Quick Facts About Laos
General Information
- • Capital: Vientiane
- • Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
- • Languages: Lao (official)
- • Population: 7.4 million
- • Independence: 1953
- • Time Zone: ICT (UTC+7)
Travel Information
- • Best Time: November-February
- • Power Plug: Type A/B/C/E/F (230V)
- • Emergency: 1195 (police), 1190 (fire)
- • Calling Code: +856
- • Visa: 30-day visa on arrival available
- • Weekend: Saturday-Sunday
Benefits of eSIM for Laos Travel
Instant Activation
Connect immediately upon arrival at Wattay Airport
No Language Barrier
Purchase and activate without visiting local shops
Affordable Rates
Save up to 80% compared to roaming charges
Keep Your Number
Use eSIM for data while keeping your primary number
Multiple Networks
Access to Lao Telecom, Unitel, ETL, and Beeline
Tourist-Friendly
Perfect for temple visits and adventure activities
Laos eSIM Pricing & Plans
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Installation Guide
Before You Travel
- 1
Check device compatibility
Ensure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS/XR or newer, recent Samsung/Google phones)
- 2
Purchase your Laos eSIM
Buy and receive QR code via email instantly
- 3
Install eSIM (WiFi required)
Scan QR code or enter details manually
Upon Arrival in Laos
- 4
Enable eSIM line
Turn on your Laos eSIM in settings
- 5
Set as primary data line
Choose eSIM for mobile data in settings
- 6
Enable data roaming
Required for eSIM to work properly
Network Coverage Details
Coverage Areas
Excellent Coverage
- • Vientiane (capital city)
- • Luang Prabang
- • Vang Vieng
- • Pakse
- • Savannakhet
- • Major tourist areas
Limited Coverage
- • Remote villages
- • Mountainous regions
- • Jungle areas
- • Border regions
- • Some river routes
Network Speeds
Data Plans by Travel Type
Business Traveler
- • 3-5GB for a week-long trip
- • Tethering capability for laptop use
- • Reliable coverage in Vientiane business districts
Tourist
- • 1-3GB for social media and maps
- • Daily passes for short visits
- • Coverage for tourist areas
Digital Nomad
- • 20GB+ monthly plans
- • High-speed data for video calls
- • Multi-country coverage options
Weekend Visitor
- • 1-2GB data packages
- • Instant activation options
- • Short-term validity plans
Must-Visit Places
Cultural Sites
Luang Prabang Old Town
UNESCO World Heritage site with temples
Wat Phou
Ancient Khmer temple complex
Plain of Jars
Mysterious megalithic archaeological site
That Luang
National symbol golden stupa in Vientiane
Natural Wonders
Kuang Si Falls
Multi-tiered turquoise waterfalls
Kong Lor Cave
7.5km underground river cave
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
Mekong River archipelago
Nam Et-Phou Louey
National park with rare wildlife
Network Providers in Laos
Lao Telecom
• State-owned
• Largest network
• Best coverage
• 4G in cities
Unitel
• Popular choice
• Good speeds
• Wide coverage
• Tourist-friendly
ETL
• Growing network
• Competitive rates
• Urban focus
• 4G expanding
Beeline
• Budget option
• Basic coverage
• City presence
• Limited rural
Note: Your eSIM will automatically connect to the best available network. Coverage and speeds vary by location.
Troubleshooting Guide
eSIM Not Connecting
- • Ensure data roaming is enabled
- • Toggle airplane mode on/off
- • Restart your device
- • Manually select a network in settings
No Coverage in Rural Areas
- • Download offline maps before traveling
- • Coverage limited in remote villages
- • Stay near towns for better signal
- • Consider satellite communicator for remote areas
Slow Data Speeds
- • Check remaining data allowance
- • Move to area with better coverage
- • Try switching between 3G/4G
- • Avoid peak hours (evening)
Emergency Contacts
Police
1191
National Police
Medical Emergency
1195
Ambulance service
Fire Department
1190
Tourist Police
+856 21 251 128
English-speaking assistance
International Hospital
+856 21 214 022
Alliance International Medical Center
Embassy Contact
Contact your country's embassy in Vientiane
Save these numbers in your phone before traveling. Emergency calls work even without active data.
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- Remove shoes when entering temples and homes
- Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
- Use "nop" greeting (palms together with slight bow)
- Show respect to monks and elders
Don'ts
- Don't touch Buddha statues or monks (especially women)
- Don't point feet at people or religious objects
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Don't raise your voice or show anger publicly
Useful Lao Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Laos eSIM work in Thailand or Vietnam?
No, Laos-only eSIMs work exclusively within Laos borders. For Southeast Asia travel covering multiple countries, consider a regional ASEAN or Southeast Asia eSIM that includes Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and other neighboring countries.
Can I use my eSIM on the Mekong slow boat?
Coverage on the Mekong River varies. You'll have signal near towns and villages but may lose connection in remote stretches. Download offline maps and entertainment before boarding.
Is WiFi widely available in Laos?
WiFi is available in most hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in tourist areas. However, speeds can be slow and unreliable. Your eSIM provides more consistent connectivity for navigation and communication.
What's the best eSIM plan for a 2-week backpacking trip?
For a 2-week backpacking trip, consider a 10-15GB plan. This allows for maps, social media, and communication. Many hostels have WiFi for heavy downloads. Consider unlimited if you'll be working remotely.
Can I top up my eSIM if I run out of data?
Yes! You can easily top up your eSIM through our app or website. Simply log in, select your active eSIM, and purchase additional data. Top-ups are usually activated within minutes.
Do I need a VPN in Laos?
While internet in Laos is generally open, some users prefer VPNs for privacy or accessing geo-restricted content. Most VPNs work well with eSIM data connections.
Ready for Your Lao Adventure?
Stay connected while exploring the Land of a Million Elephants
Get Your Laos eSIM