable price and works immediately on arrival. For short trips, this is the perfect balance between convenience and performance. Best for: short trips (1–2 weeks), travelers who want instant internet without buying a physical SIM.
If you want a local eSIM with full Unitel performance, InternetLaos.com eSim is one of the strongest options available right now, thats why it shares the second place with Trip.com in our ranking. It offers the same official Unitel data packages at almost local prices, with generous data volumes and flexible validity. Activation is quick, and you’re connected as soon as you arrive, without having to visit a SIM shop. This makes it a very balanced choice between convenience, price, and network quality. Best for: travelers who want a Unitel eSIM at local prices, short to medium stays
Lao Telecom is a solid alternative and works well in cities and many regions. Internet speeds are often good, but coverage outside urban areas is slightly weaker compared to Unitel. As a main SIM it’s fine, but it really shines as a backup SIM if you want maximum coverage while traveling around Laos. Best for: backup SIM, city travel, long-term stays combined with Unitel.
Airalo is the most expensive and worst option to get mobile data in Laos without visiting a SIM shop. It works instantly on arrival and is ideal only for short trips or multi-country travel with Airalo's Asialink eSim plan. However, it’s noticeably more expensive than local SIM cards, and the local Laos plan uses a weaker network. Convenience comes at a higher price, that’s why Airalo ranks fourth. We would only recommend the regional Asialink plan from Airalo and not the local Laos plan! Worst provider in our opinion. Better choose Trip.com, Internet in Laos or Unitel.
Staying connected in Laos is much easier and cheaper than it used to be. Mobile internet coverage has improved significantly in recent years, and getting a local SIM card or eSIM is straightforward for both tourists and long-term visitors. Whether you travel through major cities or more remote areas, having your own mobile data is far more reliable than relying on hotel WiFi.
Local SIM cards still offer the best performance and value, especially for longer stays or anyone who needs a stable connection for work. eSIMs, on the other hand, are a great solution for short trips or travelers who want instant connectivity without visiting a shop. Choosing the right option mainly depends on how long you stay, how much data you need, and how important convenience is for you.
Yes. Tourists can legally buy and register a SIM card in Laos with a valid passport. No local address, residence permit, or long-term visa is required.
It depends on your travel style. eSIMs are more convenient and work immediately on arrival, but local physical SIM cards are cheaper and usually offer better performance and coverage. You can also get a local eSim from Unitel or Lao Telecom. Just go to one of their flagship stores and they will set up an eSim for you instead of taking a physical sim. Prices are very cheap!
No. International roaming is usually very expensive and often unreliable. A local SIM card or eSIM is far more affordable and works better. Check prices and availability with your home provider. But the recommendation is to get a local sim card or eSim when traveling in Laos. Cheapest and best option.
Yes, but only in limited areas, mainly in parts of Vientiane, Savannakhet and Pakse. Most of the country still relies on 4G or 4G+, which is generally fast enough for everyday use and remote work.
Yes. SIM cards are available at Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports. Prices are slightly higher and package options are limited compared to buying a SIM card in the city, but still cheaper than buying an eSim like Airalo.
Yes. If you have a local sim card or eSim from Unitel or Lao Telecom, you can register a roaming package for many countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and many more. A good option if you go from Laos to one of those countries for a short time.
