Phone Guide
How to Get a SIM Card in Laos
Getting connected is your first priority. A SIM card costs $5–10 and takes 10 minutes. Here is exactly what to do.
Do this on day one.
Before anything else — housing, money, documents — get a working phone number. It is how family will reach you and how you will access everything else.
Best Carriers in Laos
Unitel
Best OverallWidest 4G coverage across Laos. Best choice for Vientiane and provincial cities.
Lao Telecom
Budget OptionSlightly cheaper plans. Good coverage in Vientiane. Limited 4G outside the capital.
ETL
AlternativeGood for rural areas. Limited data speeds but widely available nationwide.
Where to Buy a SIM Card
Talat Sao Mall, Vientiane
Ground floor has multiple phone shops. Open daily 8am–5pm.
Unitel stores
Found in every major city. Staff often speak basic English.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven)
Sells SIM cards and top-up cards. Fast and easy.
Airport arrivals hall
Available immediately on arrival — slightly more expensive.
Data Plan Prices (Unitel 2024)
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 3 GB | 7 days | ~15,000 LAK ($0.90) |
| Weekly | 10 GB | 30 days | ~35,000 LAK ($2.10) |
| Monthly Basic | 20 GB | 30 days | ~55,000 LAK ($3.30) |
| Monthly Plus | 50 GB | 30 days | ~90,000 LAK ($5.40) |
| Unlimited | Unlimited* | 30 days | ~130,000 LAK ($7.80) |
*Unlimited plans throttle speed after 30GB. Prices approximate — vary by promotion.
What You Need to Buy a SIM
- ✓ Your passport (required by law)
- ✓ Cash in LAK or USD (most shops accept both)
- ✓ Your phone must be unlocked — if locked to a US carrier, it will not work
Essential Apps to Download First
Find Phone Shops in the Directory
Browse verified SIM card shops and phone repair services in Vientiane.
Browse Phone Directory →Get the Laos Restart Checklist
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